Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
982. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend the baby box scheme to all maternity hospitals; when the scheme will be available at South Tipperary General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19966/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to the progressive development of maternity services. In 2016, Ireland’s first National Maternity Strategy was published, as well as the HSE’s National Standards for Bereavement Care following Pregnancy Loss and Perinatal Death and HIQA’s National Standards for Safer Better Maternity Services. These developments represent key building blocks to facilitate the provision of a high quality maternity service.
€3 million development funding provided for maternity services in 2016 was allocated in line with the Strategy, and included funding for additional staff, including 100 midwives, the development of specialist bereavement teams and for the implementation of the Maternal and Newborn Clinical Management System. Increased funding of €6.8m will be provided for maternity services in 2017 and this will allow for the continued implementation of the Strategy. In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
