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Regulation

In 2009, Nursing Homes Ireland welcomed the introduction of HIQA's new National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings For Older People.   

From 1st July 2009 , a nationwide independent inspection and registration of all nursing homes commenced.  Speaking at the Nursing Homes Ireland seminar on Medication Management, Minister Aine Brady, TD, indicated the impact these standards would have on nursing home care into the future.

“The new HIQA standards and the Minister for Health’s Care and Welfare Regulations that come into force today will ensure that all residential care services for older people will be subject to independent registration and inspection. For the first time all private, voluntary and HSE run nursing homes will be inspected. Care of the older person should be focussed on quality of care delivered with respect”.

NHI was centrally involved in the HIQA Working Group that contributed to the development of the standards. NHI members participated in a number of HIQA sub-committees in developing aspects of the draft, and organised and facilitated workshops with providers, whilst also organising focus groups with residents on the first draft. Tadhg Daly, CEO of NHI, spent considerable time and resources over the last four years working on the new standards.

“NHI welcomes the commencement of the inspection and registration of all residential care settings by HIQA, including for the first time inspection of public settings. NHI has worked with HIQA for the past number of years in developing these standards and also with the Department of Health and Children on the regulations underpinning the standards. It is vital that the regulation and inspection regime is effective, proportionate and transparent.  Our members have, for many years, adopted the approach outlined in the standards, including setting up residents councils and groups as it is the residents and their families who are best placed to provide feedback”.