Maternity questions remain – MacSharry

DESPITE a decision to shelve a review into the region’s maternity services, a number of questions remain according to Senator Marc MacSharry.

Senator MacSharry originally revealed details of the confidential report which included proposals to downgrade and close maternity services at a number of hospitals.

The HSE West/ North West Hospitals Group says the review has been suspended and will be incorporated into a national examination of maternity services.

Senator MacSharry, pictured, said: “There was no public consultation or engagement with patients before this report was prepared.

“The contents made for frightening reading, documenting the possible downgrading and even closure of maternity services in a number of hospitals across the region.

“The announcement of a national approach to maternity services is welcome, but there needs to be a public consultation period with the most important stakeholder in the process, the patient.

“Questions still remain about the unilateral action taken by the West North West Hospital Group to review these services. Who commissioned the report? “Did the board know? What were the terms of reference? “Who prepared and approved them?

“Did the CEO of the HSE, the Minister or the CEO of the West/ North West Hospital group help prescribe the terms of reference? “If not, who is responsible? “To what extent will this failed and flawed report inform the national position now?

“These are all central issues that need to be addressed if this national review is to have any credibility.”