Compliance issues at International Protection centre in Cork: Communal hallway used as an ‘unofficial smoking area’

SEVERAL compliance issues have been identified in Glenvera, an International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centre in Cork city, following the first inspection of the centre by the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa).

Issues identified included the provision of unsuitable beds, an apparent lack of sanitary provisions, privacy issues and a lack of storage space.

In January, Hiqa assumed the function of monitoring and inspecting permanent Ipas centres such as Glenvera, which provides accommodation to 110 single males, against national standards.

The report found that the service provider had commenced a process of self-assessment to identify areas requiring improvement.

Inspectors found that improvements were required in several areas not identified by the provider.

Burn marks and cigarette ashes were found on the carpet in a communal hallway, with residents explaining that — as this area was not monitored by CCTV — “some had used it as an unofficial smoking area.”

Management had actively encouraged residents to use the designated smoking areas, and they agreed to address the situation by writing to residents to remind them of the smoking areas and to install CCTV cameras in the area.

CCTV

The effectiveness of CCTV required review, with inspectors finding that non-residents had previously had access to a resident’s bedroom where there were concerns regarding allegations of illegal drug activity.

While the CCTV footage was used to follow up on these concerns, the centre staff had not been aware of these concerns until they were informed by residents.

The inspectors found that there was no evidence of a substance misuse statement or policy regarding the management of the misuse of substances in the centre.

There was a system in place to record and report incidents that took place within the centre — with additional systems under development — but incidents that occurred in the months preceding the inspection had not been reviewed or tracked to ensure staff had the appropriate skills, training, and to manage such situations.

The safety statement for the centre identified that staff working alone was to be avoided where possible. However, this had not been adhered to. Garda vetting and international police checks were also not up to date for staff.

Bedding

Residents were provided with one set of bedding and towels on arrival, which was not in line with national standards.

Though management team said toiletries including toothpaste, shampoo, and shower gel were regularly provided, residents told the inspectors that they had not received these provisions.

There were issues presented by the bunk beds which were used to accommodate residents in multiple rooms, with residents finding them “noisy and disruptive”. Residents said if they needed to use the toilet during the night, the metal frames creaked and woke the other residents.

The majority of residents shared that they felt the bedrooms were too small to accommodate the number of residents in each room.

Overall, “inspectors found that the sleeping accommodation provided to some residents did not promote privacy or dignity”.

There was limited floor space, with residents storing suitcases and large items at a height, creating a health and safety risk.

The service provider told the inspectors that they were in the process of building additional storage to the rear of the centre.

Two sets of linen are now provided to all residents on arrival, and all residents are in receipt of all toiletry items, the centre noted.

It added that CCTV in the unofficial smoking area had been installed, Garda vetting is now completed, the use of bunk beds is under review, and a substance misuse policy is under development.