The HSE National Strategy for Clinical Audit 2026–2030 sets out a clear plan to support safer, better, and more consistent care.
HSE National Strategy for Clinical Audit 2026-2030 (PDF, 19 Pages, 1.97 MB)
The HSE National Centre for Clinical Audit (NCCA) developed the strategy with health and social care staff and patient representatives.
Hear from the National Clinical Lead for Quality and Patient Safety on why this strategy matters and what it means for staff and patients.
Strategic importance
The strategy is an important step towards creating a culture of best practice, quality improvement and patient centred care.
It supports the goals of Sláintecare and the HSE Patient Safety Strategy.
It does this by strengthening clinical audit to:
- improve patient safety
- reduce variation in care
- support staff to make evidence-based decisions
- build a culture of learning across the health system
It is led by the NCCA and the National Steering Group for Clinical Audit. The strategy will support and strengthen collaboration nationally and in the regions, shared learning, and practical action for clinical audit at national, regional and local levels.
Strategic aim
The strategy aims to establish a coordinated national system for clinical audit that:
- supports continuous improvement in care
- strengthens accountability across services
- encourages shared learning
- delivers measurable improvements for patients
The 4 strategic pillars
These pillars guide how clinical audit will be strengthened across Ireland at all levels.
The 4 pillars include:
- strategic leadership and governance for clinical audit
- building organisational capability
- quality improvement impact and assurance
- culture, communicating and partnering for progress
How we will deliver the strategy
The NCCA, working with the National Steering Group for Clinical Audit and partnering with the health regions and key stakeholders, will:
- create a national Implementation plan (2026–2030) outlining deliverables, timelines and the resources required
- provide tools, guidance and support for teams
- strengthen governance and oversight
- support collaboration across regions and services
Key enablers for the strategy
These include:
- expert teams from NCCA and Regional Quality and Patient Safety
- digital systems and data tools
- clear governance structures to support clinical audit and quality improvement
- investment in staff and resources
- partnership with patients and the public
- ongoing collaboration and partnership with clinical audit services providers such as the National Office for Clinical Audit( NOCA), The RCPI Specialty Quality Improvement Programmes, National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre( NPEC).