Health Information and Quality Authority

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA, /ˈhɪkwæ/; Irish: An t-Údarás um Fhaisnéis agus Cáilíocht Sláinte ) is a statutory, government-funded agency in 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]

Hospitals

The Authority has produced a number of reports and recommendations on the safety of care in both public and private hospitals. [4][5][1] HIQA is also tasked with inspecting hygiene standards in public hospitals. [6]

As well as performing hospital evaluations, HIQA is charged with implementing electronic health records[7] and information governance,[8] investigating waiting times,[9] and protecting whistleblowers.[10]

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.[11][12]

Social care

HIQA has issued reports on foster care services, describing a lack of assessment of carers[13] and criticising the "significant failure" by the Health Service Executive to monitor children in care.[14] In particular, HIQA raised concerns over the Dublin and North East areas.[15]

See also

References
  1. "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. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-05-20. Retrieved 2011-06-22.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. Donnellan, Eithne. "Mallow hospital inquiry announced". The Irish Times. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  5. "Ennis 'not viable' as acute hospital". 9 April 2009. Retrieved 20 May 2019 – via www.rte.ie. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  6. "National Hygiene Services Quality Review 2007, Ireland". Medical News Today. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  7. "eHealth records and prescribing pledge". Irishhealth.com. 2004-07-21. Retrieved 2019-05-20.
  8. admin (21 May 2011). "Towards a digital future". Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  9. "Hospital waiting times 'excessive and unsafe'". 22 June 2011. Retrieved 20 May 2019 – via www.rte.ie. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  10. "Better health in new year?". Independent.ie. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  11. "Nursing home bill to set up inspections body". 14 December 2006. Retrieved 20 May 2019 – via www.rte.ie. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  12. "Independent inspectors to spot check HSE care homes". The Independent.
  13. "Who will bring up 3 siblings under the age of 5?". The Herald. Archived from the original on 2012-08-02.
  14. "Foster parents still not fully vetted, says watchdog". Independent.ie. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  15. Monday; March 08; Am, 2010-07:39 (8 March 2010). "Concerns raised over quality of foster care". www.irishexaminer.com. Retrieved 20 May 2019.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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