Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

From my experience in terms of the Cavan midwifery-led unit there, what I have found important and crucial to the further expansion, development, growth and promotion of that unit is buy-in from GPs. As I said, the one in Cavan not only provides a service for Cavan-Monaghan, but is a more regional midlands service for women across the area. Does the Minister have any input in terms of how GPs are buying in? Those types of midwifery units are dependent on women having that engagement with their GPs when they are making that decision for their pathway of care on maternity services. There is much to be garnered and gained from our GPs and those primary care services in communities throughout the country. If there is buy-in from those, we will see exponential growth in our midwifery-led units. I often find, from talking to women, they are not that aware of the service available. What can we do to encourage and nurture that?

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