merrion street

The Minister of State for Primary and Social Care, Kathleen Lynch TD, today, Wednesday 30 July, welcomed the launch of HIQA’s public consultation on new National Standards for Nursing Homes and Residential Care Settings for Older People.

“Patient safety and quality assurance is secured by setting quality standards, reinforced by Regulations that specify how the best services possible can be delivered in an effective and appropriate way”, she said, “Standards promote health, well-being and quality of life. I would urge residents and their families, in particular, to take this opportunity to inform the development of the final set of Standards. They can provide valuable insights on the quality of the service provided”.

If it becomes necessary for an older person to receive residential care it is important to ensure that the highest standards of care are provided. The current Standards were first introduced in 2009 and HIQA has decided that it is opportune to review them. In preparing new draft Standards HIQA has taken on board feedback from providers and residents as well as evidence based international research. HIQA would like to hear from any individual, group or other body that wishes to contribute to the consultation.

ENDS

Note for Editors

· HIQA is the independent body responsible for promoting quality and safety in the provision of health and personal social services for the benefit of service users.

· On 1 July 2009 statutory responsibility for inspecting and registering nursing homes was given to HIQA’s Chief Inspector of Social Services.

· This function is underpinned by a comprehensive quality framework comprising the Health Act 2007, Care and Welfare Regulations, Registration Regulations and the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland.

· Revised Care and Welfare Regulations for the nursing home sector were recently enacted on 1 July 2014.