Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2019
463. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that treatment of therapeutic hypothermia which is used to treat newborn babies with moderate to severe hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy is not available in 15 of the 19 maternity hospitals here; and if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the treatment is time crucial and must commence within six hours of birth. [28041/19]
View answer464. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that over the period 2016 to 2017, 140 babies underwent therapeutic hypothermia treatment and 40% of these babies were transferred from regional hospitals. [28042/19]
View answer465. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a matter in relation to newborn babies (details supplied); and his views on whether the treatment is time crucial. [28043/19]
View answer466. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend therapeutic hypothermia treatment on site to each maternity hospital; if so, the timeline in place for the allocation of funds and the implementation of the service in maternity hospitals; if plans exist, the nature of the plans; and if not, the reason therefor. [28044/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 463 to 466, inclusive, together.
The National Women & Infants Health Programme was established in the HSE to lead the management, organisation and delivery of maternity, gynaecology and neonatal services across primary, community and acute care.
As the queries raised by the Deputy relate to operational matters, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
