Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane says that clarity and certainty is needed on the quality of maternity and newborn care delivered at Portiuncula Hospital.
She said that concerning incidents following the birth of several babies at Portiuncula Hospital, as confirmed by the HSE, is a very serious matter that warrants forthrightness and transparency, to assure expecting parents and the local community that the hospital is providing high-quality care.
Deputy Kerrane said that she had engaged with her colleague and party spokesperson on Health David Cullinane, and he has written to the Minister for Health seeking a briefing for local political representatives and Opposition Health spokespeople on the issue. She 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.
Deputy Kerrane 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.
“My thoughts are with the parents and loved ones who are part of the review, who lost their baby, and to those for which this news story will bring back pain – the loss of a child is unimaginable”, she concluded.
