WOMEN in Limerick and the Mid West are still without the option of having a publicly provided home birth, despite a review which took three years to complete.
The external review into home birth services in Limerick, Clare, and North Tipperary has concluded but the services will remain suspended for the immediate future, the HSE said.
The option of having a baby at home, with the help and supervision of an HSE midwife, was suspended following the tragic death of Limerick woman Laura Liston in June 2022, after the home birth of her first child.
The review panel for the service included a consultant obstetrician, director of midwifery, designated midwifery officer, and a case officer.
A HSE Mid West spokesman said that “at present, we do not have a confirmed timeline for when home birth services will resume, we are actively working towards this goal”.
He added that the HSE is “committed to reinstating the service as soon as possible while ensuring all necessary measures are in place to provide the highest standard of care for both mothers and infants”.
Recommendations from the review are understood to call for “comprehensive” changes in the service, including national policies, resourcing, hiring, and training for staff.
Home birth services in the HSE Mid West will remain suspended pending the full implementation of recommendations arising from the external review, the spokesman said.
“We acknowledge that the review process and implementation of recommendations have taken time and we understand the frustration this has caused.
“This is due to the need for a comprehensive approach that aligns with national policies and best practices, as well as ensuring that appropriate resources, staffing, and training are in place.”
The HSE Mid West spokesman added that “the safety and wellbeing of mothers and infants remain our top priority and we are taking the necessary steps to establish a robust and sustainable service that meets the highest standards of care”.
Home births are still possible by hiring the services of private midwives.
The HSE said it would “strongly advise against unassisted births and encourage women and their partner to avail of maternity services in UMHL and HSE Mid West”.
