The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is an independent, government-funded agency in the Republic of Ireland which monitors the safety and quality of the Irish healthcare system.[1] Mooted as early as 2001[2], HIQA received its powers and mandate in May 2007 under the Health Act 2007, the Child Care Act 1991, and the Children Act 2001.[3]
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The Authority has produced a number of reports and recommendations on the safety of care in both public and private hospitals, including Mallow General Hospital, Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Ennis, and Barringtons Hospital.[4][5][6] 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]
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 inspect, fine, take over, and close nursing homes delivering sub-standard care.[12][13]
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 to monitor children in care.[15] In particular, HIQA raised concerns over the Dublin and North East areas.[16]