Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
731. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if unannounced HIQA inspections of nursing homes will be made in the evenings given the concern of families that bed-bound patients have no food or drink from five to six pm until breakfast time the following morning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27851/22]
View answerThe Chief Inspector within HIQA is legally responsible for the monitoring, inspection and registration of designated centres for older people, such as nursing homes, in Ireland. HIQA carries out different types of inspections; most of which are currently unannounced. The timing of inspections is informed by the information available to inspectors, with most taking place during the day, Monday to Friday. However, if information suggests that there may be issues occurring in a nursing home in the early morning, evening, at night or at the weekend, inspections may be carried out at these times.
If the deputy wishes to give feedback or raise a concern about the care or support in a health or social care service, this can be done by contacting HIQA directly via the contact details on their website.
