We have published our annual report for 2021, outlining our work to drive improvements in health and social care services throughout the last year.
The report details how we regulated and monitored services, developed national standards and guidance, provided evidence synthesis and health technology assessments to support key policy decision-making, and worked to further develop health information in Ireland.
The report details a summary of over 1,800 inspections of services, and 113 evidence synthesis reviews or advice on COVID-19 completed during the year.
HIQA’s Chief Executive, Angela Fitzgerald, said: “2021 was a busy year for HIQA, as highlighted in this report. We 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. For example, through responding to risk in services, and calling for the reform and regulation of homecare 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.
“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.