Monaghan Hospital report being finalised

The author of a report on the future of Monaghan General Hospital says that a new policy on the future of maternity services there is being finalised.

Kevin Bonner drew up the report in the wake of the death of baby Bronagh Livingstone who died last December in Cavan General Hospital after her mother had been turned away from Monaghan hospital because there is no maternity unit there.

Members of the North Eastern Health Board have been questioning Mr Bonner on his report at a special meeting this afternoon.

Monaghan member Hugh McElvaney claims there could still be loss of life at the hospital.

According to board officials, midwife-led maternity units will be introduced and evaluated in hospitals in Drogheda and Cavan before being extended to Monaghan and other hospitals in the region.