The Health Data and Quality Authority (HIQA) is set ⁤to ‌receive broadened authority to investigate serious patient safety incidents occurring in nursing homes across Ireland. ‌These changes come as ⁤a direct response to concerns raised following an examination last June that detailed instances of care failings and ‍neglect at two private nursing homes, as reported by‌ RTÉ Investigates.

Amendments⁤ to the Patient Safety⁤ Act

Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Older People,Kieran O’Donnell,will⁢ present proposals to the Government next month seeking approval ​to amend the Patient Safety Act. The proposed amendments will empower HIQA to initiate or commission autonomous reviews of specific, serious‌ patient safety incidents, especially those where care was provided – even⁢ partially – within a nursing home setting.

Responding to Public Concern

The move to strengthen HIQA’s oversight follows a detailed⁤ report by RTÉ Investigates on June​ 4, 2025, which​ highlighted multiple examples of inadequate care and neglect of elderly residents revealing systemic ‍issues⁤ within certain facilities. This⁤ investigation substantially amplified public and ‍political pressure for increased accountability.

Broader Reforms Underway

Minister O’Donnell⁢ has‌ also been advocating for wider reforms in elder​ care, ‍including legislation to establish a statutory framework for home care services. The anticipated fast-tracking of ‌the Patient Safety Act amendments through the Oireachtas signals a ‌commitment to swiftly address identified vulnerabilities in the nursing home sector and enhance protections for vulnerable residents. This legislative action aims to provide greater transparency and ensure more robust responses to‌ serious incidents within nursing home care.