The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published its annual report for 2021, outlining its role in working to improve the quality and safety of Ireland’s health and social care services. 

The report details the organisation’s work to regulate and monitor services, develop national standards and guidance, provide evidence synthesis and health technology assessments to support key policy decision-making, and to further develop health information in Ireland. The report also includes the Report of the Chief Inspector of Social Services, and details a summary of over 1,800 inspections of services during the year.

HIQA’s Chief Executive, Angela Fitzgerald, said: “In 2021, HIQA continued to place a focus on safeguarding and human rights, including in the national standards and guidance we develop, and in how services are regulated. As the regulator, we continued to monitor the safety and quality of health and social care services, responding to risk as appropriate. We commenced work in the area of homecare, calling for the reform and regulation of such services to better safeguard the people receiving care and support in their own homes. We also launched an online learning course to support front-line staff to implement a human rights-based approach to their work in services.

“Collaboration with other bodies also remains a key area of focus for HIQA. For example, we worked with the Department of Health and HSE on the National Care Experience Programme, including the rollout of the 2021 National Inpatient Experience Survey which asked patients about the impact of COVID-19 on their care. HIQA published 113 evidence synthesis reviews or advice on COVID-19 for the Minister for Health, Department of Health and National Public Health Emergency Team. This work shows the value and importance of using scientific evidence to shape the public health decision-making process.”

During the year, HIQA highlighted how reform is urgently needed in the regulation of social care services, and in Ireland’s health information system to better serve the needs of people using health and social care services. 

Angela Fitzgerald continued: “2021 was a busy year for HIQA, as highlighted in this report. As we prepare to take on new roles and responsibilities in a number of new areas — including through the commencement of the Patient Safety Bill and the inspection of International Protection Accommodation Services — we remain committed to protecting and upholding the human rights of all people using health and social care services in Ireland.”

Read the annual report at www.hiqa.ie.  

Ends.
 

Further information:
Marty Whelan, Head of Communications & Stakeholder Engagement
01 814 7480/085 805 5202, mwhelan@hiqa.ie 

Notes to Editor:

• The report was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 23 May 2022 by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, in line with the requirements in the Health Act 2007, as amended. 
• During 2021, HIQA carried out 1,863 inspections of health and social services, such as nursing homes, residential centres for people with disabilities, children’s services and public hospitals. 
• During the year, 46,029 people completed a module in HIQA’s online learning course on Applying a Human Rights-Based Approach in Health and Social Care.