Hiqa told of abuse allegations at care unit

The first set of inspection reports in relation to services for people with disabilities reveal the health watchdog was notified of allegations of abuse at one Dublin-based centre late last year.

Stewarts Care Ltd in Palmerstown, which caters for 184 intellectually disabled children and adults, notified the Health Insurance and Quality Authority (Hiqa) of the abuse allegations on December 5 last.

Hiqa requested further information but was not reassured that residents in the service were safeguarded and protected. Due to the “the lack of assurances and the seriousness of the allegations and ongoing concerns regarding the protection of residents”, Hiqa requested a meeting with Stewarts Care on December 9, but the meeting did not go ahead because the information sought had by then been provided.