Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 November 2014
766. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health the reason an independent midwife had her State indemnity insurance removed after transferring a person from her home to hospital when she became dizzy and subsequently had a bleed after ten hours in hospital yet in similar or worse situations no Health Service Executive staff were ever suspended or had insurance suspended (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41945/14]
View answerAs this matter is sub-judice, I am therefore restricted in the response I can give to your questions.
I understand from the HSE that Ms Cannings' indemnity has been suspended temporarily due to specific and serious concerns expressed by other clinical staff about patient safety. Indemnity is not removed from a professional without concern. Safe guidelines and practices are in place to protect mothers and babies.
The Government remains committed to the development of Primary Care services in the community; where people will have direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams. This will form part of the general review of maternity services being carried out over the course of the next twelve months. Every pregnancy does not need to be dealt with by an obstetrician and this is the sort of issue the maternity review will consider. Safe guidelines and practices are in place to protect mothers and babies.
I am aware that prior to this suspension, there were 18 Self employed Community Midwives contracted by the HSE to perform Home births. The maternity review will explore the choice of maternity services available and required by mothers in Ireland. The HSE have informed me that any mother wishing to access the home birthing service can apply to the designated midwifery officers for applications and an assessment of criteria will follow.
