Call for review of governance structures for maternity units

A major report into the death of Savita Halappanavar has said some of Ireland’s 19 maternity units may need to be scrapped to ensure patient care.

The possibility is detailed in the Health Information Quality Authority’s (Hiqa) 257-page probe into what happened last October at University Hospital Galway.

The report, which can be read at www.irishexaminer. com, states that Hiqa is “concerned” about a total lack of evidence of any national review, or national population-based needs assessment, to show why current service structures should are in place.