Care home inspections will not return to pre-pandemic levels immediately despite the reversal of a Department of Health order reducing their numbers.
The RQIA watchdog charged with overseeing quality in the homes was directed on March 20 in a letter from Chief Medical Officer Michael McBride to reduce the number of inspections while the country was in the grip of Covid-19.
And on the eve of yesterday’s planned judicial review challenging the decision, the Department rescinded the directive prompting a return to full inspections.
But Belfast Live has learned that returning to pre-pandemic inspection levels will not be immediately feasible.
A DoH spokesman said: “With the rebuilding of health and social care services underway following the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, the RQIA will be able to increase its activity across all areas of work.
“It is important that this increased activity remains as safe and as flexible as possible. Returning to pre-pandemic inspection levels will not be immediately possible.”
An independent review has also been announced following the RQIA board's resignation.
Health Minister Robin Swann confirmed he had asked Daniel Nicholl from On Board Training in Co Down to undertake a review of the move that left the watchdog without an interim head and board members.
Mr Swann addressed the row over decisions around care home inspections in a press conference and said it was regrettable that the situation had “got to this point”.
The minister added: “I recognise that the board resignations will have caused some concern so today I’m announcing an independent review.”
Mr Swann went on to say that the resignations would have no impact on the day-to-day work of the RQIA but conceded that “we could have done some things differently”.
