Speaking at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children this morning, Minister for Health, Leo Vardkar, has said he is 'ashamed' at the manner in which patients and their families were treated while under the case of staff at the Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise.

Having last night met with numerous families who lost infants during their time with the hospital, Mr. Varadkar admits that many were treated with little respect and, at times, inhumanely.

Addressing the media last night, Mr. Varadkar confirmed that members of staff at the hospital will face disciplinary action, saying: "It is the case that there have been two referrals to the Nursing and Midwifery Board already, two referrals to the Medical Council already, and there is a disciplinary process for management which is going to start in the HSE as well."

Addressing the committee today, he asserted that many families had been let down by his profession and other professions when they did not receive the care, compassion and respect they deserved.

Insisting that the hospital was safe as a result of particular measures taken over the past two years, the head of the HSE. Tony O' Brien, said failings have been rectified, but acknowledges the negative publicity that surrounds the maternity unit.

Determined to make amends for past failings, Mr. Varadkar asserted that the new National Maternity Strategy will prioritise the needs of mothers, babies and families.

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