Ending of private maternity care in public hospitals 'means new models must be examined'

AIMS Ireland spokeswoman Krysia Lynch: 'We know that a lot of people who are very low-risk in Ireland sign up with private obstetricians, that is a mis-match in terms of skill base. Very low-risk births are better taken care of by midwives whose expertise is in normality.'

An open debate is needed on the implications of ending private maternity care in public and voluntary hospitals, advocacy group AIMS Ireland has urged.

The call follows Cabinet approval of a new contract for hospital doctors which will see private care phased out of these hospitals by 2025, including private and semi-private obstetric care.