Doctor warns of fatalities if HSE fails to replace midwives

A senior doctor at the Mid-Western Maternity Hospital in Limerick has said the HSE has no plans to deal with 47 midwives leaving the hospital in February, and that mothers and babies may die because of this.

Doctor Gerry Burke, Consultant Obstetrician and Chairman of the Labour Party Limerick Constituency said that, by the end of February, the maternity hospital in Limerick stands to lose 47 out of 200 midwives in the HSE's retirement scheme.

The maternity hospital provides care to more than 6,000 women and about 5,200 newborn infants in the mid-west - including Clare - every year.

The HSE has issued a statement saying contingency plans are being developed to cover any gaps that may arise in staffing as a result of midwives retiring at the end of next month.