The recent announcement of external reviews into maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital (PUH) has brought to light critical concerns regarding the safety and quality of care for expectant mothers and their newborns. Accusations of medical negligence, including hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) in babies and two stillbirths, have understandably left families in distress, raising important questions about healthcare standards within the region.
This blog aims to explore the developments at PUH, provide insights for families affected by birth injuries, and guide those considering medical negligence claims with empathy, professionalism, and expert advice.
Why Are External Reviews Being Conducted?
According to Health Service Executive independent reviews are underway to examine the care given in nine cases between 2023 and 2024. Seven babies were diagnosed with HIE, a condition linked to reduced oxygen or blood supply to the baby’s brain during labour, six of which required neonatal cooling treatment. These figures are significantly higher than national and international averages. Adding to concerns, two stillbirths at the hospital during 2023 are also under scrutiny.
PUH’s response has been to appoint a highly experienced management team, including an external consultant obstetrician, a director of midwifery, and senior administrators, to address these issues comprehensively. While the hospital has apologised for the distress caused and assured that maternity services will continue to operate normally, the situation has left many prospective or recent parents feeling anxious and uncertain about the quality of care.
The HSE has informed around 800 expectant mothers due to give birth at PUH about these reviews. The women were reassured that should they wish to transfer their maternity care to another hospital, they would be facilitated.
What Is Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy?
Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a serious brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation and limited blood flow before, during, or shortly after birth. It can result in long-term complications, including developmental delays, epilepsy, or motor disorders such as cerebral palsy.
Neonatal cooling, or therapeutic hypothermia, is a treatment that lowers the baby’s body temperature to minimise further brain damage, but timely intervention is critical to its success. Delays in identifying and responding to oxygen deprivation can lead to devastating consequences, both for the child and their family.
Historical Concerns and Persistent Failures
Sadly, this is not the first time Portiuncula University Hospital has faced scrutiny for its maternity services. A 2018 report highlighted several systemic failures between 2008 and 2014, including inadequate staffing, insufficient training, and poor communication among staff, contributing to the death of three babies.
Professor James Walker, who oversaw the 2018 review, expressed deep disappointment about the recurrence of such severe concerns.
“It seems to be quite sad that we’re back to where we were… I’m saddened that all that effort doesn’t seem to have made much difference,”
he said, emphasising the gravity of the current situation.
Understanding Medical Negligence in Birth Injuries
Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet established standards of care, leading to harm or injury. Birth injuries can range from temporary physical injuries to permanent neurological damage caused by errors such as failure to monitor foetal distress, delayed delivery, or improper use of medical instruments.
While not all adverse outcomes are attributable to negligence, families have the right to investigate whether their care met acceptable standards. If improper medical care is found to have contributed to harm, parents may pursue a claim to cover the financial and emotional cost of the injury.
Steps You Can Take If Affected
For families grappling with distressing outcomes, understanding their experiences and rights is paramount. Birth injuries such as HIE can lead to long-term complications for the child, including developmental delays, epilepsy, or cerebral palsy. It’s crucial for those affected to explore whether the care provided met acceptable medical standards.
- Requesting Medical Records: Gather relevant documentation to better understand the circumstances surrounding your care.
- Expert Opinions: Consult independent medical experts who can assess whether care providers acted appropriately.
- Seeking Legal Advice: If necessary, legal professionals can assist with pursuing a medical negligence claim to provide compensation for emotional and financial costs.
The HSE has committed to completing the majority of the nine reviews by the end of February 2025, with the remaining reports expected within three to four months. Families involved will be provided with copies of the completed reviews and are encouraged to share their perspectives to aid the investigation process.
How HOMS Assist Can Support You
At HOMS Assist, we understand how distressing it can be to consider legal action in the aftermath of a traumatic birth experience. Our birth injury solicitors are experts in assessing whether medical negligence has occurred and can help you take action if the standards of care fell below what was expected.
Why Choose Us?
- Over 55 Years of Experience
Our award-winning team combines extensive expertise with empathy to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.
- Tailored Advice and Guidance
Every birth injury case is unique. We tailor our approach to meet your specific needs, working to deliver results that secure your family’s future.
- Convenient Nationwide Service
With offices in Dublin, Limerick, and Cork, we provide accessible legal services across Ireland.
What Can We Help With?
We specialise in handling claims for cases involving HIE, cerebral palsy, shoulder dystocia, and other birth-related injuries. Compensation can cover costs such as medical treatment, therapy, specialist equipment, or home modifications to improve your child’s quality of life.
Looking Ahead
The persistent issues surrounding maternity services at PUH highlight the urgent need for systemic reform. Families, medical staff, and advocacy groups have reiterated the importance of listening to all voices involved and implementing concrete measures to improve safety and care quality.
While the HSE has put in place external management to oversee and enhance services at the hospital, the distress caused to families and patients underlines the critical nature of this ongoing effort.
If you or someone you know has been affected, our team at HOMS Assist can provide expert legal guidance with compassion and sensitivity. We are here to help you understand your options, advocate for your rights, and work towards securing the best possible outcome for your family.
Your voice matters, and together, we can advocate for a safer and more transparent maternity care system.