HIQA finds 41 per cent of standards on re-inspection in 2024 showed ‘improvements’

HIQA found improvements across the health services it inspects in 2024.  

That is according to findings in the Authority’s Overview Report of the Monitoring and Regulation of Healthcare Services in 2024, published today (7 November).

While “good standards” of care were observed by HIQA, healthcare remains a challenging environment and a number of key areas require ongoing improvement. The overview report found that hospitals continue to be challenged with suitable infrastructure to support demand, bed capacity, and sufficient workforce among other issues.  

“Our inspectors have spoken to many patients who have praised the healthcare staff who have cared for them. We regularly observe excellent practice from committed staff working in a challenging environment,” said HIQA’s Director of Healthcare Regulation, Mr Sean Egan.

 “While we are seeing tangible improvements in healthcare services, resourcing and capacity requirements, particularly in acute hospitals, need to be addressed to meet service demand. These shortfalls directly affect both patients and the workforce on a daily basis, and this becomes increasingly crucial as we come into the winter months.”

HIQA inspections have shown examples of improved levels of compliance in healthcare services in 2024. In situations where findings from previous inspections facilitated comparison on re-inspection in 2024, 41 per cent of national standards assessed on re-inspection showed improvements.

In addition, in facilities that provide medical exposure to ionising radiation, the number of regulations assessed as not compliant was five per cent, which is significantly lower than the 12 per cent identified between 2021 and 2023.