Written answers
Tuesday, 22 November 2005
Department of Health and Children
Care of the Elderly
10:00 pm
Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 183: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the recommendations which will be followed in view of the recent report by Mr. Martin Hynes into the death of Mr. Peter McKenna in Leas Cross nursing home; the lessons which have been learnt; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35470/05]
Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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I understand the Health Service Executive has considered the report from Mr. Hynes and that a number of conclusions and recommendations are being implemented. The following table outlines the current status of the HSE's response.
| Action on Recommendations | Progress to date |
| 1. That the HSE should advocate on behalf of the McKenna family to ensure that they have all their outstanding questions answered. | This option is available to the family with immediate effect. |
| 2. That there should be available within the HSE an integrated system for complaints so that complaints coming from a number of sources can be linked and dealt with effectively. Complaints of a complex nature should be examined thoroughly so as to decide the best approach | The HSE has developed a national complaints management framework, which is being rolled out nationally and would ensure that reviews of this type would be managed effectively |
| 3. That the HSE devise a client based procedure to assist decision making regarding the appropriate use of nursing homes. This should include a mechanism for the review of placement decisions in conjunction with the changing needs of clients. This process should centre on the needs and wishes of clients and their families | This is under consideration by the HSE. |
| 4. The HSE should draw up and support the implementation of a code of governance for all its services and those agencies that are contracted with to supply services on behalf of the HSE. | The HSE eastern region has in place a corporate governance manual for health agencies which can be used as the basis for this national programme |
| 5. St. Michael's House to work with the HSE in reviewing its governance arrangements, to provide reassurance that it meets best practice | This process has commenced and will form an integral part of the service level agreement between St. Michael's House and the HSE in 2006. |
| 6. In carrying out reviews of this nature, the HSE will ensure that an expert team is appointed, which will include access to a range of specialists appropriate to the case. | This is now HSE policy |
| 7. That the HSE should in conjunction with relevant agencies develop a standardised mechanism for communicating written information between referring and receiving agencies, thereby assuring the quality of the continuum of care. | This has been initially communicated to all health agencies and will be followed up in the coming weeks. |
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