Minister tries to quell speculation over Cavan MLU with "new funding"

FULL REPORT Minister Harris to have conference call with midwives

The government is moving to quell doubt over the future of the Maternity Led Unit, by approving "new development funding" for maternity services and a new Advance Midwife Practitioner in Cavan General Hospital.

Heather Humphreys, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation confirmed the development adding the outgoing caretaker government is fully behind the National Maternity Strategy.

“This new funding reaffirms the Government’s commitment to the midwife-led service in Cavan.

“Minister Harris reiterated this week 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.

“The funding announced today proves that the Government is working to further embed and increase midwifery-led services, including in Cavan.

Full report

Ahead of Minister Simon Harris' conference call with midwives from the unit tomorrow [Friday], he has sought "a full report on the matter".

Minister Humphreys said her cabinet colleague is seeking "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.”