HIQA notes major improvements in compliance at Letterkenny care facility

A residential care facility in Letterkenny has been found to have made substantial improvements on previous non-compliances.

A HIQA report on Fiona House at Ballyraine has outlined improvements in the quality and safety of care delivered to residents.

The unannounced inspection took place over two days on August 5 and 6, prompted by information received by the Chief Inspector of Social Services regarding concerns about the quality of care at the Praxis Care-operated centre. 

Fiona House, located in a busy residential area, provides full-time accommodation for up to six adults with intellectual disabilities. At the time of inspection, two residents were present on site, with additional residents either at home with family or in hospital.

The report concludes that the provider now has “the capacity and capability to provide a good quality and safe service,” marking a notable improvement since a previous inspection in May 2025, which deemed the facility not compliant in the areas of protection and notification of incidents. 

In May, the inspector found that “statutory notifications were not submitted to the Chief Inspector of Social Services in line with the requirements of the regulation” and that the inspector had identified two occasions that were not notified to the Chief Inspector of Social Services.

Safeguarding matters which arose at the centre from March 1, 2025, were reviewed, and it was found that on two occasions, “actions required subsequent to allegations or suspicions of abuse, were not followed in line with local or national policy.”

However, according to the new report, these issues have since been addressed through enhanced oversight, increased management presence and strengthened staff supports.

Staff training has been significantly improved, with all members now up to date in safeguarding and additional bespoke face-to-face training sessions scheduled. 

Regular supervision and professional development opportunities were noted as being firmly embedded in practice.

The inspection found Fiona House to be compliant in several key areas, including governance and management, staff training and development, risk management, positive behaviour support, protection practices and complaints handling. 

The report highlights that the centre promotes a restriction-free environment and supports residents to engage in meaningful activities both at home and in the community.

The inspector says that ingoing work in relation to compatibility matters would “further strength the service provided”.

The report notes: “The registered provider has escalated compatibility concerns with the statutory provider. The registered provider and statutory provider are in consultation regarding future plans for the centre to reduce compatibility concerns.

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“The registered provider will review compatibility risk assessments at a minimum of three monthly to ensure residents rights are reviewed.”

Full compliance in this regard is expected by June, 2026.