Press Releases Archive
2009
04 - November - 09. National Children in Care Inspection Report 2008 published
The Report reviewed the findings of 38 inspections of children’s residential care centres operated by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and of foster care services operated in a HSE region, carried out by the Authority in 2008.
01 - July - 09. Independent Inspection of Nursing Homes to Begin
A new era in protecting older people will begin in Ireland (1 July) as the independent inspection of all nursing homes will begin nationwide.
29 - June - 09. Health Information and Quality Authority publish report on Health Information
The Health Information and Quality Authority today published a Report on Recommendations for a Unique Health Identifier for Individuals in Ireland. The Report calls for the immediate introduction of a more robust and safer method of identifying patients in the health and social care system.
17 - June - 09. Health Technology Assessment (HTA) of a population-based colorectal cancer screening programme
The Health Information and Quality Authority today published the report of the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) of a population-based colorectal cancer screening programme in Ireland.
27 - May - 09. Standards to combat Healthcare Associated Infections published
The Health Information and Quality Authority has today published new standards to combat the spread of Healthcare Associated Infections.
11 - May - 09. Standards for Residential Services for People with Disabilities Published
The Health Information and Quality Authority has today published the National Quality Standards: Residential Services for People with Disabilities in Ireland. The National Quality Standards outline what is expected of a provider of services and what a person with a disability, his or her family, and the public can expect to receive from residential care services.
09 - April - 09. Patient safety investigation report published
The Health Information and Quality Authority today published the Report of the investigation into the quality and safety of services and supporting arrangements provided by the Health Service Executive at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital Ennis.
09 - March - 09. Nursing Homes Standards Launched
Minister for Health and Children and the Health Information and Quality Authority publish the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland
12 - February - 09. Health Information and Quality Authority Welcomes Government Approval of Report of the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance
The Health Information and Quality Authority today welcomed the Government’s approval of Building a Culture of Patient Safety: Report of the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance.
29 - January - 09. Presentation to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children on Primary Medical Care in the Community
The Authority presents at 3pm today to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children on Primary Medical Care in the Community.
2008
22 - December - 08. National Hygiene Review 2008
The Health Information and Quality Authority will today launch its second National Hygiene Services Quality Review, a review the hygiene services in Ireland’s 50 Health Service Executive and Voluntary acute care hospitals.
09 - December - 08. Leading the Way towards Enhanced Social Care Services
The Health Information and Quality Authority, in conjunction with the Council of Europe, is holding a European conference on “Enhancing the Quality of Social Care” today, Tuesday 9th December, in Farmleigh House, Dublin.
02 - December - 08. The Authority's presentation to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children
“The Authority presents at 3pm today on the Standards in Residential Services for People with an Intellectual Disability.”
19 - November - 08. Public support for sharing of health information confirmed Health Information and Quality Authority announce results of national poll
The results of a new opinion poll published today by the Health Information and Quality Authority have revealed that most people in Ireland (86%) believe that their health information should be linked up across the health system.
30 - October - 08. Health Information and Quality Authority announce Investigation Team for Investigation into Mid Western Regional Hospital, Ennis
The Health Information and Quality Authority has today announced the membership of the Investigation Team who will undertake the independent investigation into the quality and safety of patient care at the Mid Western Regional Hospital, Ennis.
3 - October - 08. Health Information and Quality Authority Publishes Terms of Reference for the Investigation into the Mid Western Regional Hospital, Ennis
The investigation will seek to establish if safe, quality services are in place at the Hospital and, if risks to patients are identified, recommendations will be made to address them. Where appropriate, national recommendations on wider service improvements will also be made.
24 - September- 08. Health Information and Quality Authority to carry out investigation at Ennis General Hospital
Following a meeting of the Board of the Health Information and Quality Authority in Cork, and a request from the Minister for Health and Children, the Authority has confirmed that it is to undertake an independent investigation of the management of quality and safety arrangements at Ennis General Hospital.
16 - September- 08. Draft National Quality Standards: Residential Services for People with Disabilities
"These draft standards set out what a quality, safe service for people with disabilities in a residential service
should be. The Authority is inviting the general public and interested parties to submit their views on these draft standards. Following this consultation, the draft standards will be reviewed and finalised in light of submissions received.
12 - September - 08. Response to the public consultation on the Health Information Bill by The Health Information and Quality Authority
"As part of the Health Reform Programme, the Department of Health and Children is preparing new legislation on the collection, use, sharing, storage, disclosure and transfer of personal health information as well as ensuring that the privacy of such information is appropriately respected.
07 - August- 08. Health Information and Quality Authority Welcomes Publication of the Report of the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance
"This is an important Report that outlines changes that are essential to further improve the quality and safety of care that patients should receive throughout Ireland", Dr. Tracey Cooper said.
05 - August- 08. The Health Information and Quality Authority Welcomes Announcement on Vaccination Programme in Reducing the Risk of Cervical Cancer in Ireland
The Authority welcomed the decision by the Minister for Health and Children in relation to The Role of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines in Reducing the Risk of Cervical Cancer in Ireland.
15 - July - 08. Health Information and Quality Authority publish Investigation Report into the Pathology Service and the Symptomatic Breast Disease Service at University Hospital Galway
The Board of the Authority, having given very careful consideration, approved the Report of the Investigation Team at a Board Meeting on the 9th July and authorised the publication of the Report.
10 - July - 08. Health Information and Quality Authority Publishes STARSweb Evaluation
The evaluation included a literature review, a data quality audit of the STARSweb system, a survey of staff using the system, and interviews with healthcare enterprises.
25 - June - 08. Health Information and Quality Authority Publishes 2007 Annual Report
The Health Information and Quality Authority today published its Annual Report for 2007. The Report covers the period from 15th May, when the Authority was established under the Health Act 2007, until 31st December 2007.
17 - June - 08. The Health Information and Quality Authority Launches the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Second Global Patient Safety Challenge
Dr Tracey Cooper, Chief Executive of the Health Information and Quality Authority said “As the organisation set up to drive quality, safety and accountability in our health and social care services, patient safety is at the heart of what we do."
12 - June - 08. Health Information and Quality Authority to Host 2010 Health Technology Assessment International Conference
Dr Máirín Ryan, Director for Health Technology Assessment at the Authority stated: "This is an important opportunity for Ireland to bring together key health care researchers, clinicians, policy makers, administrators and industry representatives to share knowledge and advance the field of HTA.
04 - June - 08. The Health Information and Quality Authority Publishes the Health Technology Assessment of the Role of Human Papillomavirus Vaccines in Reducing the Risk of Cervical Cancer in Ireland
The purpose of this assessment was to establish the cost-effectiveness of a combined national HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening programme compared to a cervical cancer screening programme alone.
03 - June - 08. The Health Information and Quality Authority Propose Twelve Steps for Reducing Healthcare Associated Infections
Twelve Infection Prevention and Control Standards have been published which address issues including governance and management; hand hygiene; device related infections, antibiotic resistance, staffing, the physical environment and disease control.
26 - May - 08. The Health Information and Quality Authority has published a Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Strategy
The communications approach will reflect the core values of the Authority by being fair, open, transparent and objective in how we work and how we engage with our internal and external audiences.
22 - Apr - 08. The Authority's presentation to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children
“Reporting to the Minister for Health and Children, the role of the Authority is to promote safety and quality in the provision of health and personal social services for the benefit of the health and welfare of the public.”
02 - Apr - 08. Health Information and Quality Authority Publishes Investigation
Report into the care received by Rebecca O’Malley, Symptomatic Breast Disease Services at the Mid Western Regional Hospital Limerick and the Pathology Services at Cork University Hospital
“There are important lessons for those responsible for providing services and when the recommendations contained within the Report are implemented the Authority believes the experience of Rebecca O’Malley should not be repeated” according to Dr. Tracey Cooper
11 - Mar - 08. The Health Information and Quality Authority Publishes the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People
The standards will safeguard and protect the rights of older people living in residential care settings and will support service providers in providing the highest quality of care.
18 - Feb - 08. Rebecca O'Malley Report (Updated February 18th, 2008)
The Authority's investigative work is now almost complete and a report will be compiled and presented to an extraordinary meeting of the Authority's Board next month. Subject to Board approval, the full report will be published shortly thereafter.
11 - Feb - 08. HIQA's Role in Improving Ireland's Breast Services
Dr. Tracey Cooper explained that it is HIQA's remit to drive continuous improvement in Ireland's healthcare by means of setting minimum standards for quality and safety based on best practise within Ireland and internationally, and monitoring these.
24 - Jan - 08. Health Information and Quality Authority publishes Terms of Reference for Quality Review of Symptomatic Breast Disease Services
The Health Information & Quality Authority has convened an advisory group to support the review process for Symptomatic Breast Disease Services.
2007
14 - Dec - 07. Rebecca O'Malley Report
The Authority is investigating the circumstances surrounding the provision of care to Rebecca O'Malley, in relation to her symptomatic breast disease, the Pathology Services at Cork University Hospital and Symptomatic Breast Disease Services at Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick.
30 - Nov - 07. Professor Jane Grimson is to receive the O'Moore Medal for her work in Informatics
Professor Jane Grimson, Director of Health Information with the Health Information and Quality Authority, is to be awarded the O’Moore Medal by the Healthcare Informatics Society of Ireland in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the field of healthcare
informatics.
13 -Nov - 07. Health Information and Quality Authority publish first National Hygiene Services Quality Review
The Hygiene Services Quality Review is the most comprehensive ever undertaken in Ireland and included assessments on service delivery, corporate management, unannounced visits to hospitals by the Authority’s assessors and interviews with staff, managers, patients and visitors.
10 -Oct - 07. HIQA Publish Report into the Placement of Children aged 12 and under in Residential Care in Ireland
The Minister said how his office (OMC) and the Health Service Executive were working together to develop a comprehensive childcare service that is planned, integrated, capable of anticipating emergencie.
01 -Oct - 07. The Authority is currently in the process of preparing its inaugural Corporate Plan
The plan will outline the activities of the Authority in the period 2008 to 2010 inclusive. As part of this process, we are seeking your views on the priorities of the Authority in this period. The main themes which emerge from this process will inform the content of the Authority's corporate plan.
20 - Sep - 07. Health Information and Quality Authority Highlight First Hospital Hygiene Quality Review at the Annual Conference of the Irish Nurses Organisation
The Authority’s Director of Healthcare Quality, Mr Jon Billings addressing the Annual Conference of the Irish Nurses Organisation outlined to delegates the work of the newly established Authority and stressed the importance that the Authority is placing on hygiene and infection control.
07 - Sep - 07. Health Information and Quality Authority announce Terms of Reference for Investigation into pathology service and the symptomatic breast disease service at University College Hospital Galway
The Authority will be working closely with UCHG to ensure that other women whose cases are being reviewed are communicated with promptly and appropriately.
05 - Sep - 07. International Conference to discuss challenges to Patient Safety
The conference is being organised by the Health Information and Quality Authority which is undertaking a major collaborative project with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) World Alliance for Patient Safety.
04 - Sep - 07. Health Information and Quality Authority to Establish Quality Review Programme for Breast Cancer Centres
The standards are focused on improving the quality of care for women with symptomatic breast disease in Ireland and set out the requirements of a high quality specialist breast centre, which include a ‘triple assessment’ approach to the provision of care.
27 - Aug - 07. Health Information and Quality Authority appoints Professor Jane Grimson to work with the Authority on the establishment of Health Information function
The Health Information Function within the Health Information and Quality Authority will help drive health information in Ireland’s health and social care services.
15 - Aug - 07. Director of Health Technology Assessment Appointed at the Health Information and Quality Authority
Dr. Mairin Ryan’s research interests include health economic analysis in the Irish setting, economic incentives in pharmaceutical policy in Ireland, and economic analysis of HIV treatment.
08 - Aug - 07. Health Information and Quality Authority Publishes Draft National Quality Standards for Older People's Residential Settings for Consultation
The Minister of State with responsibility for Older People, Maire Hoctor, T.D. warmly welcomed the publication of the draft quality standards for public consultation.
07 - Aug - 07. Health Information and Quality Authority to review pathology services at University College Hospital Galway
The review is being undertaken following the mis-diagnosis of cancer in a private patient receiving private hospital care
in the mid-wes.
01 - Aug - 07. Third National Hygiene Audit Underway with Rigorous New Assessment Procedure
The third National Audit Hygiene Audit is currently being undertaken by HIQA. All self assessments were completed by March this year and HIQA are currently midway through the unannounced visits.
23 - Jul - 07. Chief Inspector of Social Services appointed by Health Information and Quality Authority
Tracey Cooper, CEO of the Health Information and Quality Authority said; "Marion Witton is widely respected for her work in residential care settings and her leadership will be invaluable as the Social Services Inspectorate (SSI) undertakes its expanded mandate within the Authority".
04 - Jul - 07. Health Information and Quality Authority Appoints New Senior Managers
Sean Angland has been appointed Head of Corporate Services and Marty Whelan has been appointed Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement.
03 - Jul - 07. International Conference to Examine Patient Safety Issues
The conference is being organised by the Health Information and Quality Authority which is undertaking a major collaborative project with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) World Alliance for Patient Safety.
14 - Jun - 07. Health Information and Quality Authority publishes Terms of Reference for investigation into the care provided to Rebecca O'Malley
The investigation will also examine the provision of the pathology services provided by the Health Service Executive at Cork University Hospital and the symptomatic breast disease services provided by the Health Service Executive at the Mid Western Regional Hospital, Limerick.
24 - May - 07. Health Service Executive (HSE) invites Health Information and Quality Authority to undertake an independent investigation
The HSE has requested the Authority, which is an independent body established to help improve quality and safety in health and social care services.
18 - May - 07. Minister Harney Launches National Quality Assurance Standards for Symptomatic Breast Disease Services to Improve Quality of Care for Patients
The Standards are about improving the quality of care for women with breast disease in Ireland and addressing the current fragmentation of services nationally.
15 - May - 07. Health Information & Quality Authority established to drive continuous improvements in Ireland’s health and social care services
Speaking on the establishment of the new Authority, Mary Harney, Minister for Health and Children said; "This is a major step forward in ensuring safety and standards for patients and a very significant day in the development of the reform programme in the Health Services".
01 - Feb - 07. Interim Health Information and Quality Authority and World Health Organisation launch collaborative project on Patient Safety
The project will involve patients, family members and clinicians. Together they will develop International Consensus Guidance with a set of tools and resources for communicating with and supporting patients; their families and clinicians in the aftermath of a patient safety event.
30 - Jan - 07. New Draft National Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People published
The standards will apply to all residential settings (public, private and voluntary) where older people are cared for and for which registration is required. The draft standards are based on legislation,research findings and best practice.
22 - Jan - 07. Minister for Health announces The interim Health Information and Quality Authority Research Awards
Speaking at the announcement of the interim Health Information and Quality Authority Health Research Awards, Minister Harney said; 'This research will inform the Authority's work of ensuring that world class, quality standards are applied in Ireland's health and personal social services'.
16 - Jan - 07. Interim Health Information and Quality Authority welcomes establishment of Patient Safety Commmission
Dr. Cooper said; 'The interim Authority recognises the potential of the work of the Commission in bringing together key stakeholders to develop a strategic and cohesive framework for quality and safety at all levels of the health and social care services.
Documents Released in 2007
- Quality Framework for Mental Health Services in Ireland
[726Kb PDF file]
- Consulting with Children with Disabilities as Service Users: Practical and Methodological Considerations [285Kb PDF file]
2006
14 - Dec - 06. interim Health Information and Quality Authority Welcomes Health Bill Draft
Dr. Cooper said that the quick passage of the Health Bill 2006 must be a priority for all members of the Oireachtas to allowing the new Authority to proceed with its very important work. [ + ]
14 - Dec - 06. Interim Health Information and Quality Authority and its Board, today welcomed the publication of the Health Bill 2006
The Minister said, "This Bill is a central part of the health reform programme. We are getting tough on setting standards and tough on enforcing standards. An independent organisation with teeth is now being created." [ + ]
21 - Oct - 06. Interim Health Information and Quality Authority sponsor 22nd International Quality in Health Care conference in London from 22nd to 25th October
ISQua is an independent non-profit organisation with members in over 70 countries and works to provide services which guide health professionals, providers, researchers, agencies, policy makers and consumers. [ + ]
09 - Jun - 06. First Chief Executive Appointed for new Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA)
Mr. Pat McGrath said that Dr Tracey Cooper is a highly motivated professional with outstanding leadership qualities combined with the vision, energy and commitment for this challenging post. [ + ]
02 - Mar - 05. The HIQA Will Deliver the Highest Standards of Quality in the Health Service
The HIQA will provide a "stamp of assurance" for the public and the taxpayers' that the highest possible standards of safety and systems are adopted by and embedded within the sector and that value for money in the delivery of health and personal social services is guaranteed. [ + ]
28 - Jan - 05. Tánaiste Announces Board of the interim Health Information and Quality Authority
A key policy aim of the Health Strategy is to deliver high quality services that are based on evidence-supported best practice. The Health Information and Quality Authority is being established to advance this aim. [ + ]