ThereÂ’'s been a warm welcome for the new National Maternity Strategy, which aims to improve safety and quality, as well as standardising care across all maternity units.
Women are to be offered as natural a birth as possible, in a safe environment, under the ten year plan.
Juliette Gash reports;
Bereaved mother, Shauna Keyes, speaking to Health Minister Leo Varadkar at the launch of the report.
Interest groups and health professionals have been quick to welcome the Strategy, the first ever in Ireland.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation said it warmly welcomed the launch of the policy document; "Creating a Better Future Together".
The Midwives Section of the INMO particularly welcomed giving women more appropriate and informed choices, supported by access to the correct level of care and support for their individual needs.
The National Women's Council of Ireland has also welcomed the Strategy.
Orla O Connor, Director of NWCI said: “This strategy is timely in light of the recent tragedies in our maternity services. We note that the Strategy aims to incorporate a more women centred approach and this is to be welcomed. The proposed establishment of a new community midwifery service will facilitate better continuity of care and more choice in birth with better information and communication throughout the different stages of pregnancy and birth. The commitment to additional staffing resources to realise this model is to be welcomed, particularly since it is something NWCI and our members have been highlighting for some time.”
The Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said "Implementation of the Strategy will result in a major improvement in the standard of care received by women giving birth in Ireland."
In particular the Institute welcomes the following:
- The commitment to increase the number of Obstetrician/Gynaecologists, Midwives, Paediatricians and Anaesthetists, to internationally accepted norms, and the commitment to improve mental health services. Flexibility in contract type will be essential in attracting and retaining consultants.
- The commitment to co-locate the three Dublin Maternity Hospitals, and Limerick Maternity Hospital with acute general hospitals.
