The HSE has today (Sunday, 25th June) confirmed the appointment Jackie McIlroy, an adult safeguarding expert from Northern Ireland, to examine issues relating to the Emily case, and to look at HSE safeguarding more broadly. Ms McIlroy has worked at both individual case and policy level for adult safeguarding and will report directly to the CEO.
Commenting Bernard Gloster, HSE CEO said, “There has been significant commentary in the last week relating to a report of the National Independent Review Panel (NIRP) undertaken following a serious sexual assault at a HSE residential facility for older people. This report is known as the NIRP Emily (pseudonym) report and has not yet been published by the HSE.
“At the outset, I want to again offer my deepest apology to Emily’s family for the trauma and distress that she and they have suffered. Arising from the sentencing court where a healthcare worker was convicted of rape, there is an order prohibiting the identification of the facility and the victim (Emily). Because of this order and the wishes of Emily’s family we would ask all commentators to focus on the issues, and not the personal circumstances of Emily. As I said earlier this week, I am not satisfied we yet fully understand all of the issues in this facility or indeed those arising in the wider care context and that is why I have asked Jackie McIlroy to undertake two specific tasks:
- To review the relevant reports, specifically NIRP report, CHO Safeguarding and the NIRP summary and engage as appropriate. On the basis of this work, I have asked her to advise me if a further examination of individual records is required in the context of identifying past harm. If she determines a further examination is required, I have asked her to outline what period of time should this cover. Ms McIlroy will report to me in relation to this element in 6 weeks.
- To conduct a high-level review of the HSE safeguarding policy, procedures, structures and advise me on possible options for the future of safeguarding, recognising that the HSE has roles in safeguarding in both the community and alternative care settings for adults. I have asked Ms McIlroy to provide me with this review in 16 weeks.
“I am very grateful that someone of Jackie’s credentials and experience of almost four decades is providing us with her expertise. It is critical at so many levels that we close out any questions in this individual home, and of equal importance that we completely overhaul and future-proof our entire approach to safeguarding vulnerable adults.”
“This week the HSE will also engage further with a number of families of residents of this individual home to update them on safeguarding considerations for their loved ones, many now deceased. This will be done in a respectful and supportive manner at a pace entirely determined by families. Disclosure is an important process and we do not intend to rush it or to conduct it in the public eye. Public confidence and discourse on issues and themes is important but not to the extent that it involves individual and personal information on such sensitive and upsetting matters.
“The HSE intends to publish appropriate information when we are satisfied that we have achieved the best level of outcome possible for people involved and when we have considered further the legal parameters.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
Biography – Jackie McIlroy
Jackie has worked in social care services in Northern Ireland for over 38 years. A professionally qualified social worker since 1990 she is registered with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council. For most of her career she has worked in adult services within the statutory sector in the Belfast area. In 2003, she won the NI Healthcare Awards for leading on the development of a cinema and television health education campaign aimed at promoting young men’s mental wellbeing. From 2004 to 2013, Jackie held several managerial roles within the Belfast Trust and was the Adult Safeguarding lead for mental health services obtaining considerable experience of adult safeguarding practice both as a practitioner and as a manager.
In 2013, Jackie joined the Department of Health NI as a social work professional officer and contributed to the development of current policy and practice in adult safeguarding. In 2016 she was appointed as the Deputy Chief Social Worker for Northern Ireland and her directorate had responsibility for providing professional advice and assistance in the formulation of policy, preparation of legislation and leading on professional practice matters, including advising on safeguarding concerns.
Jackie also led on the Reform of Adult Social Care within the Department of Health. She retired in April 2023.
Last updated on: 25 / 06 / 2023
