The newly-appointed Northern Ireland Public Service Ombudsman, Margaret Kelly (pictured) has announced that a critical report into the failings in care of an elderly woman while at home in 2015 will finally be published.
Ms Kelly’s predecessors at the Ombudsman’s office investigated the circumstances in which Joan Johnson (81), died soon after two falls.
It found failures over staff training and risk assessments, but did not publish these due to a legal challenge by the company in charge of her home care.
However, Ms Kelly said publication was in the public interest.
In a letter to Ms Johnson’s family, Ms Kelly said publication of investigation reports helped improve confidence in public bodies.
“This indicates openness, transparency and accountability in the complaints process and reassures the public that complaints are considered independently,” Ms Kelly said.
“I also consider that trust in public service providers requires acknowledgement of failures and learning to avoid repetition,” she said.
Ms Johnson’s daughter, Joan Crothers welcomed the decision.
“My family and I are greatly relieved and hope that this U-turn in the decision means that no other family has to go through the ordeal that we have had to,” Ms Crothers said.
Ms Johnson’s two falls occurred at her home within 48 hours in February 2015 while being lifted in a device aimed at assisting patients. A week later, she died in hospital from a heart condition.
Belfast, 10 November 2020
