This report provides an overview of our assessment of the provision of Interpreting Services in GP practices for patients who are not proficient in English.
It is the first in a series of Overview Reports which review issues that are creating potential barriers to accessing healthcare.
The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman is proposing to investigate the actions of the region’s largest social housing landlord, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
The investigation into social housing conditions would be the third to take place under the Ombudsman’s ‘own initiative’ power, which allows for an investigation to take place where she has a reasonable suspicion of systemic maladministration.
This report was prepared in response to concerns about the protection given to trees and the lack of enforcement action following reported breaches of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).
This investigation found that the system for communicating with patients on healthcare waiting lists is in ‘disarray’, and concluded that significant and repeated failures across the system amounted to ‘systemic maladministration’.
It urged the Department of Health to work with Health Trusts, GPs and others to address the failings.
In June 2021 the Ombudsman found that repeated failings by the Department for Communities in how it handled further evidence amounted to ‘systemic maladministration’. Ombudsman Margaret Kelly made 33 recommendations on how the system could be improved.
This follow-up report shows that out of the 33 recommendations made, 10 have been fully met, 18 partly met, and 5 not met.
Our investigation found that the Department for Communities and Capita failed to properly obtain and use all relevant medical information to help them assess claims for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefit.
This report contains details of investigations into restrictive practices in schools, identifies recurring themes, and includes a number of recommendations to the Department of Education.
