Robin Swann

Health Minister Robin Swann pledged to bring forward the new Adult Safeguarding Bill in response to the first report from an independent review commissioned to examine the health and social case system’s response to care failings at Dunmurry Manor Care Home.

The review, by social care experts CPEA, was commissioned by the Department of Health following the Commissioner for Older People’s 2018 ‘Home Truths’ report on Dunmurry Manor.

CPEA concluded that adult safeguarding practice ‘did not actively contribute’ to keeping residents safe at Dunmurry Manor and that families’ voices were repeatedly unheard. It also found divergent safeguarding practices across the HSC Trusts.

Mr Swann said: “I want to thank the independent review team for the diligence and thoroughness of their review. I am committed to making lasting improvements in adult safeguarding and my Department will begin immediately to deliver on the recommendations set out in this report.

“I can confirm that this will include legislative reform. I intend to consult on a range of legislative options before Christmas to inform the development of an Adult Safeguarding Bill.

“I have asked the chief social worker, Sean Holland, to chair a new Adult Safeguarding Transformation Board to oversee this work and to strengthen the governance around adult safeguarding to achieve a more accountable, regional approach.

“I would also like to thank the team from CPEA for their work and expertise in delivering this report.

“I am determined to lead social care into a better place in Northern Ireland, and an Adult Safeguarding Bill will help achieve that goal.

“I want to thank the individuals and agencies who have contributed to NIASP over the years. I recognise the value of that engagement and I believe the plans that I am announcing today set the way forward for us to continue working together across the different sectors.”