Ms Carol Grogan:

I take safeguarding very seriously. It is a feature of all inspections that are conducted in facilities for older persons and those with disabilities. At the very heart of any safeguarding concern is the person who is affected. It is hugely worrying not just for that person but for their family too. The nature of abuse is that it is covert and many people do not recognise the signs. The providers are required, under the regulations, to notify me of any suspicion, allegation or incident of abuse and we follow up on that.