People with Disabilities in Ireland
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Jervis Street
Dublin 1
Telephone: 01 87 21 74 4
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Email: info@pwdi.ie
The Leas Cross Nursing Home scandal could be happening in other areas, because of the absence of national standards for ongoing monitoring and inspection of the services delivered to people with disabilities, according to PwDI.
At a recent board meeting at the Tullamore Court Hotel, Co Offaly grave concern was expressed by board members at the continuing failure of the Department of Health to insist on the implementation of national standards.
Speaking after the meeting Chief Executive, Michael Ringrose said:
"The majority of the health budget continues to be consumed by non-statutory organisations. Many of these organisations set their own standards. Measurable national standards are essential because they would deliver accountability, quality and consistency throughout the country.
"A great deal of very professional and high level work under the Chairmanship of Professor Vincent Dodd went into the preparation of draft national standards.
"However, despite the fact that they were drawn up a year ago it would appear that they will not see the light of day any time soon.
"While many of the bodies providing services to people with disabilities are doing excellent work, it is also the case that a sizable number do not want to become subject to the kind of scrutiny that such standards would impose.
"Therefore, we are calling on the Tánaiste and Minister for Health to ensure that the draft standards are published without delay.
"We would hope that the Minister and the Government would be able to resist any behind the scenes lobbying for the status quo to remain," he said.
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