SIPTU members working in the Our Lady's Unit in the Saint Patrick's Centre, County Kilkenny, had highlighted deficiencies in its operation to the management of the facility prior to it being de-registered and taken under the control of Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) today (Monday, 29th June). SIPTU Organiser, Dave Morris, said: “Our members who work in the unit, which provides high intensity care to persons with intellectual disabilities, had previously highlighted to management their concerns over staffing levels and other issues. “They would like to take the opportunity to stress to the families of clients that the defects in the operation of the unit that have led to its de-registration do not concern the standard of professional care offered by staff. Rather, they relate to non-adherence to fire regulations and insufficient staffing levels.” He added: “SIPTU members who work in the unit have greeted the take-over of its management by HIQA with an acceptance that action had to be taken to improve aspects of its operation. “Following its take-over of the management of the unit, HIQA immediately drafted in additional staff. It is hoped that a commitment to provide additional funds for the unit will result in renovations that will resolve the other deficiencies. “SIPTU members of staff look forward to working with HIQA in resolving all the outstanding issues in a speedy and effective manner.”
SIPTU members had warned of deficiencies in Kilkenny care unit
