The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) today announced that Carol Grogan has been appointed to the position of Chief Inspector of Social Services following an open competition.



Carol has worked in HIQA since 2009, having most recently served as Head of Regulatory Practice Development within the organisation. The appointment comes following the retirement of Mary Dunnion from the role.



Carol Grogan said: “I am delighted to take on the role of Chief Inspector and build on the significant achievements in driving quality and safety of care across social services since HIQA’s establishment.



“The past 18 months in social care have been particularly challenging, and the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for urgent reform of how Ireland’s health and social care services are regulated. As Chief Inspector, I will continue to advocate for the need for regulatory reform to better safeguard the people using services.



“I also look forward to working with the Government to further the regulation of homecare services and bring it under HIQA’s remit in order to provide assurances as to the quality and safety of care received by people in their own homes.”



Prof Pat O’Mahony, Chairperson of HIQA, said: “We welcome Carol to the organisation’s Executive Management Team and believe she will bring significant experience and insight as she fulfils the legislative remit and role of Chief Inspector. The Board and management of HIQA fully supports Carol and look forward to working with her in the regulation of social care services.”



Ends.



For further information please contact:

Marty Whelan, Head of Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

01 814 7480/085 805 5202, mwhelan@hiqa.ie