Monitoring standards in care facilities will help identify instances of abuse – Keating

Speaking in the Dáil on a Topical Issue on the standard of care in facilities for people with intellectual disabilities today (Thursday), Fine Gael Dublin Mid West Deputy, Derek Keating, said that monitoring and reviewing standards of care will help to identify instances of abuse among the elderly and vulnerable members of society.

“We recently witnessed the suspension of ten staff at the Steward’s Care organisation, following on from allegations made by Trinity College placement students about the level of care being provided by staff.

“As someone with extensive experience working in the community sector, I know too well the courage it takes for any student to raise issues of concern, so these students are to be commended for the action they have taken to protect people with disabilities. I also welcome this Government’s commitment to the protection of whistleblowers and am delighted that Stewart’s Hospital and Care Facilities are working with HIQA to address the issues.

“There is a considerable element of trust placed in those who work in care facilities and when this trust is abused, it leaves us cold. The questions raised in this investigation are disturbing and centre around the supervision of staff and the suitability of some to assume care roles.

“If standards are to be maintained, continuous professional development must be undertaken, only qualified staff should be given positions of responsibility and regular in-service training programmes should be put in place. This will ensure that the very highest standard is practiced by all care givers but especially those care givers directly involved with the most vulnerable members of society; those with learning disabilities who very often cannot protect themselves and in some instances and cannot communicate where services are falling down.

“It is a step in the right direction that Steward’s Hospital is working with HIQA to resolve this issue. There is an onus on the Hospital management to meet with the family members of service users to discuss the outcome of the HIQA investigation.

“Regular inspections will help identify if issues such as this are once off incidents or if there is a wider systemic problem. Many of the recipients of care at Stewart’s are moving into their elder years and, not only are they vulnerable but they require more sensitive care because of the dual dependency of age and intellectual disability. Leaving that care to chance is not good enough.”
Ends