NMBI Irish Healthcare System 2

Question 1

What is the difference between public and private healthcare in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Public healthcare is funded by taxation and provided by the HSE; private healthcare is funded by private health insurance or out-of-pocket payments and provided by private hospitals and consultants

Answer

Ireland has a two-tier system: public healthcare through the HSE (funded by taxation, with charges for some services) and private healthcare (funded by private health insurance, approximately 46% of the population have PHI). Many consultants work in both systems.

Question 2

What is the role of the community nursing service in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

To provide nursing care in patients' homes and communities, including public health nursing, community RGN services, and specialist community nursing

Answer

Community nursing in Ireland includes public health nurses (PHNs) who provide health promotion and screening, community registered general nurses who provide home nursing care, and specialist community nurses (palliative care, mental health, intellectual disability) who support patients in their homes.

Question 3

What is the National Ambulance Service (NAS) and how does it interface with hospital nursing?

Accepted Answer

The NAS provides emergency pre-hospital care and patient transport, with clinical handover protocols ensuring continuity of care when transferring patients to hospital nursing teams

Answer

The NAS provides emergency response (advanced and emergency paramedics), intermediate care, and patient transport services. Clinical handover from NAS paramedics to hospital nursing and medical teams uses structured tools (like ISBAR) to ensure continuity of care and safe transfer of patient information.

Question 4

What are the key provisions of the Health Act 2007 regarding residential care?

Accepted Answer

It established the registration and inspection system for nursing homes and other designated centres, enforced by HIQA

Answer

The Health Act 2007 established the system for registering and inspecting residential care services including nursing homes, disability centres, and children's residential centres. HIQA conducts inspections against national standards and can impose conditions, attach sanctions, or cancel registration.

Question 5

What is the Fair Deal Scheme (Nursing Homes Support Scheme) in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

A scheme where the State pays a portion of nursing home care costs, with the resident contributing based on their income and assets (means-tested)

Answer

The Fair Deal Scheme provides financial support for people who need long-term nursing home care. The resident contributes 80% of their assessable income and up to 7.5% of the value of their assets per annum (capped at 3 years for principal residence). The State pays the balance.

NMBI Practice Test

NMBI Practice Test

NMBI Irish Healthcare System 2