Andrews calls for new approach to maternity care

The Children's Minister has suggested the establishment of maternity centres of excellence in the wake of revelations about misdiagnosed miscarriages.

A third woman has now come forward saying doctors told her she had miscarried when in fact her baby was alive.

The HSE has opened a helpline for women with concerns but there are have also been calls for the introduction of mandatory second scans.

Minister Barry Andrews said a new approach to maternity care should now be considered.

The HSE meanwhile said it has now put in place a programme to standardise obstetric care across the country.

It is being steered by Professor Michael Turner, in association with the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

It will apply to the care of both public and private patients.

Barry White, the HSE's National Director for Quality and Clinical Care, said they will make sure basic steps are adhered to in relation to miscarriages, especially with regard to second scans.

"In a lot of circumstances you do need a confirmatory scan," Mr White said.

"Certainly in early pregnancy the scanning is not reliable and can be misleading.

"That's why doctors will usually repeat the scan, and if they are not repeating it that should be done."