Disability Federation of Ireland Newsletter March 2008

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) was established in May 2007 as part of the government's health reform programme. HIQA has begun a wide range of work as an independent body that will drive improvements in quality, safety and accountability across the health and social care services, including services for people with disabilities.

In October 2007 HIQA established a National Standards Advisory Group looking at developing standards for Designated Centres for People with Disabilities, as defined in the Health Act 2007. Jacqueline Thompson, Support Officer, represents DFI on this Group.

HIQA recently signed off on National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People (February 2008), launched a major report into the placement of children aged 12 and under in residential care (October 2007), and published its first national quality review on hygiene (November 2007).

At the same time as HIQA is developing National Standards across the health and personal social services, the HSE is simultaneously turning its attention to the establishment of Working Groups on De-Institutionalisation, Vulnerable Adults, and a Review of Day Services. It must be anticipated that voluntary disability organisations will be influenced by the work of such HSE Groups and the development of National Standards through HIQA. We urge all organisations to remain abreast of these developments and consider the implications that National Standards and HSE policy developments may have for them. DFI will continue to monitor and influence these developments, which although welcome must not be the only areas targeted through development funding in the coming years.

DFI will continue to provide up to date information of these on our newsletter and we urge you to contact your DFI Support Officer for further information if required.

John Dolan
CEO