Independent Review Of Dunmurry Manor Launched

The Department of Health have announced an independent review in relation to care failings at Dunmurry Manor Care home.

The review aims to identify lasting improvements in care standards while also giving patients, their families and staff more of a voice to raise any concerns.

Outlining a series of measures to enhance standards and restore public confidence, the department's Permanent Secretary Richard Pengelly said: "I want to re-emphasise that we are taking the report on Dunmurry Manor by the Commissioner for Older People very seriously.

"Our first priority has been to seek assurance on the current standard of care at the home. That has been provided from HSC colleagues, as well as through the independent assessment work which we commissioned.

"While I was pleased to hear of the very positive feedback given to RQIA by families of existing residents of Dunmurry Manor at a recent meeting, it is clear that unacceptable failings in care occurred repeatedly in the past. That is a matter of extreme regret for everyone in the HSC system.

"In publicly saying sorry to residents and families who were let down, I must acknowledge that words alone are not enough. Action must, and will, be taken to ensure that failings are not repeated.

"The primary responsibility for care and standards in homes run by the independent sector rests, of course, with the care home provider.

"But Dunmurry Manor must serve as a stark reminder to the HSC system of its important responsibilities."

The Department of Health has also recognised the need for long-term transformation of adult social care, as underlined in the expert panel report published in December. A project team is taking this reform agenda forward with a carers' panel being recruited. The next phase will include a far-reaching public debate, highlighting the major challenges for policy makers and society as a result of demographic changes, investment needs and the vital importance of staff recruitment, retention and development. The public concern currently evident on care home provision provides further evidence of the need for change.

(MH/LM)