Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2014
119. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the actions that have followed the Health Service Executive report into maternity services at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise; the further measures that will be put in place there and in other maternity units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14907/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Chief Medical Officer's Report into Perinatal Deaths at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise 2006 to date makes 42 recommendations, all of which I have accepted. The HSE has now established an implementation group to oversee and ensure that the Report's recommendations are progressed in a timely and effective manner. The group has representation from Acute Hospitals Division, Clinical Strategy and Programmes, Quality and Patient Safety and is chaired by the National Director of Acute Hospitals Division. The HSE has forwarded the first Progress Report from the implementation group to me. Progress on implementation of the recommendations will be reviewed by the HSE Leadership Team and a monthly report will be provided to the Chief Medical Officer.
The Deputy may also wish to note that pending implementation of the recommendation that Portlaoise Hospital Maternity Services become part of a managed clinical network under a singular governance model with the Coombe Women & Infant University Hospital, a team was put in place on 28th February to run the Maternity Service. With regard to the Report's recommendation that other small maternity services around the country should be incorporated into managed clinical networks within the relevant hospital group, I am advised that discussions have commenced with the relevant Hospital Groups in relation to progressing this recommendation.
