HSE gets 100 calls over care concerns

THE HSE was yesterday fielding calls from concerned clients and their families relating to home care services following revelations that private providers are not up to scratch.

According to the HSE it had received more than 100 calls to a special telephone line. At least 11 of the calls resulted in complaints which the HSE said were now being dealt with.

This year alone, the HSE will spend €341m on home care services which provide care to over 60,000 people including older people, people with a disability and mental health clients. The majority, in excess of 90%, of home care services are provided directly by HSE staff, many of whom are qualified clinical staff. Services are also provided through a range of voluntary organisations and private service providers funded by the HSE.