An independent investigation has found a significant need for an overhaul in the way Ireland’s health system safeguards adults. The enquiry was carried out by independent safeguarding specialist Jackie McIlroy, and initiated by the Health Service Executive (HSE) following a 2020 incident where a care home staff assaulted a resident, who was named under the alias Emily, who passed away the following year.
The offender was subsequently sentenced to 11 years in prison. The report, the findings of which were released on Thursday, represents a comprehensive evaluation into the HSE’s protection strategies and plans for improvement in all areas, and comes after a previous review by McIlroy into the case involving Emily.
In her assessment, McIlroy found a widespread agreement among those she conferred with that a radical shift in how adult safeguarding is handled and organised is needed. The report made note of the current measures in place being antiquated and also identified a need for a cultural shift that supports safe practice and fosters an atmosphere where safeguarding issues are treated with gravity and all forms of abuse aren’t tolerated.
The report exposed how often there has been tolerance for inadequate care, protective practice, acceptance of abusive behaviour and prioritising organisational reputation over individual needs, while the institutions designed to care for people have become risky environments.
The suggestions put forth by the report include a change in the programme for adult protection and safeguarding, aiming to relay a firm message that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and any tolerance for abuse or poor practice is unacceptable.
Upon the report’s release, HSE’s chief executive, Bernard Gloster made a public apology to Emily’s family on behalf of the HSE for the ordeal they went through when Emily was under their care.
The HSE is set to probe the records of additional residents in the care home where a staff member sexually assaulted a woman. I’ve had several meetings with them and expressed my deepest apologies on behalf of the HSE, for the manner in which she was let down. I’d also like to take this opportunity to bring to the attention of all observers, the ruling in this case that makes it illegal to reveal the identities of both Emily and the concerned care home. This ruling is crucial in maintaining the privacy of Emily’s family,” said Mr Gloster. The official further indicated that the HSE has now embarked on a mission to “put into action these suggestions and foster a culture and practice within the HSE that prioritises protection at the heart of the services we offer.”