What we do

RQIA  registers and inspects a wide range of health and social care services. Our inspections are based on a new set of minimum care standards which will ensure that both the public and the service providers know what quality of services is expected.

Our inspectors visit nursing and residential care homes and children's homes to examine all aspects of the care provided, to assure the comfort and dignity of those using the facilities, and ensure public confidence in these services. We are also currently responsible for the regulation of independent hospitals and clinics and nursing agencies.

RQIA also has a role in assuring the quality of services provided by health and social services boards, trusts and agencies, to ensure that every aspect of care reaches the standards laid down by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and expected by the public.

With the transfer of duties of the Mental Health Commission to RQIA under the Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (NI) 2009, RQIA undertakes a range of responsibilities for people with a mental illness and those with a learning disability.  These include: preventing ill treatment; remedying any deficiency in care or treatment; terminating improper detention in a hospital or guardianship; and preventing or redressing loss or damage to a patient's property.