Press Release
HSE holds 4th National Summit
Embedding Values in the Workplace and Safeguarding Vulnerable People in Residential Centres
Essential features of effective and enriching services
HSE outlines how things are different across disability services following year long implementation of wide programme of change
The 4th National Summit, hosted by the HSE Social Care Division, took place today, Wednesday November 18th 2015. Minister with responsibility for Mental Health, Primary Care and Social Care (Disabilities and Older People) Kathleen Lynch was in attendance along with 250 delegates from Statutory and Voluntary service providers, service users and family members. This is the fourth in a series of summits which provides a forum for people to feedback as well as hear of progress on implementation of the six step programme of change accross our Social Care Services.
Opening the Summit Minister Lynch said, “I welcome the sustained focus we have seen throughout 2015 in using what we have learned to date to make real and tangible changes in the lives of people with a disability. The National Summits have provided an important forum to share this learning and most importantly, to listen to the voices of people with a disability so that we are focused on their needs and their aspirations for a better life. It is my hope that this will inform all of our actions as we move to a new year with the resolve and determination required to continue this critical work”.
Pat Healy, Chair of the National Implementation Task Force said, “today’s Summit focuses on implementing a values based approach to our work with people with a disability and their families. Participants will learn how things are changing across the sector one year on from the RTE programme on Arás Attracta. The Social Care Division is continuing to implement the 6 step change programme of measures to ensure the quality and safety of all our services and specifically those in the residential care sector. A key challenge for the Task Force is to identify how we can build capacity together so that our organisations can respond to what each individual person wants and needs to live the life of their choosing. The challenge for services is to support people to choose where they live, who they live with, and ensure that they have choices around what they every day, with tailored supports for each person. A lot of work has taken place to achieve this aim and we will continue to improve our services in the months and years ahead.”
Participants at the Summit heard from Mr John Armstrong, an international expert in the area of promoting a values based approach to the welfare of people which reduces the potential for neglect and harm. John has worked in Australia in government, non-government, and in consultancy roles since the 1970's as a teacher, principal, adviser and team leader. He has also held state wide training roles specifically associated with matters of fundamental service practice.
Speaking at the Summit John Armstrong said, “this is a turning point in services for people with disability in Ireland. There is now the chance to actually solve the age old problem of how to support people to have lives just like other people”
The Summit also heard from Mr Paddy Connolly, CEO of Inclusion Ireland, who is working closely with the Social Care Division to develop a national support mechanism which will ensure residents and their family members are consulted as partners in the reforms underway. Mr Connolly presented on the development of Family Forums and Self Advocacy. Commenting Mr Connolly said, “The HSE faces significant challenges in changing the culture of how services have been delivered in the past. Part of that changed culture must involve listening to persons with a disability and family members and giving them real choice in the supports they receive'.
Today’s Summit is an important further stepin developing this values based approach
Ends
Notes for Editors
· Progress to date
Arás Attracta
Investigation Update - The HSE investigation and disciplinary process is progressing on schedule. The investigation proceeded to interview stage in September 2015. Further interview dates are scheduled and it is intended to complete the investigation at the earliest possible date subject to full compliance with legal requirements and fair procedure.
Assurance Review - One step of our change programme relates to the assurance review of Arás Attracta being carried by out Dr Kevin McCoy and his team. The review team have engaged with residents, family members, staff and management. The next phase will involve wider consultation with external parties, service providers, academics and interest groups. In addition to recommending specific plans for each unit and bungalow in Arás Attracta, the report will inform our vision for future development of services for all residents at Arás Attracta and will support our system wide programme of improvement across the disability sector.
Governance – A new governance structure is being implemented, with a new Director of Service in post. Under the leadership of the new Director, three discreetcentres will operatewithin the campus, headed by a new person in charge responsible in each centre. Each centre will specialise on particular needs of service users:
§ one centre will specialise in providing services to residents with intellectual disability with complex health needs and high physical dependency,
§ a second centre will specialise in supporting residents with intellectual disability and behaviours that challenge
§ the third centre will specialise in supporting residents with higher levels of ability.
This governance structure brings management closer to the point of service delivery, providing opportunities to concentrate on improving standards of care, and delivering better outcomes for the residents.
Vision for future development
The roadmap for future development of services of residents at Arás Attracta is being developed and informed by the work of the McCoy Assurance Review group.
Indivdual needs assessments, tailored for each resident, are nearing completion and will inform the individual plan for all residents. These plans, when implemented, will provide the range of supports required for individuals to live meaningful lives of their choice in appropriate community based settings.
The roadmap, when finalised, will be used as a consultation document to engage with all stakeholders including service users and their families, staff and local community interests.
· System wide change
Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse
The policy “Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse”, launched in December 2014, provides one overarching policy to which all Social Care Services, including those provided directly or funded by the HSE, have subscribed and implemented in their place of work ensuring;
Ø A consistent approach to protecting vulnerable people
Ø A “No Tolerance” approach to any form of abuse and neglect
Ø A culture which supports this ethos
The National Safeguarding office has been established, which will ensure implementatiion of the policy, collect data and develop training programmes.
Nine Safeguarding and Protection teams have been established. Each team, one per Community Healthcare Organisation, will be led by a Principal Social Worker and supported by social work team leaders and social workers.
Every unit / group home will have identifed a designated officer assigned to deal with complaints and allegations of abuse.
The appointment has taken place of 21 additional social work posts including 9 Principal Social Workers.
Quality Improvement Team
The Quality Improvement Team was established and focused on supporting our centres.
Phase 1: Jan- June 2015
§ Visited 159 houses/units representating 1148 HIQA registered beds.
§ Action plans devised for each unit to address areas of concerns.
Phase 2 : July 2015 onwards
§ 8 themes identified for future learning: safety, care planning, governance, medication planning, risk, key workers, policy practice and guidelines, supervision.
§ Working with centres of greatest concern in addressing these themes.
§ Providing guidance and support while also assesing and reporting on progress and building capability.
Confidential Recipient
Ms Leigh Gath, the HSE appointed confidential recipient, who is independent in her functions with the authority to examine concerns, contuines to hear and deal with issues and complaints in a totally confidential manner.
National Volunteer Advocacy Programme
A mapping exercise was undertaken to determine existing structures, supports, frameworks, and pathways regarding advocacy for people with disabilities in Ireland. With recommendations for future development, the report will be considered by the National Task Force.
To progress the residents council/family fora the HSE asked Inclusion Ireland to develop and support the emergence of an independent voice for persons with a disability and family members who access disability services in a number of residential settings.
While it is envisaged that a local forum will be established in a number of these centres, the design, terms of reference, and approach will be determined through local consultation and tailor-made to local need. Paddy Connolly, CEO of Inclusion Ireland, presented at the summit on this recent development.