Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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683. To ask the Minister for Health his views on whether a hospital-wide audit of VBAC counselling is necessary at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda following the case of a person (details supplied); if, in view of the findings relating to documentation of counselling of the risks of VBAC identified in the recent audit, the lack of investigation by the HSE when it first came to light in 2013 and its proposed review, and that it does not intend investigating any other cases, the action he intends to take in this regard; his further views on whether patients have a right to be informed of the risks of VBAC and if there is a reason the senior Our Lady of Lourdes obstetricians did not do this; the reason there was a delay by the HSE in its proposed review until the hospital manager had left the organisation; the reason there was a communications breakdown when the family in question raised these matters with the HSE director general in a letter in November 2015; if he plans to meet the family as they will not deal with the HSE following their experience with the organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27038/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The case referred to has been the subject of correspondence between the family involved, the HSE and the Department of Health. The Deputy National Director, Acute Hospitals Division, HSE is dealing directly with the concerns raised. As a result of this I have referred this matter to the HSE to respond to you directly.

A new model of care has been developed for maternity services within the National Maternity Strategy which was launched in January 2016. The Strategy recommends that services should be woman-centred and provide integrated, team-based care, with women seeing the most appropriate professional, based on their need. This will ensure that specialist care will be available to women as required.