Campaigners question review

CAMPAIGNERS have questioned the need for another probe into how statutory agencies dealt with a failing nursing home.

An investigation by the Commissioner for Older People uncovered a “horrific catalogue of inhuman and degrading treatment” at Dunmurry Manor Care Home in June.

It was the first time COPNI used its investigatory powers in this way.

Eddie Lynch, who carried out the probe, blasted statutory agencies for their failure to tackle endemic abuse at the facility – setting out 59 recommendations for improvement.

But just days before the Department of Health issued two independent reports – both of which found no wrongdoing on the part of watchdog RQIA or the health and social care system.

One of those firms – CPEA - has now been rehired to do the job again.

Aidan Hanna of Patients First NI questioned the need for another probe.

He said: “We seem to be carrying out endless reviews in Northern Ireland without problems being fixed. There has already been an investigation carried out by the COPNI.

“There is a danger of the department paying a company to do work that has already been done by Eddie Lynch and his team.

“The Home Truths report should be used by the department to ensure lessons are learnt and the COPNI 2014 changing culture of care report should also be implemented without delay.

“The Dunmurry Manor families group should also be engaged with to learn how they think we can improve.”

The Department of Health said the latest assessment of failings at Dunmurry Manor will focus on the actions of the health and social care system and identify lessons to be learned.

A spokesman added: “This independent review will give us a clear picture of how these care failings came about and, crucially, how we can put systems in place to prevent them occurring again.”

It is unclear why CPEA has been rehired or what the cost will be.

Both questions were put to the department which had not responded by the time of publication.

PATIENTS FIRST NI