Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 May 2014
739. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the finding of Britain's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (details supplied) that women with uncomplicated births should have greater access to midwife-led care outside hospitals; the steps he will take to increase such access in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22315/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and the Health Service Executive respect an individual's choice in childbirth and their right to have a home birth.
Currently in Ireland there is a National Domiciliary Midwifery service available to eligible expectant mothers who wish to avail of a home birth service under the care of a self-employed community midwife (SECM). This service is provided by the self-employed community midwife on behalf of the Health Service Executive who signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Health Service Executive. Each self-employed community midwife who agrees to be bound by the terms of this Memorandum of Understanding, is covered by the Clinical Indemnity Scheme (CIS), operated by the State Claims Agency for clinical negligence or medical malpractice arising from the provision of community midwifery services. The criteria for eligibility for the home birth service provided by the self-employed community midwives on behalf of the Health Service Executive were drafted by a group of experts including midwives and obstetricians.
There are currently two midwifery-led units in existence: one in Cavan and the other in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda. My Department is developing a maternity strategy which will involve a literature review of obstetric and midwife-led care models. The strategy should inform the development of different types of midwifery-led care so that women have greater choice nationally.
