The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA, /ˈhɪkwæ/; Irish: 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

References

  1. 1 2 "Calls for review of cancer treatment - Boston.com". www.boston.com. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  2. ↑ "Early death still 'a major health issue'". Independent.ie. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  3. ↑ "Registration and Inspection of Nursing Homes". Archived from the original on 2011-05-20. Retrieved 2011-06-22.
  4. ↑ The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority: About RQIA. https://www.rqia.org.uk/who-we-are/about-rqia
  5. ↑ Donnellan, Eithne. "Mallow hospital inquiry announced". The Irish Times. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  6. ↑ "Ennis 'not viable' as acute hospital". 9 April 2009. Retrieved 20 May 2019 – via www.rte.ie. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  7. ↑ "National Hygiene Services Quality Review 2007, Ireland". Medical News Today. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  8. ↑ "eHealth records and prescribing pledge". Irishhealth.com. 2004-07-21. Retrieved 2019-05-20.
  9. ↑ admin (21 May 2011). "Towards a digital future". Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  10. ↑ "Hospital waiting times 'excessive and unsafe'". 22 June 2011. Retrieved 20 May 2019 – via www.rte.ie. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  11. ↑ "Better health in new year?". Independent.ie. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  12. ↑ "Nursing home bill to set up inspections body". 14 December 2006. Retrieved 20 May 2019 – via www.rte.ie. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  13. ↑ "Independent inspectors to spot check HSE care homes". The Independent.
  14. ↑ "Who will bring up 3 siblings under the age of 5?". The Herald. Archived from the original on 2012-08-02.
  15. ↑ "Foster parents still not fully vetted, says watchdog". Independent.ie. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  16. ↑ "Concerns raised over quality of foster care". www.irishexaminer.com. 8 March 2010. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
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