The Health Service Executive has confirmed that it is apologising to four patient advocates for the way they were treated by the organisation.
In a statement, the HSE said that it has met with the advocates and "is apologising to each of the patient advocates for failings identified in the internal and external reports in respect of their engagement with HSE officials."
It has also apologised for the delay in getting the reports finalised. The reports have not been published.
It said it is committed to improving its processes in collaboration with patient and service user advocates "so that patient advocates have a positive experience when they engage with the HSE".
In 2018 and 2019, the executive received complaints from four patient advocates.
It said the complaints primarily related to the manner in which the patient advocates were dealt with by specific senior HSE staff.
They also related to the appropriateness of changes made in terms of funding services provided by complainants, or their organisations at the time.
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The HSE said that following an investigation of the complaints, delayed by Covid-19 and the lack of a clear policy in place at the time, an external investigation was commissioned in February 2021.
It said that in relation to two of the three respondents, how the complainants were dealt with by senior staff fell below the Code of Standards and Behaviour.
It added that the policies, processes and controls in place around the funding of advocacy groups were found to be adequate and appropriate and had been followed.
The HSE said the investigation highlighted the need for frameworks for decision-making with advocacy groups to be clearly articulated, documented and transparent.
It said it is taking a number of actions including the development of a complaints procedure for patient advocates, a review of the processes for the procurement by the HSE of patient advocacy services and increased briefing and training for HSE staff.
The issue was referenced by HSE Chairman Ciaran Devane in board meeting minutes from April, just published.
