‘Long overdue’ legal protection for elderly in NI welcomed by watchdog

A new Adult Safeguarding Bill was a key recommendation of the ‘Home Truths’ report published by Eddie Lynch in June 2018.

The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland said yesterday’s announcement by Health Minister Robin Swann was a welcome, but “long overdue,” development.

In his 2018 report, Mr Lynch said the investigation had uncovered a “horrific catalogue of inhuman and degrading treatment”, including evidence of “physical and sexual assaults”.

Since then Runwood Homes, who operate Dunmurry Manor, has said a “robust medicines management regime” had been put in place at the facility as well as changes to staff, training and policy.

Mr Swann has said he will begin work immediately to implement the recommendations of an independent review commissioned as a result of the Home Truths report, and will “consult on a range of legislative options before Christmas”.

In response, the commissioner said his own investigation “highlighted once again, how vulnerable older people are not adequately protected” in law.

“That is why a safeguarding bill is needed to help address many of the weaknesses in our current system,” Mr Lynch said.

“This particular Bill is something my office has been calling on for many years and something I highlighted the urgent need for with Minister Swann shortly after he took up his post earlier this year.

“My office has undertaken research and sought expert opinion on the content of an Adult Safeguarding Bill for Northern Ireland and I look forward to sharing this with the relevant officials to ensure we get a bill that better protects many of the most vulnerable in our society.”

Mr Lynch added: “For too long vulnerable older people in Northern Ireland have not been adequately protected in legislation. This decision has been long overdue so it’s vital that work progresses on the Bill at pace so we get this protection in place for our most vulnerable as soon as possible.”

Announcing the outcome of the Department of Health’s independent review – carried out by social care experts CPEA – Mr Swann said it found that adult safeguarding practice “did not actively contribute” to keeping residents safe at Dunmurry Manor, and that “families’ voices were repeatedly unheard”.

The review panel also found “divergent safeguarding practices” across the health and social care trusts.

In line with the review’s recommendations, the minister has also confirmed that plans to stand down the NI Adult Safeguarding Partnership in a move towards the establishment of an Independent Adult Safeguarding Board.

The new board will work at arms length from the Department of Health.

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