HSE cuts ‘put expectant mothers’ lives at risk’

The head of one of the country’s leading maternity hospitals has warned that HSE cutbacks are putting expectant mothers’ lives at risk, following the worst official annual death rate in a decade.

Sam Coulter Smith, master of the Rotunda, made the claim after data showed six women died giving birth last year.

This level is the worst in at least 10 years, and comes just weeks after a major report said Ireland’s maternal death rate was likely to be double the official figure.