Midwifery expert says birth facilities need major reform

IRELAND’S first ever professor of midwifery has said “it doesn’t make clinical, social or economic sense” for pregnant women to give birth in centralised, specialist facilities.

Speaking after his post was confirmed, NUI Galway lecturer Prof Declan Devane said thinking on what is best for mothers and newborns may be out-dated and in need of reform.

The expert, who has 22 years’ experience teaching in the field and has an international reputation as a leading researcher, acknowledge any changes will need to be carefully thought through as more than 75,000 babies are born in Ireland every year.