Healthcare services across Ireland need to step up their game to ensure patient safety, according to a recent report by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). Out of 10 healthcare services inspected, eight were found to require improvements to protect patients from potential harm. These inspections, conducted between May and September 2025, covered a range of facilities, including hospitals and clinics in Cork, Dublin, Kerry, Kildare, and Tipperary.
The report highlights several key areas that need attention. Firstly, management and oversight arrangements, workforce planning, physical environment, and monitoring and evaluation systems are crucial for delivering high-quality, safe healthcare. Nine out of the 10 services had physical environment improvements as a priority.
One of the most pressing issues identified was infection prevention and control. At Naas General Hospital, UPMC Kildare, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, and Tipperary University Hospital, significant infrastructure upgrades were deemed necessary to address these risks. Interestingly, Bantry General Hospital showed progress since the last inspection, with effective workforce management arrangements in place.
However, there was a noted over-reliance on agency and contract arrangements for consultants, and monitoring and risk oversight mechanisms needed strengthening. This was a recurring theme across the inspections.
Another critical area is bed availability. Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and Naas General Hospital experienced a higher demand for inpatient beds than supply, impacting emergency department management. While Tipperary University Hospital met most HSE targets for patient experience times, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and Naas General Hospital fell short, leading to patients waiting in the emergency department, affecting their privacy and dignity.
Despite these challenges, the report also acknowledges positive developments. Three services, Blackrock Health Blackrock Clinic, Mater Private Network Cork, and Bon Secours Hospital Tralee, achieved substantial to full compliance in all inspected areas. UPMC Kildare and St Vincent’s Private Hospital also demonstrated good overall compliance, with well-structured oversight, clear accountability, and effective leadership.
HIQA emphasizes the importance of a culture of kindness, dignity, and respect across all inspections. The report encourages healthcare services to proactively seek and act on patient feedback to improve the overall service. While progress has been made, further action is required to enhance the quality and safety of care, especially in the emergency department, to ensure patients receive the best possible treatment.
