Safeguarding issues identified in mostly positive HIQA inspection of Leitrim residential centre

A HIQA inspection report into a Leitrim residential centre has raised safeguarding concerns, even though the findings were largely positive overall.

The unannounced inspection of Saol Beo in Manorhamilton was carried out on August 19 of this year.

Saol Beo is a full-time residential service run by Positive Futures. The centre can accommodate three male or female adults over the age of 18 with an intellectual disability. The centre comprises one bungalow located in a residential area on the outskirts of a busy town, with access to amenities such as cafés, shops and religious services.

On the date of the inspection, three residents were present at Saol Beo. The inspector found that residents were “happy and content” and were provided with good quality care and support by the staff team. Residents were also supported to spend time with their families and to access their local community.

READ NEXT: Major funding announcement for Leitrim projects welcomed locally

However, the inspector raised concerns regarding safeguarding practices, leaving the inspector unassured that residents were protected from abuse. 

The report found that allegations, suspicions or incidents of abuse were not always “appropriately investigated in line with the provider's policy and national safeguarding requirements.”

Saol Beo was also found to be not compliant with two other regulations. Written policies, procedures and guidelines were not all reviewed as required by the Chief Inspector and were therefore not up to date. 

More than three years had passed since the policy on nutrition intake for residents and the policy on the provision of information to residents were last reviewed.

READ NEXT: Leitrim woman with 106 previous convictions stole over €300 worth of cosmetics from pharmacy

The centre was also found not compliant in relation to the notification of incidents. For example, a notification relating to an incident reported in February 2025 was not submitted within the required three-day reporting timeframe.

Overall, the centre was found compliant in six areas, substantially compliant in four areas and not compliant in three.