The Chief Inspector of Social Services in the Health Information and Quality Authority, (HIQA), is the statutory independent regulator in place for the nursing home sector, whether a HSE managed or a private nursing home. The Chief Inspector adopts a risk-based approach to regulation, prioritising monitoring, inspection and enforcement, based on the assessment of the risk, including the type of inspection undertaken. The approach to inspections typically includes a mix of announced and unannounced, as required. In 2020 there were 392 inspections, in 2021 555 took place.
Regulation 17 the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013 requires a nursing home to have “ventilation, heating and lighting suitable for residents in all parts of the designated centre which are used by residents”. Regulation 27 states that the “registered provider shall ensure that procedures, consistent with the standards for the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections published by the Authority are implemented by staff”. Furthermore, both the National Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland and the National Standards for Infection Prevention and Control in Community Services set out requirements in relation to adequate ventilation. The Chief Inspector, in discharging their duties, determines through examination of all information available to them, including site inspections, whether a nursing home meets the requirements set out by the Regulations and the National Standards.
The registered providers of nursing homes are responsible for ensuring that bedroom accommodation, communal and dining spaces are well ventilated and not overcrowded, while balancing this requirement against the comfort needs of residents.
Public Health and Infection Prevention & Control guidelines, published by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, provide information on the prevention and management of respiratory infections in residential care settings. It remains critical that adherence to the established infection prevention and control (IPC) practices, including basic IPC measures, is maintained. Public health advice remains that strict adherence to IPC is a key measure to mitigate the spread COVID-19.
This guidance is kept under continuing review as new evidence and data emerges with the latest guidance coming into effect on 17 January 2022.
