Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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390. To ask the Minister for Health if he will implement a review of Ireland's maternity hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27179/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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A comprehensive review of maternity services was carried out by the Health Information and Quality Authority, an independent authority established to drive high-quality and safe care in Ireland. In 2018 and 2019, HIQA undertook a monitoring programme of all 19 maternity units/hospitals, against the National Standards for Safer Better Maternity Services. Assessment of services undertaken during the monitoring programme focused on four specific themes within the national standards:

- leadership, governance and management;

- workforce;

- effective care and support; and

- safe care and support.

In 2020, HIQA published an individual report into services at each unit/hospital, along with an overview report into maternity services nationally. That report is largely positive and the finding of high levels of compliance against most of the Standards assessed during the monitoring programme, is particularly welcome. Importantly however, the report identifies a number of areas where work is required to meet the standards. The HSE has done significant work to address the findings of the report to date, including revising its Implementation Plan for the National Maternity Strategy, in the roll out of the Strategy’s model of care and in improved governance of maternity services. 

In addition, funding for the development of maternity services has increased significantly, with a total of almost €16 million allocated specifically for the implementation of the Strategy under Budgets 2021 and 2022. This funding is further improving access to specialist services, including obstetric, endocrinology, perinatal pathology, neonatology, and perineal services, as well as further developing community-based midwifery services. It is also supporting the recruitment of additional WTEs into maternity services across the country, including Consultants, Midwifery/Nursing posts, Allied Health workers, Healthcare Assistants and Administrative staff. In line with HIQA's recommendations, this investment is delivering increased choice to women, as well as improving outcomes and experiences for women and babies accessing maternity services.