Independent Review Backs HIQA Processes

The review also suggested using data to improve regulatory oversight.

An independent review into HIQA's regulatory effectiveness has found the health watch dog's processes are fundamentally effective.

The review was commissioned by the Minister for Older People Kieran O'Donnell after a TV exposé on Emeis Ireland nursing homes revealed multiple instances of care failings and neglect at The Residence in Portlaoise, and Beneavin Manor in Dubli

At the time of the revelations in June last year, Emeis Ireland apologised unequivocally for the failings in its care.

Restrictions on admissions were put in place on its nursing homes by HIQA, but it subsequently emerged a flurry of admissions took place up to and after the direction took effect.

There were widespread calls for the health inspector to review its inspection regime.

One of the main recommendations of this report underlines the need to better understand the lived experiences of residents in nursing homes.

While the review describes HIQA's approach to the issue as adequate, evidence shows the criteria in place to make decisions around whether resident-focused inspections should be carried out, can be improved.

Allied to reviewing how HIQA captures the voices of residents, it's also being advised to look at how it assesses culture and leadership in nursing homes, and how staff working are affected by that culture.

It's recommending the use of data analytics to improve regulatory oversight, help residents access inspection reports on their own homes, and suggests improving the turn around time when it comes to those reports.

The review also suggests HIQA should work with the Department of Health to consider how to strengthen legislation to address emerging issues in the nursing home sector.

More from Midlands News

Download Our App