Ombudsman Chris Field commenced an investigation in February into the role of the OPA in notifying the families of Mrs Joyce Savage, Mr Robert Ayling and Mr Kenneth Hartley of their respective deaths in 2021, 2014 and 2020.
Public Advocate, Pauline Bagdonavicius, said she accepted the Ombudsman’s seven recommendations, noting that the OPA had already introduced a number of new practices to remedy the issues identified in today’s report.
“It is most regrettable these families endured unacceptable delays in being notified of the passing of their family member,” Ms Bagdonavicius said.
“The cases of Mrs Savage, Mr Ayling and Mr Hartley highlighted gaps in some of the OPA’s practices and procedures, which we have now improved and strengthened.”
Those changes include a new practice standard regarding death notification, updated practices for after-hours guardianship matters and enhancements to the OPA’s electronic case management system.
Ms Bagdonavicius said the OPA would continue to make further improvements in line with the Ombudsman’s recommendations.
“Every situation is different, but the practices we’ve introduced will improve the communication and cross-checking that is done by this office to ensure every attempt has been made by us and/or other relevant parties to notify families in a timely manner,” Ms Bagdonavicius said.
And she offered an unreserved apology to the three families involved.
“Now that the Ombudsman’s work has concluded I will be contacting the families to personally apologise and offer my condolences, and to provide them with an opportunity to discuss the matter further on their terms if they wish.”
The Public Advocate is appointed guardian for approximately 2,600 adults with a decision-making disability in WA.
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