Health Information and Quality Authority

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) (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, 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]

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 to monitor children in care.[15] In particular, HIQA raised concerns over the Dublin and North East areas.[16]

See also

References