‘Significant’ increase in reports to HSE National Safeguarding Office

There was a 33 per cent increase in the number of cases reported last year to the National Safeguarding Office compared to 2022.

The figure is contained in the new 2023 National Safeguarding Office Annual Report, which found the total number of safeguarding concerns reported to the HSE was 18,290.

Of this number, 12,269 concerns were regarding adults 18-64 years of age, and 5,582 were concerns regarding adults 65 and over.

Referrals from service settings such as residential and nursing homes increased by 4,000, last year.

Mr Tim Hanly, HSE National Safeguarding Office, said the report is a “vital reminder” of the importance of adult safeguarding across health and social care services.

He noted that the increase in adult abuse reports to the HSE last year was “the most significant year-on-year increase since safeguarding and protection teams were set up by the HSE in 2015”.

“Reports are significantly increased across our service settings, however detection and response to adult abuse especially elder abuse in all settings still remains challenged by a deficit in awareness and understanding – perhaps even recognition of the issue – among staff, families and communities.”

Ms Amanda Casey, HSE Chief Social Worker, said: “Adult safeguarding is about providing supports for all adults at risk to live their lives free from harm and abuse.  This requires all of us to take steps to ensure that people using our services, and those who care for them, are aware of their rights and are supported to raise concerns.  We do this by raising awareness and providing training for our staff about signs and indicators of abuse and by supporting them to report concerns.”

The report can be accessed here: National Safeguarding Office Annual Report 2023