Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health David Cullinane TD has said that clarity and certainty is needed on the quality of maternity and newborn care delivered at Portiuncula Hospital.

He said that concerning incidents following the birth of several babies at Portiuncula Hospital last year, as confirmed by the HSE, is a very serious matter which warrants forthrightness and transparency to assure expecting parents and the local community that the hospital is providing high quality care.

Teachta Cullinane said that he has written to the Minister for Health seeking a briefing for local political representatives and Opposition Health spokespeople on the issue. He said that engagement with representatives from across the political spectrum is essential to ensuring that the reviews are robust and provide the assurances which are needed.

Teachta Cullinane said:

“It is concerning that nine births at Portiuncula Hospital are under review, but I welcome the fact that the HSE has commissioned separate reviews into each incident. This is a very serious matter which warrants forthrightness and transparency.

“Impacted families, expectant parents, and the local community will be very concerned by these developments. Clarity and certainty is essential for providing assurances to them that quality care is delivered at Portiuncula.

“Despite representing a small percentage of births at Portiuncula, the HSE accepts that the number of incidents is relatively high, at 9 in 2 years. There must be full engagement with the families involved and I welcome reports that the HSE is engaging with these families. Every expectant parent will be concerned that they and their child could end up in that situation. Impacted families, expectant parents, and the local community will have valid concerns that need to be addressed honestly.

We all need to be satisfied that services are provided to a high standard. This is why I have written to the Minister for Health requesting a briefing for local political representatives and Opposition Health spokespeople on the issue.

“Engagement across the political spectrum is essential for ensuring that the reviews are robust, transparent, and trusted, and that they can provide the assurances which are needed. The reviews must establish what happened, whether there was a poor quality of care, and what steps must be taken to ensure this is not repeated.”