Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2014
341. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health following the revelations on a television programme (details supplied), if he will consider the introduction of the measures outlined by the medical specialists in the programme to reduce the number of stillbirths. [37860/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra342. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the research and measures that are being implemented by his Department to reduce the number of stillbirths here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37861/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 341 and 342 together.
The National Clinical Programme for Obstetrics and Gynaecology was set up by the HSE in 2010 as a joint initiative between HSE Clinical Strategy and Programmes Division and the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, RCPI. The Programme takes direction and guidance from the Clinical Advisory Group, a group of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists from the Institute. The Programme established a multi-disciplinary national working group, which meets at least four times a year, to harvest the views of, and gain consensus from, the range of healthcare providers associated with maternity services. As the issues raised by the Deputy refer to such services, I have asked, through the HSE, that the Clinical Programme examine the matter and respond directly to him.
The Deputy may also be interested to note that the reports into the 2012 maternal death at UHG and infant deaths at Portlaoise Hospital from 2006 made important recommendations in relation to maternity services in both hospitals and in relation to wider maternity services' provision. Implementation of the recommendations of both reports is underway and is being regularly monitored.
Furthermore, my Department, in conjunction with the HSE, is currently working on the development of a new Maternity Strategy. The Strategy will determine the optimal configuration of maternity services to ensure that women in Ireland have access to safe, high quality maternity care in a setting most appropriate to their needs. Developing the strategy will provide us with the opportunity to take stock of current services and identify how we can improve the quality and safety of care provided to women and their babies. The Strategy will ensure that our services are in accordance with best available national and international evidence.
