Hse probe allegations of abuse at swinford centre

THE HSE has announced it is to conduct an investigation into a number of incidents that are alleged to have occurred at a residential respite centre for adults with intellectual disability in Mayo.

According to a statement issued by the authority, a number of immediate and objective actions have already taken place at the Aras Attracta facility in Swinford and other actions are already underway.

The matter is being treated extremely seriously by the HSE at both local and national level.

The statement continued: “The most immediate priority has been to guarantee that a safe and caring environment exists for the residents of Aras Attracta. A number of measures have been put in place to ensure this in line with the new National Policy and Procedures for Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse (2014).

“In this regard, and in line with HSE procedures, staff against whom allegations have been made have been put ‘off-duty’. This action is a protective measure both for the residents and the staff concerned and is done without prejudice to the staff members until the results of the investigation are known. Appropriate measures have been taken so that staffing levels will be maintained to deliver safe care.

“Furthermore, local managers are working with families and the residents to provide information and reassurance at this difficult time.

“As is normal protocol for such events, HIQA has been officially notified by the HSE and there is ongoing liaison with that authority. Furthermore, An Garda Siochana have been informed of the allegations received.

“The investigation to be conducted by the HSE will be led by an independent expert. The full composition of the investigation team and its terms of reference will be finalised early this week. A full and thorough investigation will be completed having regard to the principles of trust in care.

“In addition to the investigation, a review is being established, chaired by an independent expert, to review services at Aras Attracta in order to provide assurance that the standards of care meet the needs of the service users in Aras Attracta. This work is being supported by the provision of practice coordinators who will work on the ground to embed the programme.”

The national director for social care, Pat Healy, said: “It is of critical importance that all vulnerable people in our care receive the highest level of safe and respectful care.

“The allegations made to the HSE are of a serious nature and include ‘slapping’ and ‘forced feeding’. Actions such as this, should they be proved to be founded, are wholly unacceptable in any facility that provides care to vulnerable people.

“Consequently, these allegations will be investigated promptly and thoroughly in order to establish the full facts, having due regard to the principles of fairness and natural justice.'