Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 March 2021
222. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health the number of nursing homes that were late submitting NFO1 forms in 2020; the number of facilities that submitted forms later than three days after the death of a resident in 2020; the way in which HIQA was keeping track of deaths and infection in nursing homes during Covid-19 if forms were not submitted in time, that is, three days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12354/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraHIQA have informed me that during 2020, while many private and statutory nursing homes were managing COVID-19 outbreaks, multiple nursing homes did not return NF01s within the 72 hour timeframe. This was expected and understandable, as their primary focus was on outbreak management and providing care. HIQA is in constant contact with nursing homes and works with them during outbreaks.
It is not possible to retrieve data on the number of forms submitted late. The Chief Inspector can retrieve the forms submitted, however the system does not capture when notifications are submitted outside of the 72 hour timeframe. When there are delays of NF01s, the Chief Inspector works with services on a case by case basis.
