Vol. 408 No. 1
23 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Health if he has received a copy of the report by a person (details supplied) on the review of procedures in Holles Street, Dublin 1 arising from public concern about a case (details supplied); if it is intended to publish the report; if he intends to introduce any new regulations or guidelines for maternity hospitals in the light of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have received a copy of the review of procedures in the National Maternity Hospital. The brief given by the hospital to the London based consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist was as follows: (i) To review the practices and procedures of the National Maternity Hospital in relation to the care of pregnant women and (ii) to comment on the standard of obstetrical practice in the National Maternity Hospital and how it compares with standards in comparable countries.
The question of publication of the report is a matter for the hospital authority and I understand that this matter is under consideration by the hospital authority at present. My Department have had discussions with the hospital on the report and I understand that the hospital have or already are in the process of implementing a number of the recommendations made in the report.
I do not envisage at this stage the introduction of any new regulations or guidelines for maternity hospitals in the light of the report.
Has the Minister had the report on his desk since before Christmas? Having regard to widespread public concern, the details revealed during the court action in the Dunne case, the fears and frustrations of mothers that their worries and misgivings while in labour were not heeded by the staff of Holles Street, and to the fact that this is the National Maternity Hospital would it not be appropriate for the Minister to assure the House that the report will be published?
As I said, it is a matter for the hospital authority to decide what to do. I have advised them to publish the report. In case anyone is concerned I am satisfied that a very high standard of service is provided by the hospital for mothers and infants.
Surely the health of mothers is a matter for the Minister for Health? While I am sure that what he said about the procedures at Holles Street is correct it is nonetheless a fact that some of those procedures, in particular the monitoring of two foetal hearts, have been changed since the Dunne case. It is reasonable to ask the Minister if he intends to introduce general guidelines for maternity hospitals in the light of the findings of Professor Chamberlain.
No, not as a result of the findings. We are in close contact with the hospitals and, as I said, I am satisfied that a very high standard of obstetric care is maintained for mothers and their infants. With regard to the specific report, as I have said to the Deputy, it is not a matter for me to decide whether the report should be published but rather for the National Maternity Hospital.
Does the Minister intend to introduce general guidelines when and if he proceeds with the building of the Tallaght Hospital or has that project been abandoned for the term of office of the Government?
That is a separate matter.
I understand that, in the first phase, there will not be an obstetrics unit in the Tallaght hospital.
Will there be a first phase of the Tallaght Hospital?
That disposes of questions for today.
