We have heard some truly harrowing stories of the devastation caused by failings in maternity care, so it’s comforting to hear that the Irish Government is finally taking action.
Minister for Health Simon Harris has announced today that his department will unveil new standards designed to improve maternity services in the Republic of Ireland.
According to RTE.ie, the new provisions form The National Standards for Safer, Better Maternity Services.
The standards have reportedly been drafted in accordance with ‘national and international research and best practice’.
Significantly, the new standards were also informed by the ‘voices of women’ as well as ‘patient advocates and front-line staff’.
The standards, which have been put in place by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), are the Government’s response to ‘a number of high-profile failings’ in our maternity services throughout the country.
The news comes just months after Minister Harris insisted that every parent who loses a baby will receive the support they need going forward.
While in-depth details of The National Standards for Safer, Better Maternity Services have not been released, we will keep you updated.
