Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW)

In undertaking this role, it endeavours to support and encourage continuous improvement in the provision of health services.

HIW works closely with other inspection, regulation and audit bodies operating in Wales and has a statutory duty of collaboration with the Healthcare Commission in England to ensure the quality and safety of cross border services.  It also collaborates with the Healthcare Commission on all England/Wales reviews.

In undertaking its review activities, under the Health and Social Care (Community Health & Standards) Act 2003 HIW is required to consider:

• the availability of, and access to, healthcare;
• the quality and effectiveness of healthcare;
• the financial or other management of healthcare and the economy and efficiency of its provision;
• the availability and quality of information provided to the public about healthcare; and
• the need to safeguard and promote the rights and welfare of children.
  

As of 1 April 2006, the functions of the Local Supervising Authority (LSA) transferred to HIW. The LSA for the statutory supervision of midwives in Wales involves preparing, appointing and developing supervisors of midwives.

In addition, from 1 April 2006, in agreement with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), professional advisers from HIW conduct annual monitoring of the higher education institutes in Wales which offer approved NMC programmes.

HIW is leading the implementation of the healthcare aspects of 'The Concordat Between Bodies Inspecting Regulating and Auditing Health and Social Care in Wales'. The Concordat is consistent with the Welsh Government's aim to improve the way public services are delivered in Wales.

For more detailed information, please click on the following links:

• Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (External link)
  
  
• Concordat Between Bodies Inspecting Regulating and Auditing Health and Social Care in Wales (External link)