REGULATION NEEDED FOR HOMECARE SERVICES & PRIVATE HEALTHCARE
Commenting on the survey published today by HIQA, Labour spokesperson on Health, Alan Kelly TD said it showed that there was a need for a regulatory framework for all healthcare services, but in particular, private hospitals and homecare services.
Deputy Kelly said:
“It is disappointing to hear that 63% of people have witnessed poor provision of health and social services, and it shows the amount of work needed to improve our health services.
“We are all aware of the excellent service HIQA provides, and it is the gold standard people rely on to build their trust in public healthcare services.
“And we shouldn’t be surprised that more than 3 out of every 4 people believe that private healthcare, and homecare services are regulated.
“In the 21st century people expect that such services, that reach in the lives of thousands of Irish citizens every day would be properly overseen by an independent regulator.
“It is timely now to consider what changes can be made in the law to extend the reach of HIQA to healthcare services that currently aren’t regulated.
“We shouldn’t wait for a big scandal before we act on this.
“The Minister for Health, Simon Harris should consider the results of this RedC survey carefully and see what changes in the law are needed to protect citizens.”