Donegal TD welcomes review after ‘very serious incident’ at HSE disability centre

Donegal TD Thomas Pringle welcomed moves by the Minister of State Anne Rabbitte to hold an independent review into a Health Service Executive-run disability services in the north-west.

The minister of state with responsibility for disabilities has said she wants an independent review into the Health Service Executive (HSE) in the north-west after the State’s health watchdog raised further serious concerns about its provision of services to people with disabilities in residential care in Donegal.

Communication between Hiqa and the Health Service Executive (HSE) has highlighted "a very serious incident" regarding the online behaviour of a resident at one centre, which is understood to be in Donegal.

The Donegal independent TD has raised issues about the HSE’s response to the sexual abuse of residents at the HSE-run Ard Gréine Court facility in Stranorlar over 18 years.

The internal Brandon report revealed more than 100 incidents of sexual abuse were carried out against at least 18 intellectually disabled residents at the facility.

https://www.donegallive.ie/news/donegal-news/744700/minister-of-state-wants-review-into-hse-services-for-people-with-disabilities-in-donegal.html

Mr Pringle welcomed the review after the Health Information Quality Agency questioned the HSE's fitness as a registered provider of centres for people with disabilities in the north-west.

“I think it should be investigated. All the reports in media show a very serious incident took place and it shows there is something badly wrong and has to be dealt with and investigated.”

He said he believes the review should not be restricted to the HSE in the north-west “as the HSE nationally has serious questions to answer as well” as “it did not handle the Brandon report well.

“Through the whole Brandon process, none of the agencies covered themselves in glory in relation so this investigation is timely and has to happen," he said.

“I think it has to be welcomed. Hopefully, it will be transparent and happens quickly. That is going to be the vital part so that families can have faith that their loved ones are being looked after properly.”