Concern rises as investigation into infant deaths have yet to be completed

Following the tragic death of a baby born via caesarean section on Tuesday, Cavan General Hospital have found themselves in the spotlight again.

Questions have now been raised as to the slow progress made into investigating infant deaths which took place in the hospital as far back as three years ago.

While former Minister for Health, James Reilly, said he intended Hiqa to conduct a review of Cavan's maternity services, they deny they were ever issued a formal order and assert they have yet to be provided with HSE reviews into infant deaths because they have not yet been completed.

Commenting on the lack of details into these occurrences, local TD and Sinn Féin health spokesman, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin expressed concern, saying: “We do not have the full facts. We have no findings. We have no recommendations.”

Insisting that these cases must garner the attention they warrant, Mr. Ó Caoliáin said: “The Minister must ensure that these cases are addressed as a priority and that the promised reports into previous incidents are published and the recommendations implemented.”

Speaking out on the controversy, the hospital have defended their services and insisted they perform favourable in comparison to others in the State.

Calling on mortality figures for 2011, 2012 and 2013 to reinforce their case, the hospital said theirs, which average at 1.5, 3.1. and 3.1, were lower than the national average of 4.1.

Commenting on protocol regarding this week’s tragic death, the clinical director for women and children’s services at Cavan Hospital, Dr. Alan Finan, said: “The management team have taken immediate action to review and investigate the incident in line with HSE policy.”