Mary Butler
Question:442. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when he will introduce a uniform home care service in order that all recipients can receive a quality support. [39644/16]
View answerTuesday, 13 December 2016
Questions (442)
Written answers
Homecare is an increasingly important part of the supports that we offer to older people, and will continue to increase in importance into the future. In this context it is essential that we consider how homecare services should be provided and regulated.
The Programme for Partnership Government includes commitments to increase funding for home support services, to improve these supports, to introduce a uniform homecare service so all recipients can receive a quality support, 7 days per week, where possible and to review the management, operation and funding of national home-help services.
I am committed to legislating for the financing and regulation of homecare, however I do not underestimate the extent and the complexity of the work involved which will involve very significant legislative, operational and financial resources. In this context additional resources are being provided to the Older People’s Division of the Department so that this legislation can be progressed as quickly as possible. Preparatory work has already commenced and the Health Research Board has carried out an evidence review of the approaches to the regulation and financing of home care services in four European countries. This review is being finalised at present.
In terms of quality assurance in the homecare sector, a significant step was taken in 2012 when the HSE introduced a single procurement framework for external providers. This included quality standards covering governance and accountability, person-centred care, complaints management, training and qualifications. Providers are monitored through Service Level Agreements with the HSE and are required to provide a range of information in relation to the services they provide. From the 1st September 2016 all new Home Care Packages approved by the HSE will be provided by organisations that have been approved by the HSE following a detailed tender process. The 32 approved providers appointed under this process meet a required level of quality based on consistent national standards.