Terence Flanagan
Ceist:766. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health his plans to develop more free-standing birth centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21838/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 9 June 2015
Ceisteanna (766, 767)
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:767. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health his plans to open more midwifery-led birth centres attached to hospitals, in addition to those already at Drogheda in County Louth and in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21839/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 766 and 767 together.
My Department is currently developing a National Maternity Strategy which will set out policy direction for maternity services. As a first step, a review of national and international literature on the organisation and delivery of maternity services, which was commissioned by the Department, examined models of maternity care in other jurisdictions, including midwifery-led care. The literature review is currently informing the work of the Steering Group which has been established to advise on the development of the Strategy. I have identified the publication of the Strategy as one of my priorities for 2015.
The Deputy can be assured that my Department is committed to the principle of choice for women in child birth. In that regard, the Strategy will develop the principles which should underpin integrated models of care and appropriate care pathways. The need for any further midwifery led units will be considered in that context.