The COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel’s report was published on 19 August 2020. It includes 86 recommendations in total, over 15 thematic areas, with associated timelines for implementation over the short, medium and long term.
The Minister for Health established an oversight structure to progress the important recommendations contained in this Report. This encompassed the establishment of both an Implementation Oversight Team and a Reference Group. There is a key focus on the implementation of recommendations that require immediate action to ensure ongoing preparedness as we move into the winter months.
HIQA recently submitted a business case to the Department, outlining the current impact on regulatory activity, the current designation of resources, and the expected increase in resources necessary to continue to deliver on its statutory role as regulator to year end and into next year.
Based on the impacts on regulatory activity by HIQA, the Department has approved funding providing for 7 additional inspectors, and additional support staff to assist the inspectorate. HIQA has commenced the recruitment process. This action contributes towards the implementation of recommendation 14.3 of the Nursing Homes Expert Panel Report. Additionally, following further analysis of the Expert Panel’s report, HIQA has submitted a further business case to support the implementation of the Panel’s recommendations. The Department is examining this in detail, having regard to the outcome of Budget 2021.
HIQA takes a risk-based approach to regulation which means that it makes decisions based on the information that it has. As such, it prioritises regulatory activity and organises its approach to monitoring, inspection and enforcement, based on the assessment of the risk that the regulated services pose. In this context the regulator tailors its regulatory responses, including the frequency of inspections, so that they are proportionate to the relevant risks.
