HSE rules out birth trauma inquiry in Ireland despite calls from maternity advocates

Maternity advocates Aims Ireland has called for a birth trauma inquiry similar to one carried out in England. Picture: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

The HSE has pushed back against calls for a birth trauma inquiry in Ireland, saying recent changes, including the introduction of birth reflection clinics, have given women more say in the services.

This follows a call from maternity advocates Aims Ireland for an Irish inquiry similar to that carried out in England, with findings published by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Birth Trauma last month.

Aims Ireland chair Krysia Lynch said there were similarities between the Irish and English maternity systems, particularly around low staffing numbers which could lead to pressures as well as a favouring of a medical approach to birth.

However a spokeswoman for the HSE’s National Women and Infant Health Programme (NWHIP) said the “quality and safety of the maternity services is of the utmost importance". 

She pointed to changes linked to the National Maternity Strategy (2016 - 2026), saying: "Irish maternity services compare well with those in other countries in terms of safety and patient outcomes." 

She acknowledged the 2020 Maternity Experience Survey found “women did highlight concerns about their postnatal care” despite “mainly positive” findings. 

This survey will run early next year again. The HSE will act on the findings, with action plans for each hospital, she said. 

Aims Ireland chair Krysia Lynch said there were similarities between the Irish and English maternity systems, particularly around low staffing numbers which could lead to pressures. Picture: Moya Nolan

NWHIP is also "very much supportive" of debriefing services — women have the right to request a meeting with a midwife or obstetrician after giving birth.

“Debriefing services are recognised as being hugely beneficial, particularly after a traumatic birthing experience or where emergency action was required to safeguard the wellbeing of the women and her baby with a view to supporting the woman to understand what happened and why,” she said.

Birth reflection clinics are now available at “many of the 19 maternity units” so women and their partners can discuss trauma experienced during pregnancy or labour if required.

“These clinics provide women with a really important opportunity to ensure their concerns are heard, and that they understand what happened during their labour,” she said.

Postnatal hubs have opened in five locations, including Cork and Kerry, with four more expected next year. These offer community support and include birth reflection clinics, she said.

Aims Ireland is also part of a maternity alliance, including Safer Births Ireland, Féileacáin and the Birth Rights Alliance, raising serious concerns around avoidable mother and baby deaths in hospitals.