Portiuncula Hospital

Maternity Services in Portiuncula: A Revamp in the Works!

Big changes brewing for maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital! 🍼✨

Portiuncula University Hospital in Galway is undergoing a significant transformation in its maternity services, spearheaded by a highly experienced management team led by external consultant obstetrician, Dr. Mark Skehan. Tasked with evaluating and enhancing the hospital's practice, the team includes a director of midwifery and a senior manager dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of care for new mothers and their babies. This initiative comes in light of recent external reviews into the maternity care provided to nine women who gave birth at the facility, aiming to address concerns and bolster the confidence of families who rely on its services.

The reviews are particularly focused on the deliveries of nine babies, including notable cases of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE), a serious condition that affects the brain and can result from lack of oxygen during birth. In total, since the beginning of 2024, seven babies born at Portiuncula Hospital experienced this condition, with six being referred for specialized neonatal hypothermic treatment. These statistics underscore the urgent need for a rigorous review process to ensure that such incidents are minimized and improvements in care standards are realized.

In the midst of these changes, the HSE is committed to transparency and accountability as they await outcomes from these reviews. Parents and families are increasingly concerned about the competencies within maternity facilities, and the HSE is eager to demonstrate their proactive approach in addressing these issues by appointing experts to helm the service. The overhaul aims not only to rectify any existing problems but to foster an environment of trust for expectant parents.

As Portiuncula University Hospital steps into this new chapter for its maternity services, it's interesting to note that the hospital has a long-standing reputation for supporting families in their most vulnerable moments. The commitment to enhancing service delivery aligns with global trends where hospitals are increasingly focusing on patient-centered care, ensuring that the experience of childbirth is safe, supportive, and nurturing.

In addition to these changes, new research suggests that hospitals with dedicated teams overseeing maternity operations see higher rates of successful outcomes. This focus on expertise is pivotal, especially in a field as sensitive and impactful as maternity care, providing reassurance as families welcome their little ones into the world, fully supported by a team of professionals.