Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1374. To ask the Minister for Health the status of a review being conducted into a unit (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30675/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, following reports of a planned merger of the midwifery led unit and consultant led services at Cavan General Hospital, the previous Minister requested that a review be undertaken.

My Department has recently been advised by the HSE's Chief Clinical Officer that the RCSI Hospital Group has undertaken an initial assessment of the Cavan midwifery led unit. The findings of that assessment indicate that if the service is to continue, and indeed expand, the input and support of a senior, external clinician will be required. I understand that a clinician has been identified from within the existing Rotunda Hospital consultant complement, and will commence working and attending at Cavan General Hospital for an average of two days per week in the coming months.

In the meantime, I have been assured that the midwifery led service will continue as before.