6 days ago
Two more reviews completed on Portiuncula maternity unit
In response to a parliamentary question from TD Claire Kerrane, Health Minister stated that the hospital and the safety of maternity patients are of 'critical importance'.
While the response acknowledged the completion of two additional reviews and the increased number of recommendations, it merely stated that implementation would proceed 'over the coming months'.
To date, Deputy Kerrane has received no further updates from the HSE or Health Minister.
The direction for the hospital's future, according to the ministerial response, will require an 'extensive evidence base, of which an extensive review of the implementation of the current National Maternity Strategy will form part'.
Deputy Kerrane expressed concern about the ongoing lack of clarity around future plans for PUH, particularly regarding efforts 'to ensure a full return of maternity services'.
'This roadmap is essential to ensuring the current reduction in services is not seen as a permanent solution and the hospital can continue to serve our community. This prolonged uncertainty is completely unacceptable, especially for pregnant women, who, as long as this situation continues, will have to travel further to have their babies.'
The Irish Independent reported recently on the Galway County councillors call to the HSE and the health minister requesting a 'fully independent, external review' of the hospital.
The councillors urged a broader evaluation of the hospital, placing it within a 'contextual service' framework alongside other maternity services nationwide.
Initial recommendations in the first five reviews suggested diverting high-risk pregnancies to other hospitals, such as University Hospital Galway (UHG).
This has raised concerns among local residents and councillors, as PUH serves communities across counties Tipperary, Offaly, and Clare. Questions have since been raised about the infrastructure and readiness of the hospitals expected to take on these patients, along with safety risks for women facing emergencies during labour.
Deputy Kerrane is calling on the HSE to use the meeting to present a clear 'roadmap' and offer 'much needed assurances' that the diversion of high-risk pregnancies is only a temporary measure.
Additionally, a petition to preserve and enhance existing maternity services at PUH has already gathered over 3,000 signatures.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
