Focus on maternity - Examiner findings shocking

SHOCK revelations that half the ultrasound examinations in Irish hospitals are performed by unqualified staff, climax a week that saw Ireland’s maternity services put under the spotlight by an Irish Examiner survey.

Doubtless, women across the country will also be alarmed to learn that a new survey of 21 maternity units, carried out by Trinity College and the National Maternity Hospital, found that 44% of ultrasound machines in use are over five years old. It describes the equipment as ‘suboptimal’.

This comes hot on the heels of the Irish Examiner finding that two out of every three women were dissatisfied with aspects of the service.

There is a compelling case for Health Minister Mary Harney to set down clear national guidelines on maternity training and equipment. Women can have no confidence in services that are deficient.