Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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135. To ask the Minister for Health his views on reports of difficulties at Tallaght hospital identified at two unannounced visits by the Health Information and Quality Authority; if he will discuss actions to be taken with Tallaght hospital board and management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40719/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Since late 2012, the Health Information and Quality Authority has been carrying out a monitoring programme against the National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs) in hospitals throughout the country. HIQA inspection reports are published on a routine basis.

As Minister for Health, I take the prevention and control of HCAIs very seriously. HCAIs represent a major cause of preventable patient harm and increased healthcare costs. I welcome the publication of HIQA’s hospital hygiene reports, which provide an independent assessment of hospital hygiene and identify areas for improvement. On foot of HIQA's recent inspections and reports on Tallaght Hospital, the hospital has taken a number of corrective measures, with further quality improvement measures planned. I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the remedial actions taken by the hospital.