HSE probes deaths of two babies at Cavan General
One baby died on Sunday morning and the other died last Wednesday.
It is understood that Caesarean sections were required in both cases. Autopsy results are imminent.
The baby who died last Wednesday was just one day old. The newborn died unexpectedly and the cause of death is being investigated.
The second baby died before delivery on Sunday. It is understood that an emergency C-section was being carried out in an attempt to save both the life of the mother and the baby.
A consultant is required to be in the hospital for the surgery to take place.
It is believed that part of the inquiry will examine whether there was any delay in contacting the on-call obstetrician to carry out the operation.
The HSE is investigating both cases and awaiting their autopsy results.
Cavan General is part of the new Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland hospital group.
āThe RCSI Hospitals Group can confirm that two investigations have commenced directly in regard to Cavan General Hospital. It is not the policy of Cavan General Hospital to comment on individual cases,ā a spokesman told the Irish Examiner last night.
The HSE classifies the death of a newborn as a serious reportable event where an investigation is needed to ascertain whether the death was a preventable incident or not.
Some deaths may be a result of natural causes.
Cavan General Hospital has been subject to several investigations when four newborns died within a two-and-a-half year period, between late 2012 and May 2015.
The hospital has one of the smallest maternity units in the country.
The Stateās 19 maternity hospitals and units are required to publish statements each month on patient safety. The most up-to-date for Cavan is from last December.
There were 120 births recorded in that month and the figures adjusted per 1,000 births, similar to the rate in the UK. More than one third of births involved a Caesarean, the statement said.
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