Friday, 18 December 2020

CAMPHILL ACTING TO PROTECT HEALTH AND SAFETY OF DUNSHANE RESIDENTS 

Camphill Communities of Ireland’s recent decision to relocate eight residents from its Dunshane Community was done to protect their health and safety as well as that of Camphill’s staff, according to Camphill CEO, Ann Sheehan.

Ms Sheehan explained, that contrary to some recent reports, nobody is being evicted from Dunshane – all eight residents affected, have been offered relocation either within Dunshane or where that is not possible, in another Camphill Community. 

“Camphill recently updated its risk assessment on fire safety issues at one of our houses in Dunshane. Our first concern was to ensure the health and safety of our residents and staff and so the difficult decision was made to close the house pending remedial works. Families have been met as well the residents impacted by this. Alternative services with in Camphill have been offered to each of the residents. HIQA and HSE have also been notified and have been supportive throughout this difficult time. 

“We are currently working with the HSE to see if we can get the funding required to undertake remediation works at the house in Dunshane so that the fire safety issues are addressed. Assuming that we get the required funding, the works will then be carried out and the eight residents will be invited to return to Dunshane,” Ann Sheehan concluded.