Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

129. To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider requesting the Health Information and Quality Authority to immediately conduct an assessment of staffing levels at all acute hospitals in the State to determine if there are sub-optimal levels of care being provided and significant risk to patient outcomes; if he has determined a basic staffing-patient ratio below which patient care would be severely compromised; and if so, if he will publish this information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22630/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Under the Health Act 2007 the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is responsible for monitoring the quality and safety of health and personal social care services and investigating as necessary serious concerns about the health and welfare of people who use these services. In cases where HIQA believes that there is a serious risk to the health and welfare of healthcare service users, then HIQA may undertake an investigation into the safety, quality and standards of healthcare services.

In June 2012 HIQA published the National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare. These national standards provide the building blocks for quality and safety throughout the healthcare system, creating a common understanding of what is required with regard to the quality and safety of services provided. The HSE is continuing to work with hospitals in preparation for the monitoring process against the National Standards which will be commenced by HIQA later this year.

Effective service delivery requires processes to ensure that there will be sufficient staff available at the right time and with the right skills to deliver high-quality care. The focus of health service management is on ensuring that all critical and essential services are protected and are provided in a safe manner.

The Government has determined that, in line with its commitment to reduce the size of the public service, health sector employment numbers must be reduced substantially in 2013 and 2014. Spending on health services will also have to be very tightly controlled. However, the HSE can make critical staff appointments when necessary.

The Public Service Agreement has been crucial to the health service’s ability to manage through the very difficult circumstances of recent years. The flexibility and adaptability shown by staff has meant that even with reducing staff numbers, service levels have largely been maintained and indeed performance in relation to Emergency Departments and hospital waiting lists has markedly improved.