Last night, an RTE programme aired showing abuses of residents at Áras Attracta in Co Mayo who are suffering from intellectual disabilities.
The footage, recorded using hidden cameras, showed residents being dragged across the floor, kicked, threatened and hit. One woman in her 50s, suffering from an intellectual disability, was denied access to the toilet.
Nine staff members at the Áras Attracta have been suspended without pay, and the HSE has launched “a full assurance review” into the care at the home.
A ‘national summit’ has also been announced, to take place next Tuesday, December 16.
This morning, the Ombudsman moved to assure people that the Ombudsman can examine complaints about the actions of a range of public bodies, including the Health Service Executive (HSE).
In addition, since January 2007 he may also examine complaints about agencies delivering health and personal social services on behalf of the HSE. These agencies can include charitable organisations and voluntary bodies.
The Ombudsman can also examine complaints about how staff of the HSE or other agencies carry out their everyday administrative activities when providing services to members of the public. These include complaints about delays or failing to take action.
The Ombusman's office told Newstalk that: "Peter Tyndall, can examine complaints from the public about the administrative actions of the HSE. This includes complaints in relation to centres run by the HSE, such as Aras Attracta, and public nursing homes.
Office of the Ombudsman, 18 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2,
online: www.ombudsman.gov.ie,
by e mail: ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.ie.
For further information call 01 639 5600 or Lo Call 1890 22 30 30."
