DOH: Move meant to free up limited resources

A SPOKESMAN for the Department of Health said: “Amongst the main drivers for reducing the frequency of statutory inspections activity was to free up limited resources to deal with anticipated pressures within care homes and to allow RQIA inspectors to assist colleagues within this sector to deal with the continued pressures being faced by staff.

“RQIA’S statutory role, in relation to nursing and residential homes, is not just about inspection but also to provide support to them.

“As well as providing this additional support, the decision to reduce statutory inspections was also to minimise the risk of spreading infection to the most vulnerable people in society by reducing footfall in homes and is consistent with the approach of health and social care regulators across the UK and Ireland.

“As part of the HSC response to the pandemic, some RQIA inspectors were tasked with providing enhanced support through the Service Support Team.

“On behalf of the Department of Health and Public Health Agency, RQIA has issued the latest regional direction and guidance on a range of issues crucial to the management of care homes, domiciliary care services and independent hospitals and hospices during the pandemic.

“RQIA are receiving daily updates from nursing and residential homes on a variety of matters. This information is being shared with HSC Trusts.

“The SST analyses the information it receives from the care homes and if the information generates a concern the SST will contact the home to offer support and guidance, or escalate to inspection if appropriate.

“This information has come about as a direct result of freeing up RQIA inspection resources to establish the SST.

“This daily information, about both staff and residents’ wellbeing, has not previously been available to the RQIA or the HSC Trusts. RQIA’S team of inspectors have continued to regulate health and social care services.

“RQIA inspections continue on a risk-assessed basis, if anyone has a concern about a particular home or the practice in it, they can contact RQIA and raise it.