Pressure for new maternity facilities

THE North Eastern Health Board wants Minister Micheál Martin to provide funding for a midwifery-led unit at Monaghan General Hospital.

The board’s chairman Declan Breathnach yesterday acknowledged that a new maternity unit in Monaghan was essential to restore public confidence in the health board, which suspended maternity services last year.

There was public outrage in the border county following the death last December of baby Bronagh Livingstone. She was born prematurely en route to Cavan General Hospital after her mother Denise was turned away from Monaghan Hospital.

A report into the hospital, conducted by former civil servant Kevin Bonner, revealed a huge chasm of mistrust between the Monaghan community and the health board. Mr Bonner said investment of €14 million was required to upgrade the hospital, including €3.85m for maternity services.

However, the soon-to-be published Hanley report on the restructuring of health services is expected to recommend the downgrading of some hospitals. But NEHB chairman Mr Breathnach insisted yesterday that the Hanley report was not likely to adversely affect Monaghan hospital.

“The Bonner report has firmly put that issue to bed. Monaghan hospital is not going to close and the health board is not going to close any hospital in this region,” said the Fianna Fáil councillor.

He conceded that until maternity services were restored, there was always the risk of another tragedy.

“We can’t rule out any accidents or tragedies, but all we can do is try and minimise the risk,” he said.

Mr Breathnach said the board acknowledged the Bonner report’s criticism of health services in the region.

“I have no doubt there is mistrust. There has been mistrust between the local community and the health board. I would contend it resulted from a misunderstanding of how the board can deliver maternity services.”

Mr Breathnach said public frustration was matched by frustration in the board and the NEHB executive at not having funds to improve services.

“We are chomping at the bit to deliver these services. Unfortunately, the board is as much frustrated as is the executive in delivering these services, because of constraints of various statutory agencies deciding what type of level of consultant should be in place, together with financial constraints.”