Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2014
78. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce minimum standards with statutory support for the care of elderly persons and vulnerable adults in their own homes by public and private care providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36436/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Information and Quality Authority is the independent authority established under the Health Act 2007 to drive continuous improvement and to monitor safety and quality in Ireland’s health and personal social care services. With effect from 2009 nursing homes for older people have been registered and inspected by HIQA and during the course of this Government this function has extended to residential services for those with disabilities and child protection services. The HSE is progressing a range of measures to improve Home Care provision overall, to standardise services nationally and to promote quality and safety. This includes a Procurement Framework for Home Care Services which came into effect in 2012. Providers are monitored through Service Level Agreements with the HSE. They are required to provide a prescribed range of information in relation to the services they provide. These are supervised through regular local operational meetings and review of care plans. National Guidelines for the Standardised Implementation of the Home Care Package Scheme, which set out standard procedures for providers of home supports, were introduced in parallel with this initiative.
The HSE is also developing National Quality Guidelines for home help services for Older People which will apply to all home support services, including those procured by the HSE from external providers. The HSE is also currently undertaking a full review of home care services with a view to improving services generally.
Government for National Recovery, 2011-2016 commits to developing and implementing national standards for home support services which will be subject to HIQA inspection. Primary legislation and resources will be required for the introduction of a statutory regulation system for home care services. This will be considered by Government on a prioritised and phased basis as resources, legislative and planning processes allow.
