Concerns Rise Over Future of Maternity Services at Portiuncula Hospital

Local concerns about the future of maternity services at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe have intensified following a recent presentation by the Health Service Executive (HSE). No commitments have been made regarding the restoration of full maternity services, leaving many women in the area anxious about their healthcare options. Councillor Evelyn Parsons, who attended the Oireachtas Health Committee meeting, expressed frustration, noting that there are still “more questions than answers” regarding the decision made in July 2025 to transfer high-risk pregnancies away from the unit.

During the session, HSE CEO Bernard Gloster provided an update on the care reviews for twelve women and their infants, which have raised significant concerns. Of these reviews, five are still pending completion. Gloster highlighted two tragic intrauterine deaths that occurred in 2023, emphasizing that reviews indicated potential issues in care that may have influenced these outcomes.

In 2024, five infants were referred for therapeutic hypothermia at Portiuncula due to hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, a figure significantly higher than the national average. Gloster assured the committee that all review teams are making progress, with expectations to conclude all assessments by the end of the first quarter of 2026.

To enhance oversight of maternity services, an External Management Team was appointed in January 2025. This team consists of a Consultant Obstetrician, a Director of Midwifery, and a General Manager, tasked with providing additional supervision and governance at Portiuncula University Hospital (PUH). Gloster acknowledged the hard work of the hospital staff and the distress experienced by the community due to the ongoing concerns.

While Gloster affirmed the need for improvements, he urged caution regarding the types of pregnancies that can be safely booked at the unit. He expressed empathy for the women affected, stating, “I particularly want to acknowledge the women and their partners whose story has been and remains the subject of these case reviews. To them, I apologise on behalf of the Health Service.” He emphasized that accountability and transparency are vital for rebuilding trust in the healthcare system.

Cllr Parsons reiterated the importance of clarity regarding the safety of transferring high-risk pregnancies to already overstretched facilities, such as the one at University Hospital Galway (UHG). She called for evidence demonstrating that this approach is the safest option. “There are still so many questions outstanding,” she stated, highlighting the urgent need for a roadmap detailing when Portiuncula’s full maternity services will be reinstated.

The lack of definitive plans for restoring services at Portiuncula, according to Parsons, raises significant concerns among local women who rely on these critical healthcare services. The ongoing situation has prompted calls for a transparent dialogue with the community to ensure that their needs and safety are prioritized as the HSE navigates these complex issues.