Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 February 2014
46. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if maternity services at Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar are on a par with those provided at similar hospitals; if all the recommendations of the Health Information and Quality Authority report into the death of Savita Halappanavar have been implemented; if not, the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6939/14]
View answerI am aware of the concerns of many pregnant women throughout the country and would like to assure them that Ireland is a safe country in which to have a baby. Compared to neighbouring countries, we have low rates of perinatal deaths, and the rates continue to fall. The perinatal mortality rate is estimated by the ESRI at 5.9 per 1,000 live births and stillbirths in 2012 – a decline of 31% since 2003.
The actions required to address the recommendations in the HIQA Report into the death of Savita Halappanavar are being undertaken across our health services with a view to improving patient safety and providing a more patient-centred model of care. An implementation plan is now in place, overseen by the HSE's Director of Acute Hospitals and is being monitored closely by both my Department and the HSE. I received a progress report recently and am pleased that progress has been made in addressing both local and national recommendations. Monthly updates on progress will be provided.
The Deputy might also like to note that my Department, in conjunction with the HSE, will develop a new National Maternity Strategy this year. This will provide the strategic direction for the optimal development of our maternity services to ensure that women have access to safe, high quality maternity care, in a setting most appropriate to their needs. The Strategy will ensure that going forward our services are fit for purpose and in accordance with best available national and international evidence. Development of the Strategy will necessitate a review and evaluation of current services. In that context, maternity services provision at Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar will be examined.
