Dunmurry Manor probe: 'I remain concerned and frustrated'
Eddie Lynch repeats calls for legislation to protect vulnerable adults
Last updated 29th Jan 2020
The Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland Eddie Lynch says he is concerned at the lack of an Adult Safeguarding Bill here.
It comes 16 months after the release of a damning report into Dunmurry Manor care home.
The Home Truths investigation found 'a catalogue of inhumane and degrading treatment' at the home.
It made 59 recommendations to improve how all nursing homes across Northern Ireland deliver care.
The investigation called on the relevant authorities including four Health and Social Care Trusts, the RQIA, the Department of Health and Runwood Homes to respond.
On Wednesday, Mr Lynch updated families of residents:
"Despite seeking additional information which did offer some assurance, I remain concerned and frustrated by the pace of change.
"The relevant authorities have had 16 months to demonstrate action on these recommendations and I am not assured that enough work has been done to make the necessary improvements to the safeguarding and care of residents in care homes."
He continued: "The majority of my recommendations have been “accepted” by the relevant authorities and I acknowledge there have been some changes in practice.
"For example, Runwood Homes has stated that it has put in place a robust medicines management regime at Dunmurry Manor as well as staff, training and policy changes.
"I’m told that staff across the RQIA, the Trusts and Runwood Homes will undertake comprehensive Human Rights training.
"And the RQIA has stated that integrated inspections are now taking place and a proportion of inspections are being undertaken at night time and weekends.
"I welcome these actions, but the pace and scale of change is not enough."
After the publication of the report, Mr Lynch called for an Adult Safeguarding Bill to be introduced in Northern Ireland.
According to the Commissioner, it is the only part of the UK not to have the legislation:
Mr Lynch said: "I am frustrated that in 2020 we still do not have an Adult Safeguarding Bill.
"I met with Minister Swann this week and I look forward to further discussions so that the above recommendations can be progressed as a matter of urgency.
"I call on the Minister and the Northern Ireland Assembly Health Committee to progress this work without any further delay and oversee the full implementation of all my recommendations."
"I remain committed, along with the rest of the COPNI team, to doing everything in my power to continue to drive forward the changes needed to ensure that older people across Northern Ireland receive the quality of care that they require and deserve."