Ombudsman slams HSE amid record number of complaints

The Ombudsman has slammed the conduct of the HSE in dealing with her office and similiar bodies.

The Ombudsman has slammed the conduct of the HSE in dealing with her office and similar bodies.

In publishing her annual report today Emily O'Reilly said she has been led on an 'Alice in Wonderland' trip around the legal system when dealing with the HSE.

Her office received a record number of complaints in 2009 - with 2,873 complaints by people who felt that they had been treated badly or unfairly by public bodies the highest in over 10 years.

Ms O'Reilly said some found themselves in desperate situations and were badly let down by the system.

She says one complaint, from a woman about the care and treatment of her terminally-ill husband was especially distressing as was one relating to a psychiatric hospital in the Midlands where patients were experiencing disturbing ongoing and major deficiencies in conditions.

She says she can only describe these cases as shocking and unacceptable and makes no apology in publicising them.

The Ombudsman Annual Report was submitted to the Dáil and Seanad this morning.