Big failings in care units for children

SIGNIFICANT failings in the management and staffing of special care units are compromising the state’s capacity to meet the needs of the vulnerable children they house, a report has found.

Inspectors from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) described one of the units, Coovagh House in Limerick, as being “in crisis,” noting “grave concerns regarding safety of children and staff”.

Coovagh House was one of three special care units assessed as part of HIQA’s National Overview Report of Special Care Services provided by the HSE. The other two units are Ballydowd in HSE Dublin North East and Gleann Álainn in the HSE South.