Bernard Allen
Ceist:292 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons the Condon review group's report on maternity services has been rejected. [16565/01]
Written Answers. - Maternity Services Report.
I presume that the report referred to by the Deputy is the report of the review group on maternity services in the North Eastern Health Board which was presented to the board in November 2000. The principal recommendations of the report were that consultant-led maternity services at Monaghan General Hospital and Louth County Hospital, Dundalk, should cease due to concerns about patient safety, a pilot centre for midwife-led obstetric services should be established in Louth County Hospital and consultant-led delivery units should be located at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda and at Cavan General Hospital.
I have been advised that the report has not been rejected. The health board decided not to accept in full the recommendations contained in the report and unanimously approved the establishment of a further review with a broader remit. This further review will reflect on the potential for cross-Border co-operation and the requirements of spatial planning as anticipated in the national development plan. I understand this further review is under way and that a report will be presented in the autumn.