Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister and the officials for making the time to come before us today. There are a number of questions taking in issues from Mr. O'Brien's opening statement to the committee, particularly the events in Portlaoise and what is happening there. In the opening remarks it was indicated that there is now a policy of open disclosure regarding the sad and tragic events that took place in Portlaoise. Is it envisaged that this will become a national policy? I know it was piloted in some hospitals in recent months and years. What is the vision for such a policy? The research indicates that in dealing with people in a humane fashion and with issues like litigation, there is a positive impact if a policy of open disclosure is followed when there are unforeseen mishaps.

The witnesses may be aware that the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, INMO, recently had a survey on the clinical and midwifery work force, with data taken in February this year across 19 public maternity units. It has indicated the appropriate and safe level of care for women and expectant mothers is one midwife for every 29.5 women. I am alarmed to see what the figures have indicated, with Portlaoise the worse case at a ratio of 1:55. It is followed by Mullingar, the Rotunda and my own local hospital in Waterford, which has a ratio of approximately 1:36. The national average has one midwife for every 40 patients. What is happening in this regard? How are the standards and recommendations of the HIQA report arising from the death in Galway of Ms Savita Halappanavar being implemented across the 19 public maternity wards in the country? All expectant mothers and their families want reassurance on this and the results of the survey carried out by the INMO are quite stark and frightening for people. I would like some update in that regard.

Will the witnesses give an update on how the hospital groupings are proceeding and how service reorganisation is happening? With the publication of the Higgins report, certain undertakings were given with regard to participation in the process. One undertaking concerned the provision of 24-hour cardiology services in Waterford Regional Hospital, so I would like to know how that is proceeding.