Group calls for review of instrument-assisted births that led to injuries

The review in University Hospital Galway followed a higher than normal incidence of head injury cases in 2022. 

An advocacy group has called for a review of existing nationwide data around adverse events in instrument-assisted births. 

The call from Safer Births Ireland follows a review of nine such births in University Hospital Galway which included incidents where babies suffered fractured skulls during birth. 

This was after a suction cup was attached to their heads and pulled on to help in what is called a ventouse or vacuum-assisted delivery. 

The practice is still used in around 9% of births. 

It has, however, been associated with significant trauma for those involved, and can lead to a potentially fatal head injury known as subgaleal haemorrhage (SGH). 

The review in UHG was initiated after a higher than normal incidence of SGH cases was noted in 2022. 

Each case was reported and logged with the HSE’s National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) body which manages and oversees serious hospital incidents. 

The resulting review reports were sent to each family, and a number of recommendations were made. 

'Many more cases'

However, the Irish Examiner has learned there are at least 11 other cases where babies suffered trauma around the country.

Safer Births Ireland wants the Department of Health or the HSE to review all SGH cases that have been reported and logged with NIMS where a preliminary review was completed and presented at a Serious Incident Management Team meeting since 2006. 

Co-founder Lisa Duffy said: “We believe the review process afforded to a small number of women in Galway should be extended to include more births in Galway and around the country. 

"We know there are many more cases than the ones reviewed in Galway. 

“Women in Cork, Limerick, and Mayo have been affected, and these are just the cases that we have been told about."

She said as well as a review of cases that have happened, women need to be reassured all the recommendations in the Galway cases have been implemented. 

“At the very least, we need to hear when the HSE/Department of Health is going to bring in a formal guideline on the management of neonatal subgaleal haemorrhage.” 

A total of 20 cases are currently being handled by solicitors firm Coleman Legal. Senior Partner David Coleman told the Irish Examiner: “We have spoken to many families on a nationwide basis in relation to difficulties with instrumental deliveries. 

"A lot of people have asked us to look at their particular circumstances and we are doing so with the help of independent, off-island medical advice.” 

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He added that the 20 cases on his books are inquiries that include and predate the Galway review. 

Both the HSE and the Department of Health were asked for a comment. It is understood that senior officials in the HSE are considering a wider look at issues raised in Galway.

The call for a review of cases comes after other calls for an investigation into more than 42 avoidable hospital baby deaths in Ireland since 2013.