HIQA raises concerns over use of resident’s funds at Louth disability centre

A HIQA inspection of a residential disability service in Louth has found that a resident paid more than €2,200 from their own personal funds for repair works that should have been covered by the service provider.

The unannounced inspection of Gort Na Mara, operated by St John of God Community Services CLG, took place on October 20, 2025, and examined compliance with regulations governing adult disability services.

While inspectors found that residents generally enjoyed a “good quality of life” and were well supported by staff, the report identified a significant failure in governance and financial oversight, resulting in a finding of non-compliance under regulations designed to protect residents.

According to the report, an internal audit carried out by the provider in March 2025 had identified damaged flooring in a resident’s sitting room and hallway and stated that funding had been arranged to replace it. However, during the inspection, the HIQA inspector discovered that the resident had personally paid for both the flooring and its installation.

“The inspector found that the resident had paid for both the flooring and its installation using their own funds. This was not an appropriate use of the residents funds as these costs should have been covered by the provider,” the report states.

The total amount paid by the resident was €2,286.45.

HIQA said this expenditure “should not have occurred” and raised concerns about how residents’ finances were being safeguarded. Of particular concern was the fact that the issue was not identified by the provider prior to the inspection.

“This reflects a failure in the provider’s governance and financial oversight systems,” the inspector noted, adding that the incident “did not demonstrate that the resident’s rights were upheld, nor that they were appropriately safeguarded”.

An immediate action was issued during the inspection, and the resident was fully reimbursed before the inspection concluded. The provider acknowledged that the use of the resident’s funds should not have occurred and committed to preventing a recurrence.

Despite this, HIQA concluded that the incident “highlights a lack of accountability and oversight within the provider’s internal systems” and found the centre not compliant with regulations relating to protection from abuse.

In contrast, the report was positive about many aspects of day-to-day care at the centre, which provides full-time residential support to three adults with disabilities in individual bungalows.

“Overall, the inspector observed good practice in many areas, and residents appeared to enjoy a positive quality of life,” the report said, noting respectful and supportive interactions between staff and residents.

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HIQA found the centre compliant with regulations covering staffing, training, communication, fire safety, risk management, and personal care planning. Residents were supported to engage in activities and maintain social connections.

As part of its compliance plan, the provider has committed to ensuring that all essential maintenance costs are paid directly by the organisation and to reviewing its financial audit and oversight systems. A retrospective safeguarding referral and a referral to the Equality and Human Rights Committee were also made in relation to the incident.

HIQA has set deadlines in November 2025 for the provider to come back into compliance with the relevant regulations.