Health Minister Urged to Address Maternity Service Concerns

The Health Minister is facing calls for an urgent cross-party meeting regarding maternity services at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe. This comes after the hospital recently transferred high-risk pregnancies to other facilities, raising significant concerns among local residents and healthcare professionals.

Deputy Claire Kerrane of Sinn Féin has voiced strong apprehension over the recent changes. She indicated that there is a growing sense of uncertainty and fear in the community following the transfers. These decisions were made amid ongoing reviews into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of several newborns at the facility, as well as serious harm to others.

Kerrane emphasized the need for Minister Jennifer Carroll McNeill to convene a meeting that includes all local TDs, regardless of their political affiliation. “We need to ensure that every voice is heard in this critical discussion,” she stated. The objective is to collaborate on a solution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of mothers and babies in the region.

The urgency of the situation is underscored by the community’s rising concerns. Local residents have expressed fears that the quality of maternity care in Ballinasloe could decline further if these issues are not addressed promptly. Many families rely on Portiuncula Hospital for essential maternity services, and the recent decisions have left them feeling vulnerable.

In light of these developments, the Health Minister is urged to take immediate action. A meeting that brings together various political perspectives could foster a constructive dialogue aimed at resolving the challenges facing maternity services at the hospital.

As the health sector continues to grapple with these pressing issues, the response from the Minister and local representatives will be closely monitored by the community and healthcare advocates alike. The hope is that through collaboration, a pathway can be established to restore confidence in the maternity services provided at Portiuncula Hospital.