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Health Information and Quality Authority

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The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA, /ˈhɪkwæ/; Irish: An t-Údarás um Fhaisnéis agus Cáilíocht Sláinte) is a statutory, government-funded agency in the Republic of 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] HIQA does not operate in Northern Ireland, where the equivalent body is the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (the RQIA).[4]

Hospitals

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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.[5][6][1] 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

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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

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

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "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. ^ "Registration and Inspection of Nursing Homes". Archived from the original on 2011-05-20. Retrieved 2011-06-22.
  4. ^ The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority: About RQIA. https://www.rqia.org.uk/who-we-are/about-rqia
  5. ^ Donnellan, Eithne. "Mallow hospital inquiry announced". The Irish Times. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  6. ^ "Ennis 'not viable' as acute hospital". rte.ie. 9 April 2009. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  7. ^ "National Hygiene Services Quality Review 2007, Ireland". Medical News Today. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  8. ^ "eHealth records and prescribing pledge". Irishhealth.com. 2004-07-21. Archived from the original on 2011-09-28. Retrieved 2019-05-20.
  9. ^ admin (21 May 2011). "Towards a digital future". Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  10. ^ "Hospital waiting times 'excessive and unsafe'". rte.ie. 22 June 2011. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  11. ^ "Better health in new year?". Independent.ie. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  12. ^ "Nursing home bill to set up inspections body". rte.ie. 14 December 2006. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  13. ^ "Independent inspectors to spot check HSE care homes". The Independent.
  14. ^ "Who will bring up 3 siblings under the age of 5?". The Herald. Archived from the original on 2012-08-02.
  15. ^ "Foster parents still not fully vetted, says watchdog". Independent.ie. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  16. ^ "Concerns raised over quality of foster care". www.irishexaminer.com. 8 March 2010. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
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