Minister to meet CGH midwives

Minister for Health Simon Harris will meet with midwives at Cavan General Hospital’s midwife-led unit this Friday.

The decision was made yesterday evening, and after the INMO issued a statement following a meeting with the Minister claiming the he he fully supports the unit, and reiterating that it is in line with Government policy.

Heather Humphreys, Fine Gael TD for Cavan Monaghan, and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation welcomed the move.

She said she had engaged personally with Minister Harris on this “crucial issue”.

“He assured me that he fully supports the midwife-led unit in Cavan General Hospital. He also confirmed that his Department was not informed of any proposal to close the unit,” said Minister Humphreys

“He will be meeting with midwives at the unit on Friday to discuss the issue further. He also met with the IMNO today and will further engage with them later in the week.

“He reiterated that the Government is fully committed to the implementation of the National Maternity Strategy.

“The Strategy outlines a new model of maternity care, which includes expanding, not reducing, midwife-led care throughout the country.”

Minister Humphreys said in 2020, the Government is working to further embed and rollout midwifery-led services, including in Cavan.

“As a result, he was very surprised to see the reports in relation to the unit in Cavan, and has asked his officials to engage with the HSE on the matter.

“He has requested that they provide a full report, including assurances that maternity services within the RCSI Hospital Group are, and will continue to be, developed in line with Government policy.

“He was very clear that his position is unequivocal and any deviation from the National Maternity Strategy will not be tolerated,” concluded the Minister.