Private hospitals concerned over inspection ‘burden’

The HIQA CEO has acknowledged the concerns of private hospitals about the Authority’s imminent role in inspecting the sector under the Patient Safety Act.

Under the Act, which was enacted in May, HIQA will monitor private healthcare facilities against national standards.

Ms Angela Fitzgerald noted most private hospitals in Ireland are accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI). “[Private hospitals] are worried that we will bring a dual process that would place a burden on them. We are in that dialogue with them at the minute,” Ms Fitzgerald told the Medical Independent (MI).

Ms Fitzgerald said JCI accreditation could form part of HIQA’s assessments, where relevant.

However, she added where there are additional requirements “we have to apply [them] and we have been clear about that”.

Ms Fitzgerald noted that HIQA has engaged with the private sector in its role regulating medical exposure to ionising radiation. She said that “by and large they have been high performers”. A Private Hospitals Association spokesperson told MI that private hospitals have had “very constructive engagement” with HIQA on requirements under the Act. See news interview