Department of Health to investigate baby death

The Department of Health is launching an investigation into the death of a premature baby, whose mother was unable to have treatment at her local hospital.

The maternity unit at Monaghan General hospital was closed and the young woman was forced to make the 25-mile journey to Cavan. Two inquiries have now been launched into the death of the infant.

Both the Department of Health and the North Eastern Health board will examine the circumstances.

The young mother, Denise Livingstone, who was six months pregnant, sought help in Monaghan General hospital yesterday morning but the maternity ward was closed.

She was transferred by ambulance to Cavan hospital but went into labour en route. The baby was delivered on arrival at the hospital.

The tragedy follows weeks of protests by Monaghan residents who have been demonstrating outside the Dail at the loss of the service.