The Health Information and Quality Authority, Ireland’s first independent Authority which will drive continuous improvements in Ireland’s health and social care services was formally established today. 

Speaking on the establishment of the new Authority, Mary Harney, Minister for Health and Children said; "This is a major step forward in ensuring safety and standards for patients and a very significant day in the development of the reform programme in the Health Services. I am certain that the work of the Authority will yield real and tangible benefits. It will help to ensure that all persons receiving health services will have them delivered in accordance with the highest quality and safety standards.

The establishment of the Authority will have a positive impact on public confidence generally by enabling people to have confidence in the safety and quality of the health care they and their families receive, including the safety and quality of the residential services being provided to older people, persons with disabilities and children in need of care and protection."

Mr Pat McGrath, Chairman of the Health Information and Quality Authority said; “Ireland is unique in the world in establishing an independent Authority with the powers to set, monitor and investigate healthcare standards, to evaluate the effectiveness of the medications and treatments being used and to advise on the collection and sharing of information across the entire health and social care services.

The key drivers of quality are all contained within the functions of the Authority which reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement in our health system. The Health Information and Quality Authority will be a powerful driver of reliable, safe and quality services. It will take time but all of us in the Authority are determined to play our part in helping Ireland achieve the health and social services it deserves”.

Dr Tracey Cooper, Chief Executive of the new Authority said that “the Health Information and Quality Authority will support the further development of a culture in our health and social services where learning takes place when things go wrong; where staff are developed, supported and feel comfortable to share concerns; where people using the services are involved in their own care and the planning of their services; where services are quality assured to provide high quality, safe care and where best practice is shared and celebrated.”

As an independent Authority, we are committed to an open and transparent relationship with those working in health and social services and with people using these services so that people can, and will, have confidence in the quality and safety of care being delivered and received. Our independence within the health system will be key as we grow the organisation and begin our work over the coming months”, she said.

The Social Services Inspectorate and the Irish Health Services Accreditation Board have been incorporated into the new Authority. The functions of the Social Services Inspectorate have been expanded to include the inspection of residential homes for older people and people with disabilities. The Health Information and Quality Authority is currently developing the National Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People.

Ends.