Five external reviews into maternity care at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe, Co Galway, have been completed. A total of 34 recommendations were made which fall under the following themes:
- Clinical Care
- Multi-Disciplinary Team Communication
- Multi-Disciplinary Staff Training
- Communication with Women and Partner
- Post Adverse Event
- Environmental/Infrastructure Factors
At least 7 more external review reports are awaited.
Of significance, the review team found that many of the issues raised in the previous review from 2018 remained.
It is encouraging to hear that many the recommendations have already been well advanced by the External Management Team, which was put in place in January to oversee services in maternity and neonatal care.
However, in light of the safety issues identified, and with other reviews ongoing, the pathway for the transfer of high-risk pregnancies to Galway University Hospital, or another suitable location, has been expanded to include a larger number of women.
Questions however remain as to why the maternity unit continued to operate with the safety issues identified at least as far back as 2018, and it seems that a national review into maternity services generally is long overdue, to ensure streamlined practices across the country.
This is no doubt a concerning time for expectant mothers in the region, and it would seem an urgent response from the Department of Health is necessary. At least 35 incidents have required investigation since 2008, and now is the time to get to the bottom of why issues continue to arise at the Portiuncula Maternity Unit.
If you have concerns about your child’s birth and its relationship to any traumatic injury, you can speak to Sorcha King or one of our other medical negligence solicitors on 091-865000 or by email to info@callantansey.ie, to schedule a consultation.
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Read our Previous Update: Another Review into Maternity Services in Portiuncula University Hospital – May 20, 2025