Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 May 2017
22. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the provision of a dedicated obstetrics theatre at University Hospital Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20448/17]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to the progressive development of maternity services. In 2016, Ireland's first National Maternity Strategy was published along with the HSE's National Standards for Bereavement Care following Pregnancy Loss and Perinatal Death and HIQA's National Standards for Safer Better Maternity Services. Since December 2015, each maternity unit has published a monthly Maternity Patient Safety Statement as recommended by the Chief Medical Officer. These developments represent key building blocks to facilitate the provision of a consistently safe and high quality service.
In addition, a National Women & Infants Health Programme has now been established within the HSE to lead the management, organisation and delivery of maternity, gynaecological and neonatal services. The Programme will ensure the consistent delivery of high quality care and oversee the development of Maternity Networks.
In relation to the Deputy's query regarding University Hospital Kerry, I understand that the provision of a dedicated Obstetric Theatre forms part of a capital submission that is due for consideration by the South South/West Hospital Group (SSWHG). If approved, this proposal would then be referred to the Acute Hospital Division for consideration in the national context.
My Department has been assured by the SSWHG that arrangements are in place to mitigate any risk to patients. In that regard it is understood that theatre scheduling ensures the availability of an Emergency Theatre every day. In addition, the Consultant teams have worked successfully to date to ensure emergency access is provided if required. While, occasionally, this can lead to delays for scheduled procedures, the hospital has advised that, to date, no such procedures have been cancelled to accommodate an obstetric emergency.
