Down Syndrome Ireland has called on the HSE to liaise with a Donegal family that is reeling from ‘demeaning’ remarks allegedly made about Down Syndrome children.
The HSE has apologised following reported comments made to a family during a meeting to discuss a care plan for a child with Down Syndrome.
Donegal Down Syndrome claimed that one professional informed the parents no plan is required as ‘children with Down Syndrome can be quite lazy’ and ‘everyone will tell you that children with Down syndrome are lazy, they just are’.
It is alleged that the comments were not challenged by other professionals around the table.
Down Syndrome Ireland, the national advocate for people with Down syndrome and their families throughout Ireland, said it is deeply concerned by the reported comments.
The charity is calling on the HSE to liaise with the family directly affected, with Donegal Down Syndrome and with Down Syndrome Ireland “to ensure that such dismissive attitudes are left firmly in the past”.
A spokesperson said: “As well as being utterly factually false, statements and attitudes such as these diminish and demean our members’ characters, achievements and potential. More worryingly, if such attitudes prevail within bodies charged with the care of our members, then our members and their families cannot have confidence in the quality of care being offered to them.
“Since Down Syndrome Ireland was founded over fifty years ago, attitudes towards people with Down syndrome have changed for the better, as a result of tireless advocacy by people with Down syndrome themselves, and the families and communities which support our members. They have shattered stereotypes and outmoded perceptions of their capabilities and their entitlements.
“Harmful language and attitudes such as these have no place in a modern healthcare system. Our members are entitled to the same respect, dignity and consideration as anyone who accesses the health system. They do not deserve to be labelled with baseless and harmful preconceptions, which have the potential to limit our members’ chances in life.”
Earlier this week, a HSE spokesperson told Donegal Daily they apologise to the family and will launch an investigation into the matter.
“The concerns raised are taken very seriously and an investigation into same will take place,” they confirmed.
“The HSE apologises to the child and family in this case that the level of service received was not at the level the family would wish it to be.
“With regards to the comments posted on the official Down Syndrome page on Monday 30th October, 2023, Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo (CH CDLMS) wishes to reassure all parents attending the CDNT Services that it is never their intention to cause distress or worry to any family,” they concluded.
