Huge financial challenges facing Western Care in Mayo revealed
The Western Care Association is facing huge financial challenges in maintaining services to 700 service users as well as addressing a range of non-compliance issues cited in a damning HIQA report, The Connaught Telegraph has learned.
The organisation is currently operating a deficit of over €8.8 million.
That includes €3.1 million to maintain its existing level of service delivery, €2 million for additional capital investment in new vehicles, facilities and IT and €3.1 million for additional new business cases and funding for a workforce plan to mitigate high risk.
Not included in the €8.8 million figure is a charge of €2.7m. that the association must pay for HIQA registration for residential services at 42 locations.
The board of Western Care have briefed Oireachtas members in the county about the situation.
And while committed to addressing governance, management and safeguard issues raised by HIQA in respect of their residential centres for people with disabilities, the fiscal difficulties are a growing matter of concern.
Deputy Alan Dillon has raised the situation with An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar.
He said that without organisations such as Western Care Association, other voluntary disability services, carers and families of those with all levels of disability ‘will be lost’.
He asked An Taoiseach if the government will prioritise funding for the delivery of the disability capacity review as well as seeking pay parity for those working in section 39 organisations like Western Care.
Mr. Varadkar said the HSE, in conjunction with the board of Western Care, has commissioned a service improvement programme. It will address all the HIQA recommendations, which have been accepted and, indeed, welcomed.
He said: “The government is committed to providing services for people with disabilities.
“Western Care Association receives funding from the HSE under section 39 of the Health Act. The organisation's service agreement is with the HSE, which has operational responsibility for oversight and delivery of services in accordance with that agreement.”