Vol. 441 No. 3
140 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the lack of consistency in public maternity services in different parts of the country and the difference in family planning approaches depending on the Health Board; if the Department of Equality and Law Reform has brought these matters to the attention of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In relation to the standard of facilities available and the question of privacy for mothers, I understand that ongoing improvements have been made to accommodate in most units and that every effort is made to ensure that there is a maximum amount of privacy afforded to mothers. Many of the larger maternity units provide individual labour rooms, and in the relatively few cases where labour rooms are shared, curtains are used to allow privacy for patients. These measures would be in accordance with the recommendations of the Commission for the Status of Women report of 1993 concerning single delivery units and privacy for maternity patients. I am satisfied that the overall quality of service to mothers and babies in maternity hospitals and units is of a very high standard.
In relation to family planning, health boards are required to provide a comprehensive family planning service. I am aware that the level and range of services is variable in health board areas. Future policy in relation to the provision of a comprehensive family planning service will be addressed in the health strategy document which will be published in the near future.
