Inclusion Ireland Has released a statement On The Sentencing Of Aras Attracta staff Members last Monday The 8th of February.
See Below
Inclusion Ireland public statement following sentencing of Áras Attracta staff members on Monday. https://t.co/2PosyYk10W
— Inclusion Ireland (@InclusionIre) February 10, 2016
Back Round Story On Aras Attractra
Áras Attracta is a HSE-run facility in Swinford, Co Mayo that provides residential, respite and day service for adults with an intellectual disability.
The care home is made up of 29 buildings, varying in size from 200 to 4,000 sq metres.
The RTÉ Prime Time Investigations Unit’s ‘Inside Bungalow 3’ report was broadcast on Tuesday, 9th December and made for disturbing viewing.
The report showed evidence of force feeding, slapping, kicking, physical restraint and shouting at residents.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) had previously carried out two inspections on Áras Attracta, in February 2014 and May 2014. Both reports were released in July 2014.
Hiqa found that some of its residents were underweight and went for up to 15 hours throughout the night without food.
What the key people said on Prime Time broadcast in December 2014
Minister of State at the Department of Health Kathleen Lynch:
“I refuse to believe Áras Attracta is the only place where this is happening. We are looking at what other processes we can put in place.
“We have an investigation going on. We have to wait for the results to see what disciplinary action will be taken.
“Maybe it will take putting an undercover person in place … people going in unobserved, taking a serious look at what’s goes on”.
National Director for Social Care at the HSE Pat Healy:
“(These) behaviours and practices are unacceptable. That type of behaviour has no place in the health service.
“We have failed in unit three, that’s for sure. It’s important to acknowledge that.
“We have put in new management, change is being made. There’s a cultural issue here we have to get to the bottom of.”
Inclusion Ireland CEO Paddy Connolly:
“There is a culture of pressure, violence and control.
“There is a clear line of sight between the decisions of this Government and the abuses in Áras Attracta.
“The Government inspections haven’t inspired confidence. There has to be an independent investigation.”
Read February 2014 report on Áras Attracta.
Read May 2014 report on Áras Attracta.
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