HSE confirms death of newborn at Portlaoise hospital

The HSE has confirmed that a perinatal death took place at Portlaoise Hospital two days ago, on March 8.

The Coroner has requested a post mortem examination, which is now being carried out.

It follows a HSE inquiry into the deaths of four newborn babies at the hospital between 2006 and 2012, which found maternity care was not safe or sustainable.

The HSE said Incident Management Policy is being carried out in relation to the death, and it offered its condolences to the family.