The CEO of HIQA, Phelim Quinn, and the Ombudsman Peter Tyndall, have signed an updated memorandum of understanding (MoU) to further cooperation between both organisations.

The aim of the agreement is to facilitate the exchange of relevant information on health and social care services between HIQA and the Ombudsman to ensure that members of the public are treated fairly and safely when accessing health and social care services.

HIQA CEO Phelim Quinn commented: “HIQA has a broad and growing remit; however, in everything we do, we strive to put the needs, voices, rights and protection of people who use health and social care services at the centre of our work. We want to ensure that members of the public receive safe and high-quality care, and that the potential for risk or harm is minimised.

“All information received by HIQA is used to inform our monitoring activity. Where we have concerns relating to the safety of residents or the quality of care that they are receiving, service providers are required to take immediate action. This agreement promotes cooperation between the Ombudsman and HIQA and provides an additional safeguard for members of the public.”

Ombudsman Peter Tyndall added: “HIQA inspects health and social care services. My Office deals with individual complaints from health service users. By working together we make sure that there is no wrong door for people bringing concerns and help to deliver better and safer healthcare for all.”
The full text of the MoU is available at the link below and www.ombudsman.ie.

Ends.

For further information please contact:
Marty Whelan, Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
HIQA
(01) 8147480 or 086 2447623
mwhelan@hiqa.ie

Dave Nutley, Head of Communications
Office of the Ombudsman
(01) 6395617 or 086 0231420
david.nutley@ombudsman.ie

Notes to the editor

•  HIQA is an independent statutory authority established to promote safety and quality in the provision of health and social care services for the benefit of the health and welfare of the public. HIQA’s mandate to date extends across a wide range of public, private and voluntary sector services.
• HIQA regulates and sets standards for a broad range of health and social services, conducts health technology assessments and advises on the effective use of health information. HIQA is also the lead partner on the National Patient Experience Survey and the new National Maternity Experience Survey.
• The Office of the Ombudsman examines and or investigates complaints against most organisations that deliver public services, including hospitals and social care services. Bodies providing health or personal social services for or with the assistance of the HSE under Sections 38 and 39 of the Health Act 2004 are also within Ombudsman's remit.
• The Ombudsman decides if complainants have been dealt with fairly and properly. He may recommend redress for complainants, if appropriate, and may make recommendations for systemic improvements arising from individual complaints and complaints generally.