Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2013
140. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the circumstances in which a hospital went to the High Court to seek an order for a woman to have a Caesarean section on 10 March 2013; the nationality of the woman involved; the basis of that decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13741/13]
View answerFollowing a request for information by officials from my Department, the HSE has confirmed that on Friday 8 March 2013 Patient A attended the ante-natal Clinic in Waterford Regional Hospital. The patient was 13 days overdue. Serious concerns arose following a clinical review at the clinic. The patient was advised that an immediate admission to the hospital for a caesarean section was needed. It was deemed that there was a substantial risk to the health and wellbeing of both the baby and the mother. I am advised that, at this point, the mother refused to be admitted to hospital.
As the risks were deemed unacceptably high, an application was made by the HSE to the High Court seeking an order – Notice of Motion - to allow the hospital (or its doctors or staff) to administer all appropriate medical treatment for the mother to safeguard her health and that of her unborn child. The court order included a request that the patient be compelled to undergo a caesarean section if necessary. As per the patient's entitlement legal representation was organised for the patient by the hospital. The patient's legal representation costs will be covered by the hospital.
An initial Notice of Motion was issued on Friday night requesting the patient to return to the hospital for further review. The mother consented to stay in the hospital. A second consultant obstetrician spoke to the mother and outlined the serious concerns and the risks for both the baby and the mother. The mother again refused to undergo a caesarean section
On Saturday 9 March the patient consented to a caesarean section which was carried out immediately. Therefore a further Court ruling was no longer required. I wish the patient a speedy recovery.
I am unable to advise the Deputy of the nationality of the woman involved on the grounds that this could potentially lead to the identification of the patient.
