Health Board seek to extend maternity unit

December 1986

THE North Eastern Health Board applies to the Department of Health for an extension to the maternity unit in Louth county hospital.

If refused, the board will look at the possibility of taking over other beds at the hospital for the maternity service.

A meeting hears the extension is needed, and the health board asks for £150,000.

Cllr. Tom Bellew says the people of Dundalk are prepared to fight very hard for an improvement.

He points out while there was a decrease of 20% in the number of births in the region in the past year, there was a 50% increase in the Louth.

When an obstetrician/gynaecologist was appointed to the hospital three years ago, there was a dramatic increase in the number of women giving birth there, and the number undergoing gynaecological operations.

‘ This proves that when the service is provided it is made use of.

‘ The service has now reached maximum capacity and is very stretched,’ Cllr. Bellew remarks.

He adds staff are working under trying conditions in a ‘Cinderella’ hospital.

‘ There is no admission room, no assessment room for expectant mothers, there is no waiting room for fathers, and no room for parents to go if there is a stillbirth or deformity.’

Dr. Mary Randall backs the call for an exten- sion to the hospital, saying the health board should not provide a half service, but a full service.

Another problem at the Louth is the practice to rotate nurses from month-to-month between general wards and the maternity unit.

The doctor explains nurses cannot get practiced in particular skills, and urges it be looked into.