RQIA may conduct reviews of health and social care services, using its powers under Article 35 of the 2003 Order in response to current events, or to examine emerging issues. RQIA may initiate a review, or they may be commissioned by the Department of Health, or in response to a request from another HSC organisation. In preparing for and planning a review, and reporting on findings, RQIA’s focus is on safe, effective and compassionate care; and on the quality of leadership within a service.
The purpose of RQIA’s review programme is to provide independent and professional assessments to the Minister of Health, through the Department of Health, and to the public about the quality, safety and availability of health and social care (HSC) services in Northern Ireland. It also aims to drive continuous improvement in these services and to ensure the rights of service users are safeguarded.
