Special support team for HSE

The HSE has been told to set up a properly funded “special support team” by the end of March to ensure “major adverse events” like those at Portlaoise are acted on and not ignored.

The Department of Health report into the situation at the midlands hospital said the creation of the group is vital due to the repeated failure of officials at the facility to address known problems.

According to the detailed report, multiple case files at Portlaoise raised concerns over maternity services and put forward specific recommendations on how to improve care for patients.