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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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 (HSE) to monitor children in care.[14] In particular, HIQA raised concerns over the Dublin and North East areas.[15]
See also
[edit]- Department of Health (Ireland)
- Evidence-based medicine
- Health Service Executive
- Hospital accreditation
- Joint Commission
- List of international healthcare accreditation organizations
- Medical ethics
- Patient safety
- Patient safety organization
- URAC
- Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (Northern Ireland)
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Calls for review of cancer treatment - Boston.com". www.boston.com. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
- ^ "Early death still 'a major health issue'". Independent.ie. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
- ^ "Registration and Inspection of Nursing Homes". Archived from the original on 2011-05-20. Retrieved 2011-06-22.
- ^ Donnellan, Eithne. "Mallow hospital inquiry announced". The Irish Times. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
- ^ "Ennis 'not viable' as acute hospital". rte.ie. 9 April 2009. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
- ^ "National Hygiene Services Quality Review 2007, Ireland". Medical News Today. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
- ^ "eHealth records and prescribing pledge". Irishhealth.com. 2004-07-21. Archived from the original on 2011-09-28. Retrieved 2019-05-20.
- ^ admin (21 May 2011). "Towards a digital future". Retrieved 20 May 2019.
- ^ "Hospital waiting times 'excessive and unsafe'". rte.ie. 22 June 2011. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
- ^ "Better health in new year?". Independent.ie. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
- ^ "Nursing home bill to set up inspections body". rte.ie. 14 December 2006. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
- ^ "Independent inspectors to spot check HSE care homes". The Independent.
- ^ "Who will bring up 3 siblings under the age of 5?". The Herald. Archived from the original on 2012-08-02.
- ^ "Foster parents still not fully vetted, says watchdog". Independent.ie. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
- ^ "Concerns raised over quality of foster care". www.irishexaminer.com. 8 March 2010. Retrieved 20 May 2019.