Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Given the job the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, has to ensure the highest standards possible, what comparison can be made between private and public nursing homes and the quality and standard of care available in each? Are the standards universally applicable? I know that the rules are applied. Are comparisons made between the cost and quality of care in the home? For example, has HIQA studied caring for a cohort of perhaps 25 people in an urban and in a rural area? There are differences in the cost of administration with home care packages and all of the associated respite care etc. To what extent have comparisons been made between those factors with a view to achieving the best possible value for money?

I agree with the aim of ensuring that the highest possible standards apply in the home because the person or persons providing the care may not have access to a hoist or assistance that is required to lift a patient, etc. A lack of medical aids or assistance might deprive a patient, through no fault of the carer or relative, of the best care.

I have witnessed very high standards of care being given in some of the older public nursing homes. A de-congregation approach permeates through the entire provision of services for special needs and everywhere else. I wonder where de-congregation will take place next. We want the best quality and care that is available to be given in the most cost effective way while achieving the highest quality and standard of care.