Health Information and Quality Authority explained

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA, ; An t-Údarás um Fhaisnéis agus Cáilíocht Sláinte) is a statutory, government-funded agency in the Republic of Ireland which monitors the safety and quality of the healthcare and social care systems.[1] Mooted as early as 2001,[2] HIQA received its powers and mandate in May 2007 under the Health Act 2007. The Authority also exercises functions under the Child Care Act 1991 and the Children Act 2001.[3] HIQA does not operate in Northern Ireland, where the equivalent body is the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (the RQIA).[4]

Hospitals

The Authority has produced a number of reports and recommendations on the safety of care in both public and private hospitals.[5] [6] [1] HIQA is also tasked with inspecting hygiene standards in public hospitals.[7]

As well as performing hospital evaluations, HIQA is charged with implementing electronic health records[8] and information governance,[9] investigating waiting times,[10] and protecting whistleblowers.[11]

Nursing homes

After the Leas Cross scandal, there was increased demand for inspection of both private and public nursing homes. As a result, HIQA was given powers to register, inspect and, via application to court, close nursing homes and similar residential services delivering sub-standard care.[12] [13]

Social care

HIQA has issued reports on foster care services, describing a lack of assessment of carers[14] and criticising the "significant failure" by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to monitor children in care.[15] In particular, HIQA raised concerns over the Dublin and North East areas.[16]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Calls for review of cancer treatment - Boston.com. www.boston.com. 20 May 2019.
  2. Web site: Early death still 'a major health issue'. Independent.ie. 20 May 2019.
  3. Web site: Registration and Inspection of Nursing Homes . 2011-06-22 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110520160749/http://www.dohc.ie/issues/nursing_home_inspection/ . 2011-05-20 .
  4. The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority: About RQIA. https://www.rqia.org.uk/who-we-are/about-rqia
  5. News: Mallow hospital inquiry announced. Eithne. Donnellan. The Irish Times. 20 May 2019.
  6. Web site: Ennis 'not viable' as acute hospital. 9 April 2009. 20 May 2019. rte.ie.
  7. Web site: National Hygiene Services Quality Review 2007, Ireland. Medical News Today. 20 May 2019.
  8. Web site: eHealth records and prescribing pledge . Irishhealth.com . 2004-07-21 . 2019-05-20 . 2011-09-28 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110928111538/http://www.irishhealth.com/article.html?id=6135 . dead .
  9. Web site: Towards a digital future. admin. 21 May 2011. 20 May 2019.
  10. Web site: Hospital waiting times 'excessive and unsafe'. 22 June 2011. 20 May 2019. rte.ie.
  11. Web site: Better health in new year?. Independent.ie. 20 May 2019.
  12. Web site: Nursing home bill to set up inspections body. 14 December 2006. 20 May 2019. rte.ie.
  13. News: Independent inspectors to spot check HSE care homes. The Independent.
  14. Web site: Who will bring up 3 siblings under the age of 5?. https://archive.today/20120802090618/http://www.herald.ie/national-news/wholl-bring-up-3-siblings-aged-under-5-2800703.html. dead. 2012-08-02. The Herald.
  15. Web site: Foster parents still not fully vetted, says watchdog. Independent.ie. 20 May 2019.
  16. Web site: Concerns raised over quality of foster care. 8 March 2010. www.irishexaminer.com. 20 May 2019.

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