Policies & regulatory compliance

Policies & regulatory compliance

  • Quality & compliance

    Safeguarding & client rights

    Training & development for our carers & nurses

    Policies & regulatory compliance

    Continuous improvement

Policies & regulatory compliance

At Obsidian Homecare Services, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of care through full adherence to relevant legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks. This ensures that we provide safe, effective, and person-centred services while maintaining full transparency, accountability, and compliance with Irish healthcare regulations.

Regulatory compliance framework

We operate within a stringent framework of national laws and regulations that govern homecare services in Ireland. While we are guided by HIQA’s principles of best practice, we are also fully aligned with other key legislative frameworks that ensure our services are legally sound, ethical, and in compliance with national standards.

  • The health act 2007

    This fundamental legislation outlines the regulatory framework for health and social care services in Ireland. It sets clear requirements for service providers in relation to the governance, management, and delivery of care. We ensure our services meet the standards of care outlined in this Act, focusing on the physical and mental well-being of our clients while adhering to health and safety protocols.

  • The assisted decision-making (capacity) act 2015

    We believe in the autonomy of our clients and respect their capacity to make decisions about their own care. For those who may require assistance, we ensure that the principles of this Act are upheld, supporting individuals to make decisions in the least restrictive way possible while providing support when necessary.

  • General data protection regulation (GDPR)

    We take the privacy and security of our clients' personal and medical information very seriously. Under GDPR, we adhere to strict data protection standards, ensuring that all personal data is handled confidentially and securely. Clients have full control over their information, and we take all necessary measures to safeguard it from unauthorised access or misuse.

  • Health & Safety Regulations

    In line with national health and safety legislation, we implement robust procedures to ensure the safety of both our clients and staff. This includes regular risk assessments, infection control practices, and safe manual handling procedures. We proactively manage risks to reduce accidents and ensure a safe care environment at all times.

Internal policies & operational procedures

Our operational policies are the cornerstone of our service delivery, ensuring that all activities are in line with regulatory standards and best practices. These policies not only guide our care standards but also ensure the proper governance and accountability necessary to maintain compliance.

Person-centred care planning

Every client receives an individualised care plan based on their unique needs and preferences. These plans are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that care continues to meet both the client’s evolving needs and the statutory requirements of healthcare regulations.

Safeguarding & protection policies

We have implemented stringent safeguarding policies in line with national legislation to protect vulnerable individuals from abuse or neglect. All staff undergo safeguarding training, and we maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy toward abuse, with clear reporting and escalation procedures in place for any suspected concerns.

Staff recruitment & professional standards

Our recruitment policies are designed to ensure that only qualified, compassionate professionals are selected to provide care. We adhere to the National Recruitment Standards for Social Care Workers in Ireland, and all our staff undergo thorough background checks, including Garda Vetting, before employment. We ensure that our carers, including registered general nurses, intellectual disability nurses, and paediatric nurses, are properly qualified to work with vulnerable individuals and have a deep understanding of the legal and ethical responsibilities in providing care.

Training & continuous professional development (CPD)

We maintain an ongoing training program for all staff, from carers to specialist nurses, to ensure they are well-versed in regulatory requirements and healthcare best practices. Our training covers all aspects of care, including safeguarding, health and safety, and legal compliance, ensuring that all staff members are equipped to meet the regulatory standards required by law.

Incident & risk management

We maintain an ongoing training program for all staff, from carers to specialist nurses, to ensure they are well-versed in regulatory requirements and healthcare best practices. Our training covers all aspects of care, including safeguarding, health and safety, and legal compliance, ensuring that all staff members are equipped to meet the regulatory standards required by law.

Monitoring, audits, & accountability

To ensure ongoing compliance, we conduct regular internal audits, reviews, and evaluations of our services. These assessments cover all areas of service delivery, including care planning, risk management, and staff performance, ensuring that we meet all regulatory requirements and maintain high standards of care.

Client feedback & quality assurance

We actively encourage client feedback through surveys and direct communication. Feedback is analysed regularly, and any issues raised are addressed promptly. This ensures that our services are always aligned with client expectations and legal requirements.

Internal audits

These audits are comprehensive and cover everything from care documentation and client records to staff training and health and safety procedures. We conduct both scheduled and surprise audits to maintain transparency and identify potential areas for improvement.

Commitment to transparency & governance

Transparency is a key aspect of our commitment to regulatory compliance. We believe in being open and clear about our policies, practices, and performance. As part of this, we ensure our clients, their families, and the wider community have access to information about how we operate, what regulatory frameworks we adhere to, and how we maintain accountability within our organisation.

  • Governance & leadership

    Our leadership team is responsible for overseeing compliance with all relevant policies and regulatory frameworks. This includes maintaining clear lines of communication, ensuring that staff members adhere to policies, and making informed decisions that ensure the safety and well-being of our clients.

  • Client & family engagement

    We provide clients and their families with the information they need to understand our policies and procedures. Clients have access to a dedicated point of contact within our organisation for any questions related to compliance or care delivery.

Summary

At Obsidian Homecare Services, we take a proactive approach to ensure that all our services comply with relevant regulations and adhere to the highest standards of care. By following a comprehensive framework of policies, legal guidelines, and operational procedures, we guarantee that our clients receive safe, effective, and person-centred care. We are committed to continuous monitoring, regular audits, and transparency in all aspects of our service to maintain full accountability and high-quality care.

Contact us

If you or a loved one require homecare services, or if you're interested in joining our team, get in touch today. Let Obsidian Homecare Services provide the care and support you deserve.