Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 September 2020
55. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health if the report commissioned by his predecessor into the midwifery-led unit in Cavan General Hospital has been completed; if the reason for the initial suggested amalgamation with consultancy-led maternity services at the hospital has been explained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23648/20]
View answerFollowing reports of planned changes to midwifery led maternity service provision at Cavan General Hospital, my Department requested a full report from the National Women & Infants Health Programme. I have been advised that the review is currently on-going within the RCSI Hospital Group and it is envisaged that the report will the finalised by the end of September.
In the meantime, the Midwifery Led Unit at Cavan General Hospital is operating as normal and bookings are being accepted from women wishing to avail of the service. Once the full report has been received, my Department will work with the National Women & Infants Health Programme to ensure that any additional supports which are required to secure the future of community midwifery services in Cavan, will be put in place. This will ensure that the choice of the Supported Care pathway remains available to women attending Cavan General Hospital for maternity services and that maternity services will continue to develop in line with the National Maternity Strategy.
