Change is possible but must be national, and quicker

MANAGERS in residential centres like Áras Attracta must be more involved in caring for residents, and better oversight is needed right through the system, says the author of a scathing report on the centre.

Investigators found ‘failings at all levels of the system’. Dr Kevin McCoy, pictured, head of the report team told the Irish Mail on Sunday reform is a work in progress.

Having met with families and staff several times since March 2015, Dr McCoy said: ‘There wasn’t sufficient supervision or support for staff by management, it was a surprising gap.

‘That has to change – the new structures will facilitate that change.’ He added: ‘I would not say that all of the staff are buying into the changes but there is a significant cohort who are very keen to move on, and embrace change. It’s an attitudinal change, and culture change which is very significant and will move things on. This is possible.’

But he said the changes should be right through the care system, with national recommendations made in the report.

Dr McCoy’s report also calls on the HSE to speed up the State’s 2011 policy of closing institutions where 10 or more

people live together. The HSE plans to transfer 160 people, of 3,000 people still living in large centres, this year.

But Dr McCoy said: ‘If you take that 160 figure, then it will take nearly 20 years to realise at the current rate. That is far, far too long.’