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HIQA report praises Beaufort care facility

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By Michelle Crean

An unannounced HIQA inspection has given a Beaufort facility, which provides residential care for 29 residents with moderate or severe intellectual disability, its best ever report.

HIQA carried out an unannounced inspection of St Mary of the Angels in November with inspectors noting marked improvements in many areas since the last inspection only a year ago.

Out of 17 regulations that were inspected and marked, 14 were Compliant, three Substantially Compliant, and for first time ever, there were no non-compliances recorded.

In comparison, a previous inspection in November 2020 had seven Compliant, two Substantially Compliant and three Not Compliant judgments.

Improved ratings from 2020 to 2021 are in the following areas: Governance and Management: Not Compliant to Compliant, Notification of Incidents: Not Compliant to Compliant, Fire Precautions: Not Compliant to Compliant, General Welfare and Development: Substantially Compliant to Compliant.

Three areas in the current report are Substantially Compliant and plans are in place to address remaining concerns: Premises, Protection against infection, Residents' rights.

The major remedial item involves a significant amount of new furniture for all of the houses on the St Mary of the Angels campus, i.e. DC1 and DC2. This will be largely funded by the Parents and Relatives Association from previous fundraising efforts, including participation in the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle in 2019. A substantial proportion (75%) of the furniture order has been delivered as of today.

According to the report all residents that were met appeared happy and content. Private and communal spaces within houses had been upgraded and were clean, bright and homely.

The inspectors found that the overall care and support for residents was properly resourced. A significant development from the previous inspection had been the resourcing of the service to have dedicated staff to support residents with meaningful activities of choice and greater social integration.

Individual care plans and person centred planning were further enhanced to improve residents lived experience. The effectiveness of previous care plans were assessed and findings incorporated into current care plans.

“HIQA plays an essential role in ensuring the appropriate standards of care are being upheld in residential settings throughout the country. Notwithstanding the ongoing challenges in service delivery within the intellectual disability sector, SJOG Community Services will seek at all times to meet the statutory standards of care. Last year our service recorded 92% compliance with the regulations nationally following 79 inspections conducted by HIQA across a range of our 94 designated centres," Saint John of God, who are the service provider in St Mary of the Angels, said in a statement.

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Diesel alternative now available in Killarney

A new, more environmentally friendly diesel alternative is now available in Killarney, with Certa’s site in the Woodlands Industrial Estate becoming the first in Kerry to dispense hydrotreated vegetable oil […]

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A new, more environmentally friendly diesel alternative is now available in Killarney, with Certa’s site in the Woodlands Industrial Estate becoming the first in Kerry to dispense hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

The renewable fuel is already being used locally — including by Deros Coaches.
HVO is a low-carbon biofuel that serves as a direct replacement for traditional diesel.

Made by treating waste plant material with hydrogen, it does not release any additional carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
Compared to regular diesel, HVO emits up to 90% less CO₂ and also offers benefits such as lower NOx emissions, biodegradability, longer shelf-life, and being completely fossil-free.

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St Brigid’s principal Róisín Moore to step down

After years at the helm of St Brigid’s Secondary School, Principal Róisín Moore has announced her decision to step down, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in the school’s […]

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After years at the helm of St Brigid’s Secondary School, Principal Róisín Moore has announced her decision to step down, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in the school’s history.

In a statement issued by the school community this week, Ms Moore described the decision as deeply personal.

“This has not been an easy decision,” she said.

“But I believe the time is right for me to explore other opportunities while also giving greater attention to family responsibilities. The role of principal is a demanding one, and I have always strived to give it my full commitment.”

Ms Moore’s tenure at St. Brigid’s has been defined by vision, compassion, and a deep commitment to the values of CEIST and Catholic education. A former student of the school , she returned years later to lead the institution she credits with shaping her both personally and professionally.

“Serving as Principal of St Brigid’s has been one of the great honours of my life,” she said. “I remain deeply committed to the values of CEIST and to the mission of Catholic education. I am proud of what we have achieved together, and I leave the role with immense gratitude for the opportunity to lead the school community.”

Her leadership coincided with significant achievements, including a very positive WSE-MLL (Whole School Evaluation – Management, Leadership and Learning) report, the continued advancement of a major building project, and the fostering of what she described as “a caring and inclusive environment with high expectations at its core.”

“We have an outstanding teaching staff, a robust culture of leadership and management, and a clear sense of purpose and direction,” she added. “I have every confidence the board of management and staff will continue to bring the school forward.”

Teacher and school PRO Sheree Murphy paid tribute on behalf of staff and students.

‘It’s hard to put into words just how much Róisín has meant to St Brigid’s and to all of us who have had the privilege of working under her leadership” said Ms Murphy.

“She has been an exceptional leader, steadfast, visionary, and deeply committed to every student, staff member, and family in our school community. Her dedication has truly brought the school from strength to strength.”

“Through her guidance, I personally have grown immensely as a teacher. Her belief in professional development, collaborative leadership, and high expectations has helped shape the kind of educator I am today.”

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