Maternity hospital set to increase bed numbers

BED numbers are expected to be increased at a Dublin maternity hospital next year so they can help mothers-to-be who can’t be treated at Holles Street because of its planned cap on numbers.

The Coombe Women’s Hospital recorded its busiest month on record in September with 757 births.

Hospital master Dr Seán Daly said that discussions are ongoing with the Department of Health and he was “hopeful the beds will be in place by the summer.”

Dr Daly said that an increase in midwife numbers is also being discussed as the Coombe would like to “help out Holles Street if it is within our capabilities.”

Staff at the National Maternity Hospital at Holles Street were told last week that a ceiling will be placed on the numbers giving birth next June, July, August and September because of overcrowding at the hospital.

“The plans for 14 new post-natal beds are well advanced and would be a significant increase for the hospital. We have needed these beds since we took over responsibility for the Holles Street clinic in Naas,” Dr Daly said. The County Kildare expectant mothers’ clinic was taken over by the Coombe

Women’s Hospital three years ago when the Eastern Regional Health Noards were reorganised.

Meanwhile, Labour Party health spokeswoman Liz McManus has called on the three Dublin maternity hospitals to give priority to treating pregnant mothers from within their

catchment areas.

She called on Holles Street, the Coombe and the Rotunda to form an arrangement which will reduce difficulties for pregnant mothers.

The Wicklow TD said: “Holles Street has traditionally been used by mothers from south Dublin and Wicklow, yet these women may not now be guaranteed a bed should they present themselves at the hospital during the months of June to September next year.”

She called on Health Minister Mary Harney to intervene immediately to ensure there is sufficient capacity to cater for all expectant mothers.