Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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613. To ask the Minister for Health the names of the persons undertaking the review of the maternity unit in Cavan General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16515/20]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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614. To ask the Minister for Health the reason a review of the maternity led unit in Cavan General Hospital is necessary; if the way in which the downgrading of services was muted some weeks ago without his knowledge has been investigated; if he has examined this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16516/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 613 and 614 together.

Following reports of anticipated changes to midwifery led maternity service provision in Cavan General Hospital (CGH), the Department requested, and is awaiting, a full report from the National Women & Infants Health Programme. The Programme has advised that a review is underway within the RCSI Hospital Group, led by the Group Clinical Director for Maternity Services in conjunction with the Directors of Midwifery from Our Lady of Lourdes, Drogheda and the Rotunda Hospitals. The review is expected to be finalised in September; however, in the meantime, it is understood that the Cavan Midwifery Led Unit is operating normally.

The Department has sought assurances that any proposals, emanating from the RCSI review, will serve to ensure the future of the Cavan Midwifery Led Unit and that it will operate in line with the National Maternity Strategy. Once the full report has been received, the Department will work with the National Women & Infants Health Programme to ensure that any additional supports which are required to secure the future of community midwifery services in Cavan, will be put in place. This will ensure that the choice of the Supported Carepathway remains available to women attending CGH for maternity services.