My Department was pleased, through the health promotion unit, to support the recent publication by Cuidiú, of a consumer guide to maternity services in Ireland titled Preparing Together for Birth and Beyond. I very much welcome publication of this report which provides valuable information for women in relation to available services at maternity hospitals and units. The document will be of considerable benefit in informing women in relation to maternity services.
I am aware of the World Health Organisation's recommended rates for caesarean sections. I am concerned by the wide variations between hospitals in Ireland, as reported by Cuidiú, in the rate of procedures such as caesarean sections. While some element of such variation can usually be explained by reference to the complexity of cases being dealt with it is important that the reasons for remaining variations be understood and explained. Accordingly, I have asked my Department's chief medical officer to seek the views of the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists as the organisation with professional responsibility for standards in this area. As with all medical interventions, caesarean sections should only be undertaken for sound clinical reasons in the interest of both mothers and babies.
