HSE completes review of homebirth services suspended due to death of Limerick woman

HSE Midwest said it 'does not have a confirmed timeline for when home birth services will resume'

Laura Liston died in June 2022 after the homebirth of her first child. File picture

An external review into homebirth services in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary has concluded after three years with the HSE MidWest defending the length of time it took.

However, the homebirth services in these counties remain suspended until reforms are put in place based on the review. The suspensions followed the tragic death of Limerick woman Laura Liston in June 2022, after the homebirth of her first child.

Canon Willie Fitzmaurice said at the time the community was deeply shocked, and rallied around her heartbroken families. The review was set up shortly afterwards and the team included a consultant obstetrician, director of midwifery, designated midwifery officer and a case officer.

“We acknowledge that the review process and implementation of recommendations have taken time and we understand the frustration this has caused,” a HSE Midwest spokesman said. “At present we do not have a confirmed timeline for when home birth services will resume, we are actively working towards this goal.” 

Recommendations cover national policies, resourcing - including hiring - as well as training for staff and the spokesperson described the changes as "comprehensive" for the service. 

“We are committed to reinstating the service as soon as possible while ensuring all necessary measures are in place to provide the highest standard of care for both mothers and infants,” he said.

He acknowledged this means: “HSE Mid West and University Maternity Hospital Limerick are not currently in a position to offer a homebirth service but we are working to reinstate it as soon as possible.” 

Concerns have been raised since the suspension about a growing interest in free-births, which involves babies delivered without doctors or midwives.  “We strongly advise against unassisted births and encourage women and their partner to avail of maternity services in UMHL and HSE Mid West,” the spokesman said.

They offer antenatal clinics at four sites in Limerick and one in Ennis. The Danu Suite at UMHL provides water immersion in labour.

Private Midwives Ireland

There has been renewed focus on access to homebirth in the wake of the shock closure of Private Midwives Ireland last week. One midwife who worked for them and for the HSE service said PMI ran in some counties where the HSE do not. 

The two services applied different criteria. Sarah McCann said this means none of her PMI clients can transfer over.

“I fear that the HSE won’t step up,” she said. “I feel that PMI being here and offering this alternative was good. I do not think the HSE will step in and meet these women's needs.” 

She cautioned: “Free birth is going to happen more often, I think. That’s what I am hearing.”