The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for urgent reform of how health and social care services in Ireland are regulated.
Launching HIQA’s 2020 Annual Report last week, CEO Phelim Quinn said: “Our experience of regulating during the pandemic has highlighted the need for reform in the way in which services are delivered to our older citizens. COVID-19 exposed gaps and shortcomings in the current regulatory framework, and over the past year HIQA has repeatedly called for a review process to make the current regulations fit for purpose and in line with the changing models of care we see across the country. Regulatory reform will remain a focus for us over the coming years, as health and social care services work to meet the long-term consequences of the pandemic.”
Earlier this year, we published a paper on The Need for Regulatory Reform. The paper outlines how COVID-19 exposed weaknesses in the current regulations for infection control, staffing, governance and clinical oversight.
It also outlines that the pandemic has strengthened the argument for the restructuring of models of care for older people in a way that provides for differing supports, at different times, based on individual ability and need.
Read the full report here.
A frequently asked questions document on the need for regulatory reform is also available on the website, alongside a series of videos outlining the key changes we believe are necessary to future proof health and social care in Ireland.