Written answers

Thursday, 18 June 2015

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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215. To ask the Minister for Health the action he will take following a recent inspector's report into a centre for persons with disabilities (details supplied) in County Louth, where the findings of the inspection identified major non-compliances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24348/15]

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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It is always disturbing when incidents of mistreatment are reported.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) commenced regulation of residential services for people with disabilities on 1 November 2013, pursuant to S.I. No. 366 of 2013 and S.I. No. 367 of 2013, which assign responsibility to HIQA for registering and inspecting residential services for children and adults with disabilities, including respite services.

The safeguarding of vulnerable people in the care of the health service is a priority for this Government.

I welcome the fact that a plan has been drawn up by the management in St John of Gods to implement all the issues highlighted by HIQA on inspection, to ensure the safeguarding of residents, with targeted deadlines to address them.

These plans include new management structures to ensure effective governance and safeguarding of residents. However much work remains to be carried out on an ongoing basis to ensure this and all facilities comply with Disability Residential Standards.

St Mary’s, Drumcar and the HSE have agreed to establish a Joint Task Group to support St Mary’s, in addressing its immediate challenges, and planning for medium and long term developments of the service.

I have been assured that St John of Gods North East Services and the HSE remain fully committed to working collaboratively towards continued residential service provision in the Louth region. HIQA’s findings serve as evidence that the regulatory process works effectively and in the interests of protecting vulnerable people in the care of the State.

The Department of Health will monitor progress on the initiatives and processes agreed by the HSE in relation to HIQA Reports to ensure that the learning from them is promulgated throughout our health system.

Compliance with HIQA standards is a requirement under the Service Level Arrangements between the HSE and voluntary service providers under Section 38 and 39 of the Health Acts.

The HSE is implementing a comprehensive change programme of measures to improve the quality and safety of residential services for people with disabilities. Much work remains to be carried out to ensure all facilities comply with Disability Residential Standards. While this is challenging, we must remember that the objective is to safeguard vulnerable people.

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