HIQA has published inspection reports on two designated centres for people with disabilities in Donegal.
There were three non-compliances recorded at Ballytrim House in Raphoe, which had four residents, and none at Drumboe Respite Centre in Stranorlar, where two people were living at the time of the inspection.
Last year, nine non-compliances were recorded at Ballytrim House outside Raphoe, with significant failings identified in relation to the governance and management of the service.
At a follow up inspection in September, the inspector found that the provider had implemented new strategies and systems to improve the governance and oversight of the quality of the service, and changes in the residents’ living arrangements had reduced the risk of safeguarding incidents and negative interactions between residents.
However, further improvements were required, with non-compliances noted in the areas of premises, risk management and residents’ rights.
The report includes a response from management outlining how they are going to rectify the issues identified.
You can read the Ballytrim House report in full HERE
Meanwhile, no non-compliances were noted at Drumboe Respite Centre in Stranorlar.
You can read the Drumboe Respote House report in full HERE
HSE Response re : Ballytrim –
Ballytrim House designated centre is managed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) West and North West and provides residential support for four residents with disabilities.
Ballytrim House is comprised of a four bedded single-storey house, located in a residential area of a small, rural town and is close to amenities such as shops, leisure facilities and coffee shops. All residents have their own bedroom with en-suite facilities and their own sitting room. Residents have access to shared amenities, including a kitchen, a large dining room and sitting rooms. A dedicated team of nurses and healthcare assistants provide 24/7 support to residents. Transport is provided to accommodate residents accessing community-based facilities and activities.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) undertook an unannounced follow-up inspection at Ballytrim House on 30 September 2025.
The report noted that new living arrangements had been implemented following the transition of three residents to their new home since the previous inspection. During the inspection, the inspector met with one resident who showed them their new bedroom and living areas and shared that they were happy in their new accommodation.
Nine regulations were inspected, six received a compliant judgement, three received a substantially compliant judgement and three received a non-compliant judgement.
The HSE has undertaken the following actions to ensure full compliance within this centre is achieved:
The HSE Disability Services Management Team and the HSE maintenance department have completed a schedule of works for the centre to be completed on a phased basis.
Following engagement with the HSE Estates department, Disability Services Management updated the fire safety risk assessment and implemented additional fire safety controls.
A formal action plan of works with agreed timeframes will be completed and monitored weekly through the centre’s Quality Improvement Plan.
HSE Disability Services in the Donegal Integrated Healthcare Area will continue to work to ensure that robust governance, quality and safety measures are in place within Ballytrim House designated centre to ensure high quality supports and services are experienced by all residents.
HSE Response re : Drumboe –
Drumboe Respite House is a designated centre managed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) West and North West. Drumboe consists of a two-storey dormer house with five individual bedrooms (two of which are en-suite), kitchen, dining room and spacious sitting room. Outside there is a large garden to the back of the property which also includes a sensory room. The centre is situated near a town in County Donegal, offering residents convenient access to local amenities. At the time of inspection, the centre was providing full-time emergency respite to two adults with disabilities. The centre has a staff complement of nurses and healthcare assistants providing support to persons staying in the centre on a 24/7 basis. Transport is provided to facilitate access to community-based activities and services.
Drumboe Respite House was inspected by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) on the 22nd September 2025.
During the inspection, the HIQA inspector met with one of the two people living in the centre who said they got support from staff to engage in activities that they enjoyed in the community. The inspector also noted staff demonstrated a good knowledge of the needs of the people who were living in the centre.
At inspection, sixteen regulations were inspected. Thirteen received a compliant judgement, and three received a substantially compliant judgement. A judgment of substantially compliant means that the provider has generally met the requirements of the regulation but some action is required to be fully compliant and is considered low risk.
The HSE has undertaken the following actions to ensure full compliance within this centre:
- A contractor has been appointed to complete the identified refurbishment works.
- The provider and the multi-disciplinary team continue to work with the residents and their representatives to transition to their new long term homes.
- Residents’ care plans, positive behaviour support plans and communication plans have been reviewed and updated.
HSE West and North West Disability Services in the Donegal Integrated Healthcare Area will continue to work to ensure that robust governance, quality and safety measures are in place within Drumboe Respite House to ensure high quality supports and services are experienced by all residents.
