Public consultation under way to include private hospitals in National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has launched a public consultation on amending the scope of the National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare (2012), to include private hospitals.

This will facilitate monitoring in private hospitals against the national standards by HIQA, on commencement of the Patient Safety Act.

The Patient Safety (Notifiable Incidents and Open Disclosure) Act 2023, which is expected to commence this year, expands HIQA’s standard-setting and monitoring functions to private hospitals and the organisation is engaging with new and existing health services providers to prepare for the new requirements under the Act.

The National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare contain 45 standards. The current scope of these standards includes all healthcare services (excluding mental health) provided or funded by the HSE. The standards were developed through extensive stakeholder engagement and review of research evidence. They have been used by HIQA since 2012 to inspect, monitor and investigate healthcare services.

In preparation for the commencement of the Patient Safety Act, the organisation launched a public consultation on amending the scope of the standards to include private hospitals.

“The National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare support the enablement of person-centred, safe and effective healthcare services,” said Rachel Flynn, HIQA’s Director of Health Information and Standards.

“The standards equip service providers with a structure for achieving high-quality care and support for patients,” she continued.

The Patient Safety Act 2023 is an important piece of legislation that expands HIQA’s remit significantly.

“This update will be a welcome development for many patients who avail of services in private hospitals, as it will ensure consistency across both public and private hospitals,” said Ms Flynn.

Once finalised, the standards will be used by HIQA for inspecting and monitoring all healthcare services under its remit, including private hospitals. The organisation is inviting feedback from members of the public and health services providers on amending the scope of the standards to include private hospitals and welcomes their views.

The deadline for the consultation submissions is Friday, April 12, and the consultation documents can be found on www.hiqa.ie.