Joint committee launches report on health advocacy in order to safeguard rights of vulnerable individuals

Elected representatives have experienced difficulties making representations to hospitals and other health services on behalf of constituents, a report by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children states.

The cross-party group wants the HSE to consider giving more formal recognition to the role of advocates who are working to support vulnerable clients.

In its ‘Report on the Role of Advocacy in Health and Social Care Services in Ireland,’ published yesterday, the committee says the lack of statutory powers for advocates can prevent them from accessing or supporting clients.