This article is from page 6 of the 2007-07-10 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 6 JPG
THE HSE ordered an external inde- pendent review into the treatment of patients at Cappahard Lodge, Ennis last May following concerns raised by a number of parties including Sree
A separate Garda investigation is also under way following complaints made by family members of Kilrush man Gerard Finn relating to his treat- ment and care at the home.
The 69-year-old, who died last month, was admitted to the home in December 2005 with Alzheimer’s
and angina.
During an “extended period of time” some of his family members made a number of complaints to the HSE regarding his care at Cappahard Lodge.
The complaints were investigated by the Clinical Director and Direc- tor of Nursing, Clare Mental Health Services under the HSE Trust in Care policy document which is designed to deal with allegations of abuse.
The first part of this investigation process began on September 5 last year and concluded on January 8 last. The complainants were informed of
the findings.
This “screening process” found that no abusive actions had taken place and that “nursing and medical care provided for Mr. Finn was ap- propriate”.
The HSE said that as a result no further investigation was warranted:
“These findings were communicat- ed to the family members together with the appeal procedures and con- tact details of the appeals officer. The appeal process was not availed of by family members,’ the HSE said in a lengthy statement.
Following the Trust in Care inves-
tigation the HSE continued to re- ceive complaints from some family members, however, in relation to Mr. Finn’s ongoing treatment and care.
An external review was then com- missioned prior to Mr Finn’s death in June.
‘Those members of Mr Finn’s fam- ily wishing to make submissions to the review team will be contacted and will be invited to do so,” said a HSE spokesperson.
The HSE said it would also be co- operating fully with the Garda inves- tigation.
Cappahard Lodge on the Tulla Road
is a community residence providing long term care for clients of Clare Mental Health Services. The home is inspected by the Mental Health Commission on an annual basis.
The review will be chaired by Dr Donald Lyons, Mental Welfare Com- mission of Scotland and will involve an examination of “Processes and Protocols relating to both the clini- cal and administrative management of the unit’.
Relatives and other stakeholders are to be contacted and asked to make TU leyseb hwy Oy ele