In the IMO’s submission to HIQA’s Corporate Plan, the IMO raised a number of issues, including as follows :

• No detail has been provided on how HIQA is to assume the role of Supervisory Body for recognised Research Ethics Governance (RECs).
• There is little reference in the National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare or in the guidance to the financial resources required to ensure compliance or specific guidance on how the standards should be applied in General Practice.
• That Working conditions of Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHD)s and non-compliance with the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) in HSE hospitals is a patient safety issue and requires investigation by HIQA.

 

The IMO recommended

• that HIQA hold a full consultation on HIQA’s role of Supervisory Body for recognised Research Ethics Committees (RECs).

 

• In the interests of patients/service users HIQA should make representations to the government and/or the HSE on key issues affecting patient safety in particular

o   The financial resources required to implement the National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare and;

o   The poor working conditions of NCHDs in HSE hospitals and the HSE’s noncompliance with the EWTD.