Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

65-year-old Mary Garvan, who featured in the RTÉ Prime Time report. RTE
with pay

Áras Attracta: Another staff member suspended at controversial Mayo home

The latest suspension is not connected with the RTÉ probe, or with follow up actions by gardaí.

ANOTHER STAFF MEMBER has been suspended with pay at the Áras Attracta care home in Co Mayo, the HSE has confirmed.

A second worker, supplied by an agency, won’t be working again at the centre.

“In both incidents poor care practices are the focus,” a statement from the health service said.

In both cases, incidents were reported internally and not as a result of HIQA inspections.

“The issues came to attention through the proactive implementation of safeguarding measures right across the sector where vulnerable adults are cared for,” the statement continued.

In the case of the staff member placed off-duty, the HSE noted that it was “a protective measure” and that the matter “stands as a complaint and not a conclusion”.

The centre for the intellectually disabled was investigated by an RTÉ team last year – however, the latest actions are not connected with that probe, or with follow up actions by gardaí.

Six staff at the facility appeared in court back in June charged with assault arising from the period investigated by the national broadcaster.

In this evening’s statement, the HSE said that while it regretted any deviation from care standards “alleged or otherwise” there have been “major improvements in the culture where observation is heightened and reporting of concerns is now seen as best practice”.

It added “Aras Attracta has and continues to undergo significant change”.

Read: Controversial Áras Attracta home failed to protect resident who fell on wet floor

Read: The HSE has NOT abandoned plans to use CCTV in care homes