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Neurology: Independent (Private) Hospitals and Hospices in Northern Ireland

RQIA concluded its fieldwork for this review in August 2019.  A report of RQIA’s findings and recommendations was being finalised prior the COVID-19 pandemic.  This review will be published at a time to be agreed with the Department of Health.


What we were asked to do:

1. To profile Independent (Private) Hospitals and Hospices in Northern Ireland.

2. To describe and assess the governance systems and processes (organisational and clinical) within Independent (Private) Hospitals and Hospices in Northern Ireland which assure quality of care with regard to:

  • Leadership
  • Safety
  •  Effectiveness
  • Compassion

3. To assess the effectiveness of arrangements for monitoring the quality of care and patient outcomes within Independent (Private) Hospitals and Hospices in Northern Ireland. 

4. To assess the effectiveness of arrangements for identifying and managing risk within Independent (Private) Hospitals and Hospices in Northern Ireland.

5. To describe and assess the interfaces and arrangements in place for liaison with general practitioners, commissioners and other HSC organisations to ensure effective communication and partnership working. 

6. To describe and assess the interfaces and arrangements in place for communication with service users (patients, families, carers) to ensure safe and effective care. 

7. To report on the findings, identify areas of good practice and, where appropriate, make recommendations for improvement.

How we carried out the review:

We utilised a mix of methodologies to gather information to inform the review, including:

  • Profiling of the Independent (Private) Hospitals and Hospices in Northern Ireland;
  • Structured questionnaires completed by each of the Independent (Private) Hospitals and Hospices, the Health and Social Care Board and the five HSC Trusts in relation to processes and governance arrangements in place to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care in a well-led environment;
  • Engagement with frontline staff in each of the Independent (Private) Hospitals and Hospices to obtain their views and understanding in relation to governance arrangements.  Staff who participated represented medical, nursing, administrative and support staff;
  • Online surveys to allow General Practitioners to share their experiences of working with Independent (Private) Hospitals and Hospices in relation to the care of patients;
  • An online survey for service users to share their experiences of accessing and using the services in the Independent (Private) Hospitals and Hospices; and
  • Meetings with senior managers and clinicians in each of the Independent (Private) Hospitals and Hospices, the Health and Social Care Board and the five HSC Trusts.

The Review Team

You can find more information on the review team here