HSE failings ‘led to five deaths, injured 80 babies, and cost the State €320m’

Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise

Health service failings that led to five deaths in the 2014 Portlaoise baby deaths scandal also contributed to life-changing injuries to up to 80 babies and cost the State up to €320m in compensation, according to a review of catastrophic baby injury claims.

The review, by the State Claims Agency (SCA), found nurses failed to monitor fetal heart rates “appropriately” in just over half of claims the agency reviewed.