One midwife for every 41 births? Ratio rises instead of dropping to better level

THE number of midwives at a hospital already under investigation over infant deaths is now lower than when a report criticised critical shortages last July, the Irish Mail on Sunday can reveal.

A review at Cavan General Hospital last year found a ratio of one midwife to 40 births – significantly worse than the recommended level of 29.5 births per midwife. Now, new figures show the current level has risen to 41 births per midwife, adding extra pressure in an already difficult situation.

This comes as the hospital investigates the tragic deaths of two infants at the start of this month. The hospital has said it could take two to three months for post-mortem results to be available.

The HSE recently suspended recruitment of staff, including midwives, at all hospitals. A survey by nurses’ union the INMO two years ago found no hospital met the required midwifery staffing standards, putting Cavan at 42 births per midwife.

Last year’s report, by former NHS management consultant David Flory, was sharply critical of staffing levels and management capacity at Cavan General Hospital. He addressed ‘critical areas’ of shortages, including both midwives and consultant obstetricians.

It was commissioned following concerns around the deaths of four babies at the hospital from 2012 to 2015.

Dr Kyrsia Lynch from lobby group AIMS Ireland said: ‘That is a disappointing ratio, given the fact that essentially the same ratio was highlighted several years ago as being worrying. Obviously nothing has changed. The high-tech medical care will be given primarily by consultants, but they have to be supported by midwives.’ She also warned about the ratio impact on postnatal care at the hospital.