Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 28 Feb 1990

Vol. 396 No. 4

Written Answers. - Ante-Natal Care.

Dermot Fitzpatrick

Ceist:

112 Mr. Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in a recent report (details supplied) a member of the executive branch of the Irish Nurses' Organisation indicated that expectant mothers were not receiving adequate ante-natal care; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

I am aware of the newspaper article referred to by the Deputy.

I regret that the article gives the erroneous impression that the only kind of ante-natal service available to pregnant women is hospital based. The primary responsibility for the care of pregnant women rests with the general practitioner service through the operation of the maternity and infant scheme and I must emphasise that there has not been any reduction in the level of this service. This service is provided for expectant mothers and also for infants up to six weeks of age free of charge to medical card holders and persons in category II eligibility for hospital services which is about 85 per cent of expectant mothers and their infants. Normally mothers choose their own general practitioner and make at least six visits before confinement and two visits afterwards.

In relation to hospital based ante-natal services, I do not accept the statements quoted in the article to which the Deputy refers. Particular care has been taken to ensure that all maternity units are in a position to provide the highest possible standard of care for both mothers and babies. The primary consideration in the location of units is to ensure that each unit has a minimum throughput which will justify the provision of the sophisticated range of staff and facilities required to deal with those at risk and to give reassurance to those who may be experiencing difficulties in their pregnancy or delivery.

In addition to providing hospital based services, two of the Dublin maternity hospitals provide outpatient clinics in outlying areas. Health boards also provide similar services for expectant mothers. I understand there have been no reductions in these clinics. The Tallaght ante-natal clinics organised by the Coombe Hospital in association with the Eastern Health Board will be re-established very shortly.

I would like to comment on some other points mentioned in the same article.

The impression is given that mothers are now being discharged from hospital 48 hours after giving birth. The position is that some hospitals do discharge mothers after 48 hours but only in cases of a second or subsequent birth or where the mother requests to be discharged. There is no question of any mother being discharged after 48 hours where complications have occurred or until such time as the consultant involved deems her fit to be discharged.

There is no evidence available to my Department of any increase in post-natal depression. There has been no reduction in the number of public health nurses providing post-natal care.

I am saddened by the apparent readiness of a few members of the nursing profession to provide grounds for a diminution of confidence in a service which consistently produces excellent results and has contributed so much to the health and wellbeing of both mothers and babies.