Opposition calls for patient safety watchdog

OPPOSITION parties are to demand a new patient safety watchdog following a series of damning reports on the health services.

Both Fine Gael and Labour will ask the Government in the Dáil this week immediately to establish an independent authority charged with upholding standards in hospitals and care homes. The call comes in the wake of patient mistreatment scandals that shocked the country, including the Lourdes Hospital inquiry, the death of Pat Joe Walsh in Monaghan Hospital and the Leas Cross reports. The proposed Patient Safety Authority would monitor standards of care in all registered health and social care facilities, under the plans.

It would advise the Health Safety Executive (HSE) on patient safety, investigate complaints and carry out ‘quality reviews’ on the provision of services.