We are calling for reform to health and social care regulations, as outlined in our recent position paper and at a recent meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health.
Social care services in Ireland have changed and evolved in the last 10 years with increased calls for a more diverse range of social care services, particularly those that allow people to remain in their homes or their community for as long as possible. Regulatory reform is required to ensure that regulation is fit for purpose in the future
This report was presented and discussed at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health on 23 March 2021, attended by our CEO Phelim Quinn, Chief Inspector of Social Services Mary Dunnion, and Deputy Chief Inspectors Susan Cliffe and Finbarr Colfer.
We raised how the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted that the regulations are no longer robust enough to safeguard the wellbeing of residents. In particular, we have seen a disconnection between older person’s services in Ireland and that of the wider health and social care system.
We have recommended that a review be undertaken of the current regulations covering social care services, highlighting the five key components of regulatory reform that need attention:
- consideration to be given for the development of a comprehensive, integrated social care policy that considers social care in its totality alongside Sláintecare
- a comprehensive review of the current regulations pertaining to social care services in Ireland, and the establishment of a regular review process
- the reform of the Health Act 2007 to take account of the changing landscape in health and social care services
- the introduction of regulation into other forms of care that are currently unregulated and whose service users may be vulnerable
- a framework that makes a clear distinction between the purchaser and provider of services along with clear governance and accountability arrangements.
Read the full report here. Watch our video here.