The heartbreak of losing a child is unimaginable. Yet, for several families who depended on Portiuncula University Hospital’s Maternity Services in Galway between 2008 and 2014, this became a devastating reality. A detailed review into the hospital’s practices has uncovered multiple failures, ranging from poor communication to staffing shortages, which significantly impacted care outcomes.
For affected families, these findings spotlight the profound need for accountability and reforms to ensure that future parents receive safe, compassionate, and high-quality maternity care.
This blog takes a closer look at the findings from the review and what new and expectant parents should know about their healthcare rights.
What Happened at Portiuncula University Hospital?
The independent clinical review of maternity services was commissioned in response to concerning patterns of care, culminating in 18 cases being evaluated. Among these cases, six involved the tragic death of a baby, and in several others, infants experienced severe injuries that could have been prevented.
Here’s what the investigation uncovered:
1. Failures in Escalating Medical Concerns
When complications arose during labour or delivery, they were not escalated to senior decision-makers quickly enough. This delay often affected outcomes where timely interventions could have made a critical difference.
2. Staffing Shortages and Training Deficits
The hospital faced significant shortages among both midwifery staff and consultants, particularly over weekends and holidays. Disturbingly, some senior roles were filled by staff without midwifery qualifications during this period. Furthermore, poor training in critical areas like foetal heart monitoring and oxytocin administration exacerbated safety risks.
3. Lapses in Communication and Patient Interaction
A recurring issue identified in the report was inadequate communication—both between staff and with patients. Several families cited emotionally distressing experiences, such as being left uninformed about their child’s condition.
One particularly shocking instance was families being contacted after the loss of their infant and being asked about the baby’s welfare, highlighting severe operational flaws.
4. Governance and Oversight Failures
The report underlined weak governance structures that blurred responsibilities and delayed improvements. This lack of leadership may have resulted in missed opportunities to implement corrective actions earlier.
Impact on Families
The review confirms what many families had suspected but couldn’t previously confront—that different management of care could have resulted in better outcomes.
Beyond the tangible outcomes like infant injuries or deaths, the emotional toll on families cannot be overstated. Many felt abandoned by the system, with significant delays in communication prolonging their search for answers.
For these families, the hospital’s apology, while appreciated, arrives after years of pain, trauma, and unanswered questions.
How Were Failings Addressed?
Since these shortcomings were flagged, the Saolta Group and Portiuncula University Hospital have implemented several reforms, including:
- Strengthened Staffing Levels: Increasing the number of obstetricians, paediatricians, and midwives.
- Enhanced Training Protocols: Introducing regular training in foetal monitoring, newborn resuscitation, and improved communication skills.
- Better Equipment and Facilities: Upgrading labour ward technologies such as CTG machines and neonatal resuscitaires.
- Improved Governance: Implementing a dedicated Women’s and Children’s Clinical Network for better oversight and integrated maternity services between Portiuncula and University Hospital Galway.
While these efforts are steps in the right direction, the lives lost and affected highlight systemic gaps within Irish maternity care that require ongoing vigilance.
Know Your Rights as a Parent
As a parent, navigating maternity care can feel overwhelming, particularly when trust in the system is shaken. Here are some rights and actions every parent should keep in mind when seeking care during pregnancy and labour.
1. Ask Questions and Demand Clarity
Your healthcare provider must explain procedures, interventions, and diagnoses clearly. If something feels unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for further clarification.
2. Be Aware of Escalation Processes
Ensure that your maternity unit has escalation processes in place for complications during labour, such as rapid consultations with an obstetrician on call.
3. Request Your Medical Records
If you experience an adverse or unexpected outcome, you are entitled to access your medical records. These can provide critical details if you need to investigate your care later.
4. Seek Support If You’re Concerned About Negligence
If you feel your baby’s or your own care fell below acceptable standards, you can consult a medical negligence solicitor who specialises in maternity-related claims for advice and support.
Compassionate Legal Support Is Available
The trauma of losing a child or experiencing preventable complications during childbirth is something no family should endure alone. Medical negligence solicitors, such as the experienced team at HOMS Assist, provide support for those navigating claims related to maternity care.
With over 55 years of experience, their compassionate legal team works tirelessly to help families reconnect with answers and ensure accountability within the healthcare system.
Whether you have concerns about care during labour, delivery, or post-birth treatment, it’s never too early—or too late—to seek expert advice.
The Road Ahead
The findings surrounding Portiuncula University Hospital’s maternity services are a sobering reminder of the vulnerability faced by parents during childbirth. They also affirm the importance of transparency, accountability, and meaningful change within any healthcare system.
If you’re a new parent or expectant mother, your trust in the system is vital—and support is available if you feel this trust has been violated. The loss of dignity or safety in maternity care is never something to brush aside.
If you or a loved one has been affected by substandard maternity care, don’t hesitate to reach out to a legal expert who can guide you through your next steps with precision and empathy.
