|
|
|
|
|
Message from our Chief Executive, Angela Fitzgerald |
|
Welcome to the latest issue of our newsletter.
We were all deeply saddened by the passing of our Chairperson, Professor Pat O’Mahony, in August. When I took on the role of HIQA CEO back in early 2022, Pat was a trusted sounding board and valued ballast for the organisation and quickly became a firm friend as well. |
|
|
|
|
Tribute to Pat O'Mahony, HIQA Chairperson |
|
In August, we learned of the sudden death of our beloved Chairperson, colleague and friend, Professor Pat O’Mahony. Pat served as Chairperson of HIQA’s Board since 2018 and, under his leadership, the organisation went through significant change as HIQA’s legal remit and role expanded. He advocated strongly for close collaboration and strategic engagement with key stakeholders, and never shied away from HIQA taking on new challenges. Pat was always generous in sharing his time, wisdom and experience and his genuine warmth and encouragement of colleagues is a huge part of his legacy. |
|
|
|
HIQA publishes independent advice to inform healthcare services in HSE Mid West |
|
In September, we published our independent review to inform decision-making on the design and delivery of urgent and emergency healthcare services in the HSE Mid West health region. The Minister for Health requested that we undertake this project on account of our regulatory independence and significant expertise and track record of producing high-quality reviews based on evidence-informed decision-making. Our advice highlighted an immediate need for action and investment to address current risks to patient safety in the shortest time frame and safest way possible. |
|
|
|
HIQA publishes Corporate Plan 2025-2027 |
|
Our new Corporate Plan for 2025-2027 has been published, which outlines our core values and a clear direction for the organisation over the next three years. It sets out the steps we will take to fulfil our vision for health and social care services to consistently deliver excellent standards of care and the best possible outcomes for the people of Ireland.
|
|
|
|
In October, we held the 'Our Healthcare System, Our Voices: An Evidence-Based Approach for Healthcare' conference with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland on inclusive, evidence-informed healthcare. Key speakers included Professor Mary Horgan, Interim Chief Medical Officer in the Department of Health, Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE, Dr Colm Henry, and our Chief Executive Angela Fitzgerald alongside patient voices. |
|
|
HIQA publishes Healthcare Overview Report 2024
Earlier this month, we published our Overview Report of the Monitoring and Regulation of Healthcare Services in 2024, which highlights our inspection and monitoring activity of healthcare services last year. The report outlines how our programme of inspections was key to driving sustained improvement across healthcare services during 2024, and shows that levels of compliance against national standards typically improved in healthcare services that were re-inspected. However, there are areas that need to be addressed to ensure that the demand for services is met. |
|
|
|
Annual Report for 2024 published
In June, we published our Annual Report 2024, which outlines our work last year to regulate and monitor services, develop national standards and guidance, provide evidence synthesis and health technology assessments, and to further develop health information in Ireland. |
|
|
|
HIQA addresses Oireachtas Committees |
|
In recent months, we have appeared at three Oireachtas Committees. Last week, we attended the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health to discuss our review and advice of urgent and emergency healthcare services in the Mid-West. In June, we attended the same Committee to discuss our regulatory powers and the regulatory action we have taken into a number of nursing homes. In July, we also attended the Oireachtas Committee of Public Accounts to discuss our financial statements for 2023 and answer questions about our role and remit. |
|
|
|
Pictured above is HIQA Chief Executive Angela Fitzgerald at the recent Nursing Homes Ireland annual conference, where she met with Minister of State with responsibility for Older People Kieran O’Donnell TD and Nursing Homes Ireland CEO Tadhg Daly. She also took part in a panel discussion on continuous improvement in care for residents of nursing homes. |
|
|
Tell us your views on teledermatology to support the management of primary care referrals!
We are holding a consultation seeking feedback from the public on our draft health technology assessment of teledermatology to support the management of primary care referrals. The deadline for submissions is 18 December 2025.
Following the consultation, all submissions will be reviewed and will inform the final assessment, which will be published next year. |
|
|
Residents of disability services tell us about their views and experiences |
|
In 2024, we held 13 face-to-face forums across the country with 103 residents to hear about their experiences of living in residential disability service. These forums allowed inspectors to meet with residents outside of the inspection process and hear about their understanding of HIQA inspections, and areas of importance to them, such as their rights. |
|
|
|
Pictured above are HIQA staff and delegates at our recent learning events which took place across the country for those involved in the running of nursing homes and disability services, with over 1,300 delegates at the events. |
|
|
© 2025. Published by the Health Information and Quality Authority, George's Court, George's Lane, Dublin 7, D07 E98Y.
You have received this email because you are subscribed to our newsletter. |
|
|
|
|
