Investigation launched following baby's death at Cavan General

Serious questions need to be answered, says a local TD, following the recent death of a baby at Cavan General Hospital.

It’s understood that the infant died on Saturday, April 26 following a Caesarean section. The family of the baby have requested privacy at this time, and have requested the media to refrain from contacting them at this very difficult and distressing time.

Sinn Féin TD, and the party’s spokesperson on health, Caoimghín Ó Caoláin told The Anglo-Celt today (Tuesday): “This is a tragic event and is any parent’s worst nightmare.”
He explained it was his understanding that the c-section was delayed by up to one hour and 20 minutes for the mother, who is believed to be from the Belturbet area.
“I think it is very important to establish why the delay occurred,' he said.

He said it was 'very important' that senior management in the Cavan-Monaghan Hospital Group and HSE, take appropriate steps to ensure the procedures are in place to always prioritise those most at risk.
“It is also important that they explore the capacity of the hospital in being able to cope with the number of cases that can and do present there. This is another element I hope the investigation will assess,” said Deputy Ó Caoláin.
In a statement, the HSE confirmed it has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death.
“Cavan General Hospital can confirm that a clinical incident occurred on Saturday 26th April 2014 last, in which a baby sadly died.
“The HSE Incident Management policy is being followed and a full and a thorough investigation into this tragic event is now underway.
“Cavan General Hospital extends it’s deepest sympathy to the family. Hospital management has met with the family and will continue to keep them informed of the ongoing management of the incident investigation,” read the statement.
The HSE declined to comment any further except to say that maternity services at the hospital are continuing as normal.