One of Ireland’s largest care services for people with intellectual disabilities has said it can no longer afford to continue operating – and is transferring all of its services to the HSE.

Saint John of God Community Services (SJOOGCS) has been providing services to children and adults who are intellectually disabled or have mental health difficulties since the 1930s.

They employ 3,000 staff and work with 8,000 people across the country.

SJOGCS has experienced financial challenges for several years and it began engagement with the HSE about a new funding settlement in 2020. 

No agreement was reached and the board has now signed off on a plan to transfer service provision to the HSE. 

“Today represents the saddest day in the history of our long-established Service, which has been in operation since the 1930s,” CEO Clare Dempsey said. 

“I know it is deeply disappointing for those we support, our staff and the many thousands of families around the country with whom we hold such strong ties and bonds with over so many years.

“We will do all in our power to conduct a smooth transfer of service to HSE and will seek to minimise the impact on the 8,000 people availing of our services, as well as our 3,000 valued members of staff.”

Current situation 'intolerable'

St John of God Hospitaller Services Group, of which SJOGCS is a subsidiary group, said the decision was “very regrettable” but described the current situation had become “intolerable”. 

“The annual funding allocation from the HSE to [SJOGCS] has been insufficient for over a decade,” a spokesperson said. 

“This has negatively impacted the ability to provide services consistent with good practice and respectful of the human rights of those who avail of the services.”

SJOGCS expects the transition to be completed by August 24th and all staff will become HSE employees.

Main image: A man and his carer. Image: Yuri Arcurs / Alamy Stock Photo