Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for this important question about the treatment of women experiencing pregnancy loss.

Significant progress has been made in implementing the National Standards for Bereavement Care following Pregnancy Loss and Perinatal Death since their publication in 2016. Specialist Bereavement Teams have been established in all 19 maternity hospitals and units, each with a Clinical Midwife Specialist in Bereavement.

Changes have been made across maternity hospitals and units to ensure quiet and dignified spaces are available for women and families in distressing circumstances. All 19 maternity units and hospitals now have dedicated quiet rooms and spaces for women and families receiving bad news. In line with the National Standards, this provides for compassionate care in an appropriate setting for families experiencing pregnancy loss.

In University Maternity Hospital Limerick, there is a recently refurbished waiting area - the Rose Room - for parents who are experiencing pregnancy loss, or are receiving bad news. This room was designed in accordance with the Irish Hospice Foundation Design and Dignity Guidelines for compassionate spaces. Further spaces like this are being developed in Limerick to provide a more calming and supportive environment during times of uncertainty and grief.

I am advised by the HSE that maternity hospitals and units make every effort to run clinics at different times for women experiencing pregnancy loss. However, due to the size of some units this is unfortunately not always feasible.