Admissions to the Cuan Mhuire Centre were suspended on 21 August 2007 following health and safety concerns raised in a report by the Regulation Quality and Improvement Authority. The report cited problems with fire safety, the condition of the buildings, and staffing cover which subsequently led to the Management of the Centre deciding to close it.
Both Ministers restated their support for the important work undertaken at the Cuan Mhuire and reaffirmed their commitment to doing all possible to help restore services at the centre.
Speaking following the meeting Margaret Ritchie , Minister for Social Development said:
"I am very aware of the important work carried out at Cuan Mhuire and the dedication of the staff who work there. The re-establishment of safe services at the centre must be at the core of any action plan.
"My Department, through the Housing Executive, will reinstate Supporting People funding to provide support and guidance to these vulnerable people who require the services of Cuan Mhuire"
Health Minster, Michael McGimpsey added;
"Cuan Mhuire has provided treatment and care for vulnerable people over many years. I know from my recent visit that the facility is held in high regard by all those who have used the service as well as the local community. I realise the decision taken by Cuan Mhuire to close the centre was a difficult one but was a result of a number of serious concerns about the safety of residents at this facility, in particular the inadequacy of the fire safety and health and safety arrangements.
“As Health Minister my overriding priority is to ensure the safety of people using health and social care services across the independent and statutory sector. In respect of Cuan Mhuire, I asked the Southern Board to work with other agencies and Cuan Mhuire to see if the safety issues could be resolved, and as part of this process an Action Plan is being developed. Further discussion on this Action Plan will take place with Cuan Mhuire next week.”
The details of the action plan will be put to the Management Board of Cuan Mhuire in the next 24 hours and will look at areas of health and safety that will need to be addressed to ensure safe and effective care until the new Cuan Mhuire facility is ready in a couple of years.
Notes to Editors:
- Cuan Mhuire has provided accommodation and services for adults with drug and alcohol issues, accepting residents from all areas of Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and a small number from Great Britain.
- A recent report of an inspection carried out by the regulatory body, the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority, identified a number of concerns relating to the safety of residents using the facility and the standard of the premises. After considering the report, the management board of Cuan Mhuire took the decision to close the premises. The current site is also affected by the proposed re-alignment of the A1 dual carriageway. Cuan Mhuire have acquired land in the Newry area, with the aim of building new premises.
- The Southern Health and Social Services Board, in partnership with Cuan Mhuire and other statutory agencies, has been asked by the Minister to investigate options that would allow Cuan Mhuire to continue in operation on the present site until the new premises are ready. A report is due by the end of October.
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