Antenatal care for 'higher risk' pregnancies to be relocated from Portiuncula hospital
Expectant mothers with 'higher risk' pregnancies will have their antenatal care moved from Portiuncula University Hospital due to recent concerns. Investigations were launched following cases of babies experiencing hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and stillbirths at the hospital. The move aims to ensure safer care for pregnant women deemed 'higher risk'.

Expectant mothers with 'higher risk' pregnancies will have their antenatal care relocated from Portiuncula University Hospital. The HSE initiated 10 reviews earlier this year following cases of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in newborns delivered at the hospital. Some babies required neonatal therapeutic hypothermia. Two stillbirths in 2023 are also under review.
Pregnant women classified as 'higher risk' will now receive care elsewhere due to concerns raised in the reviews. This category may include older mothers, those with gestational diabetes, high BMI, or previous caesarians, pending clinician decisions.
A summary of this year's reviews at the hospital is expected soon. A prior inquiry in 2015 revealed serious failures in staffing, training, and communication among maternity staff, leading to the death of three babies.
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