HSE Chief Denies “Scapegoating” Claims at Portiuncula Hospital

UPDATE: In a highly charged session today, HSE Chief Bernard Gloster vehemently denied allegations that staff at Portiuncula Hospital are being “scapegoated” amid growing local unrest. The Oireachtas Health Committee convened this afternoon to address concerns surrounding the controversial decision to transfer complex high-risk pregnancies to University Hospital Galway (UHG).

The decision comes as part of a response to ongoing scrutiny, with 12 ongoing reviews into troubling cases where babies were deprived of oxygen or stillborn. This brings the total number of reviews ordered since 2008 to several dozen, raising alarm among both healthcare professionals and the public.

During the session, Gloster emphasized that the safety of women and babies is paramount. “This decision was not made lightly,” he stated, “but as a necessary measure to ensure the best possible outcomes for high-risk pregnancies.”

Local health advocates have voiced concerns over these changes, fearing that the staff may bear the brunt of public frustration. Gloster’s comments are aimed at reassuring the community and healthcare workers that the decisions made are grounded in patient safety, not staff accountability.

The situation continues to develop, and community reactions are anticipated as families and health professionals digest these significant changes. What happens next will be critical in determining the future of maternal healthcare in the region.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds and follow our coverage for the latest developments regarding healthcare policies affecting local hospitals.