Written answers

Wednesday, 30 January 2008

Department of Health and Children

Hospital Services

8:00 pm

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 403: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify a suggestion that women in maternity units will be discharged 12 hours after giving birth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1878/08]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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My Department is aware of options available to some mothers for early discharge from hospital following delivery. For example, the Domino (Domiciliary In and Out) schemes operating in Dublin are designed for women classified as being at low risk of complications and living in close proximity to the hospital. Also the Early Transfer Home Scheme (ETHS), operated by the three Dublin maternity hospitals, offers mothers within identified catchment areas the option of going home early, while continuing to receive care at home from the midwives of their associated hospital, in liaison with GPs and Public Health Nurses. The objective of the ETHS is to provide new mothers with the opportunity to leave hospital within 12-24 hours following birth.

As responsibility for the delivery of maternity and gynaecology services to patients is a matter for the Health Service Executive my Department has asked the HSE to respond more fully to the Deputy on this matter.

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