HIQA must be given power to investigate Western Care – Conway-Walsh

Mayo Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway Walsh has called for HIQA to be given the power to investigate all aspects of the Western Care Association after the health and social-care watchdog released a damning report on the Mayo charity.

The report into governance and safeguarding in residential centres for people with disabilities operated by Western Care found non-compliance in four areas.

The HIQA statement confirmed concerns raised in The Mayo News since last November, and highlighted serious failings in Governance and Management, Protection, Positive Behavioural Support and Risk Management Procedures.

Deputy Conway Walsh said: “The report makes for stark reading. Failure to comply with regulations is laid very clear in the report. Inspectors found that there was inadequate auditing and oversight of safeguarding arrangements. It confirms the concerns outlined in the dozens of complaints I received from staff and former staff of the organisation since October 2022.

“The areas of inadequate governance and oversight that were negatively impacting on the quality of service included risks not being identified or escalated, safeguarding arrangements were not followed, critical incidents not being appropriately investigated, restrictive practices impacting on the quality of life and freedoms of residents were not subject to review, delays in access to therapies and supports, inadequate staff training. The board had no arrangements for review of audits or action plans,” she told The Mayo News before highlighting a glaring oversight in the ability of HIQA to have full oversight of the charity.

“It is important to state that this report relates only to the Western Care Association designated residential centres. HIQA do not have legal authority to regulate or assess any other services operated by Western Care.

Limited powers

“HIQA have limited powers to investigate and oversee the full range of services provided by organisations such as Western Care. It must be now given the powers to act across all services and resources must be provided and targeted to ensure that the human rights of our most vulnerable citizens are upheld,” she added.

It’s expected that the issue will be raised in the Dáil in the coming days with Conway Walsh determined to get answers from government regarding the failings documented in the report.

“This reports raises questions for the HSE and the Ministers involved. After reading it, do they have confidence that the failings documented are not part of a culture of inadequate auditing and oversight of safeguarding arrangements? What further oversight/inspections do they plan to ensure people in Mayo can have full confidence in Western Care and that public money is used to achieve the best outcomes and ensure human rights compliance for individuals and families reliant on these vital services,” she asked before going on to praise the Western Care staff who dedicated themselves to the needs of the vulnerable people they work with.

That same sentiment was highlighted in the HIQA report which said inspectors found that in each residential centre, persons in charge and staff were committed to meeting the needs of residents and engaged with residents in a respectful and kind manner.