Clarity Needed On Maternity Services Review Delay

I am today calling on Minister Varadkar to make a statement to update the position with regard to the review of maternity services at Portiuncla Hospital in Ballinasloe. There were reports in the national media yesterday and confirmed later by Saolta which indicate that the review which was due to be completed by September will not now be ready until early next year. This news is causing distress to the families involved and they deserve to know the reasons for the delay. A number of meetings with the families as part of the review have been deferred or pushed back and that has added to their distress. While it is very important that this review is done correctly the public and the families need to know the up to date position. I note that re-audits of maternity services at the hospital have confirmed that there are no patient safety concerns and the efforts of the hard working staff at the hospital on an ongoing basis is ensuring that the services available at Portiuncla are safe and efficient.