Edwin McGreal
Western Care is undertaking an internal investigation following recent upheaval at the organisation.
A spokesperson for the organisation also confirmed to The Mayo News that Western Care CEO Dónal McCarthy is to leave the the organisation, six months after he was appointed to the role.
Western Care told this newspaper that its board is currently ‘undertaking a review of the organisation’s management structures’.
The organisation issued a statement to this newspaper in response to questions posed about recent happenings within the organisation.
The statement failed to address a number of specific questions posed but confirmed a review is underway which it said is ‘to ensure that Western Care Association meets the highest standards of governance in the administration of its duties’.
The Mayo News understands that a number of Western Care employees have been placed on leave and an audit of the workings of the association is taking place.
Western Care Statement
The statement from the board, issued yesterday (Monday) morning stated in full reads as follows: “Western Care Association provides a broad range of services to people living with an intellectual disability and/or autism.
“Everyone throughout the organisation is committed to providing safe, effective and high quality care to the people we support.
“Our organisation engages 850+ people in the west of Ireland through residential, day, respite and multidisciplinary supports.
“The Board of Western Care Association is currently undertaking a review of the organisation’s management structures.
“This review is to ensure that Western Care Association meets the highest standards of governance in the administration of its duties.
“The Board would like to express its gratitude for the HSE’s support of the organisation, and for the hard work of our dedicated team.
“Western Care Association will continue to engage with the people we support, their families and our colleagues during this review.
“Should anyone have any questions, or any matter to raise, they are invited to speak to their service manager or any member of the Board.”
The spokesperson also thanked Dónal McCarthy for his service and said that a recruitment process has begun for the appointment of a new CEO.
Western Care employ 1,000 full-time and part-time staff in Mayo.