Patient safety licensing Bill
Deputy Ó Fearghaíl asks when mandatory licensing for public and private healthcare facilities will be introduced; the Tánaiste says patient-safety arrangements are under review.
Will the Tánaiste consider doing so? I also ask about the patient safety licensing Bill, which is to provide for a mandatory system of licensing for public and private health care facilities. We are well aware of the work the Health Information and Quality Authority has been doing, but the public is concerned about what has been disclosed in respect of a number of facilities. I am aware in my constituency, not of poor quality care of patients but rather interference with the meagre financial resources of some residences.
Comment on this
When will that important legislation be brought before the House?
Comment on this
The establishment of a patient safety agency is being reviewed in the context of the strategic reform of health services and the measures taken to strengthen patient safety, including advocacy and related services within the Health Service Executive. This review will allow the Minister for Health to decide on a course of action that will be in the best interests of patients. As the Deputy knows, this Government introduced the inspection by HIQA of units or locations catering for people with intellectual disabilities. It was because of that reform by this Government in extending HIQA oversight to such institutions that the dreadful scenes we saw in the coverage of Áras Attracta came to light. It is a priority for the Government and the Minister to address what has been a very distressing case for the patients and relatives.
Comment on this
Will the Tánaiste lift the phone to Ms Heffernan?