The absence of an independent and timely procedure for handling complaints is one of the more glaring omissions from HIQA’s current model of regulation. This state of affairs has been a cause of much distress and frustration for countless nursing home residents and their families over these past eleven years. Currently, if you raise a complaint with HIQA, it is not followed up or investigated but is noted and reclassified as a “concern” for inclusion in the next nursing home inspection. It is not clear from published HIQA inspection reports if complaints are subsequently reviewed by the inspecting parties, or what feedback, if any, is given to the complainant.

Categories: Priorities