Written answers

Tuesday, 21 March 2017

Department of Health

Maternity Services Provision

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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759. To ask the Minister for Health if a clinical director for maternity services has been appointed for the South-South West Hospital Group; the name of that person; if the role is clearly defined with a delegation order or other such official designation; if the role has managerial autonomy in relation to budgetary matters with a clear and distinct operating budget within the South-South West Hospital Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12969/17]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am advised that Prof John Higgins was appointed Clinical Director of the Women and Children Services Directorate for the South-South West Hospital Group with effect from 27 February last. Prof. Higgins has now assumed clinical and executive responsibility for maternity services in the Group's four maternity hospitals viz Cork University Maternity Hospital, University Hospital Kerry, University Hospital Waterford and South Tipperary General Hospital.

I understand that an Order has been made, under Section 16H of the Health Act 2004, sub-delegating certain functions in relation to maternity services to Prof Higgins. I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to the specific information requested regarding the functions which have been delegated.

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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760. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the fact that there is no recorded data of the number of foetal anomaly scans for pregnancies within the South-South West Hospital Group,SSWHG, and that not all pregnant women presenting to CUMH have access to such scans; and his further views on whether the lack of scanning services and allied datasets presents risks in terms of patient outcomes. [12970/17]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am advised that foetal anomaly scans are available in all Hospital Groups. Those hospitals/maternity units currently providing anomaly scans accept referrals from other maternity units, if requested. This occurs where the medical team in the referring maternity unit consider that an anomaly scan is clinically indicated.

The National Maternity Strategy is very clear that all women must have equal access to standardised ultrasound services and, consequently, the issue of anomaly scanning is a priority issue for the newly established HSE National Women & Infants Health Programme (NWIHP). An early priority for the Programme will be to develop clinical guidance regarding routine detailed scans at 20 weeks. In the meantime, the NWIHP will continue to work with the six Hospital Groups to assist in increasing access to anomaly scans for those units with limited availability.

One of the current challenges to increase access to anomaly scans is the recruitment of ultrasonographers. In this context it is expected that the establishment of maternity networks across hospital groups will assist in developing a sustainable model that ensures that all women within each hospital group can access anomaly scans.

In relation to your specific query regarding recorded data on the number of scans within the South/South West Hospital Group, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.

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