THE Health Service Executive (HSE) has said they are implementing a service improvement programme at Ard Greine Court, Stranorlar.

It follows a report from Health Inspection Authority HIQA published today (Monday) which expresses extreme concern over poor management practices and reveals that a number of cases of abuse had not been reported.

 

Ard Greine Court, formerly the Sean O’Hare Unit was established in 2008. It is comprised of seven individual housing units. It provides residential facilities for adults with mild to severe Intellectual Disability ranging in age from mid twenties to early seventies.

 

The HIQA inspection identified areas of concern in relation to Safeguarding, Healthcare and Management of the service. The HSE has confirmed it has liaised with all the families/guardians of the residents in Ard Greine prior to the publication of the reports to brief them on the contents and work which has been completed in response to the reports.

 

They have said a detailed action plan is being implemented under the direction of Jacinta Lyons, newly appointed Acting Service Manager of Intellectual Disability Services in Donegal.

 

Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher has also issued a statement to say that he has been briefed by Executives of the HSE on Ard na Greine Court. 

He noted the concerns surrounded management of centre, resident safety, managing risks within the centre, behaviour support planning and staff training.

 

Deputy Gallagher said he had been informed by the HSE that they had at all times they liaised with the families, guardians of the residents regarding the ongoing issues and the outcome of the HIQA report.

 

He has called for a “balanced approach” to the issues highlighted by HIQA, and for support to be given to the “excellent staff at Ard na Greine, who are very dedicated and hardworking”. 

 

Speaking following the publication of the report, Deputy Gallagher stated: “The Ard na Greine facility offers excellent care to the residents and now with the revised plan after the HIQA inspections and new management systems and work practises put in place, the care of the residents will be secured for the future.

 

“The safeguarding of the residents and their full and complete care is always the primary focus of Ard na Greine management and staff and I am satisfied that they will continue to do that in the years ahead.”