The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) released a series of reports and announcements in May 2024,covering various aspects of healthcare quality and safety in Ireland.
HIQA published reports on 26 dental and medical facilities, assessing their adherence to regulations for handling ionizing radiation. While some facilities achieved full compliance (like Dublin Dentist Clinic after addressing initial concerns) or demonstrated strong adherence (like Mater Private Northern Cross), others required improvements.
Inspections conducted in January at Tusla-operated centers in the South and Dublin Mid Leinster regions revealed mixed results. The South center exhibited significant non-compliance in leadership, management, and care quality, necessitating improvements. Conversely, the Dublin Mid Leinster center performed better, with most standards met or substantially met. Both centers presented plans to address identified issues. Reviews of 47 designated centers for people with disabilities identified both positive practices and areas for improvement. Twelve centers, including Ability West, Avista CLG, and Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG, demonstrated good compliance.
HIQA released multiple inspection reports on disability centres, assessing compliance with the Health Act 2007 and National Standards. Twelve centres, including those operated by Ability West and Brothers of Charity Services, showed good compliance. Positive practices included diverse activities and resident involvement in decision-making. However, 12 centres faced non-compliance issues affecting care quality. Problems included poor staffing and living arrangements at Brothers of Charity centres, governance issues at Avista CLG, and privacy concerns at COPE Foundation. Ability West centres needed better staffing and medication management, and restrictive practices required improvement at Carriglea Cáirde Services. Overall, the reports highlighted both commendable practices and areas needing significant improvement.
In response to a request from the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC), HIQA published an evidence review on universal ultrasound screening for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) in infants.The review identified limited evidence on the effectiveness of universal versus selective screening, highlighting potential downsides of unnecessary treatment with universal screening. The report emphasizes the need to evaluate current practices and the implementation of the 2017 selective screening recommendations to optimize DDH identification and care.
HIQA announced the initiation of a health technology assessment (HTA) for population-based Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening in men, again at the request of the NSAC. This assessment will evaluate the program’s clinical effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness, and broader implications. Early detection is crucial for AAA, a condition marked by a bulging aorta that can rupture with potentially fatal consequences. The HTA findings will inform the NSAC’s recommendation to the Minister for Health regarding the potential implementation of an AAA screening program.
HIQA launched a public consultation on its draft HTA for the use of enhanced influenza vaccines in individuals aged 65 and older. This evaluation aims to inform the Minister for Health’s decision on funding these vaccines by assessing their potential effectiveness compared to standard vaccines. Public feedback is encouraged by July 11, 2024. The draft report and participation details can be found on the HIQA website.By publishing these reports, conducting assessments, and initiating consultations, HIQA continues to play a vital role in ensuring quality and safety within Ireland’s healthcare system.
HIQA also released eight inspection reports on International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres. These centres provide housing for international protection seekers in Ireland. The inspections assessed compliance with the National Standards for accommodation in the protection process (2019). Centres inspected include Atlantic House, Emmet Lodge, Glenvera Hotel, Globe House, Hibernian Hotel, Johnston Marina, Millstreet Accommodation Centre, and Slaney Court.
While all centres showed some non-compliance, issues varied and included contingency planning, workforce responsiveness, special needs assessment, governance, safeguarding, person-centred care, and accommodation quality. Despite some good practices, common issues in governance and risk management were noted. Providers are required to submit plans to address these non-compliances. Since January 9, 2024, HIQA has been responsible for monitoring permanent IPAS centres under new regulations.
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