Louth centre for disabilities wins full praise in HIQA report

Rivergrove, a residential centre for adults with disabilities in Dunleer, has received a glowing review from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) following an unannounced inspection in May 2025.

The centre, operated by St John of God Community Services, provides a home to four male residents and was found to be fully compliant across all inspected areas, including safeguarding, residents’ rights, welfare, communication supports, and governance.

Inspectors noted that residents were supported to live meaningful, person-centred lives, with strong emphasis on decision-making and autonomy. Daily routines such as morning walks, coffee trips, and community involvement were respected and encouraged. One resident had even joined the local Tidy Towns group, while others took part in fundraising and gardening projects at the centre’s polytunnel.

The person in charge also provided the inspector with an example of how they had considered the will and preference of a resident through a review of incidents that were occurring in the centre. This resident had previously left the centre unattended on a few occasions, and a review of these incidents showed that the resident always ended up in a local shop. 

“In response to this, the staff team incorporated a visit to this shop as part of the residents routine which the resident was enjoying. This meant that the staff had responded in a positive way to this possible risk and considered the will and preference of the resident,” the report said.

The report highlighted recent upgrades to the Louth centre, including new floors, furniture, and windows, with further works planned to improve the exterior. Bedrooms were personalised to reflect residents’ tastes, from shoe collections to family photographs, and communal areas had been refurbished to create more comfortable and sensory-friendly spaces.

Staff were praised for treating residents with “dignity and respect at all times.” HIQA noted that residents were well supported in managing anxieties and health needs, with families commending the patience and resilience shown by staff during hospital visits and procedures.

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Concerns about safeguarding raised in the past year were also reviewed. Inspectors confirmed that all incidents had been promptly reported, investigated, and addressed with safeguarding plans, ensuring residents felt safe.

Rivergrove’s governance and management were described as “assuring,” with a new person in charge implementing positive changes. Audits and reviews showed no complaints in 2024 and only a small number of adverse events, with family feedback positive.

HIQA concluded that Rivergrove offers a safe, supportive, and community-focused environment for its residents and was compliant in all nine regulations inspected.