Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1547. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if there is an advocacy contact point within the HSE, his Department or the appropriate ombudsman for residents in long-stay facilities such as a nursing home who may wish to raise issues or have someone to represent them outside the long-stay facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33364/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) 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.
Since 2009 all nursing homes have been registered and inspected by HIQA. This responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive framework which includes the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People and the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013. The regulations require that registered providers must ensure, in so far as is reasonably practical, ensure that a resident has access to independent advocacy services.
Nursing home providers are also required to provide an accessible and effective complaints procedure which includes an appeal procedure.
If a resident in a long stay facility has a concern, it should in the first instance be taken up with the nursing home provider. The Office of the Ombudsman can examine complaints about the actions of a range of public bodies as well as complaints relating to the administrative actions of private nursing homes. The Office of the Ombudsman normally only deals with a complaint once the individual has already gone through the complaints procedure of the private nursing home concerned.
