Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 June 2025
162. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the status of the four additional postnatal hubs, which would bring the national network to 13; the timeline for completion and operation of each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33065/25]
View answerPostnatal Hubs are intended to create a model of support in the community for mothers, babies and families in the weeks after birth. The National Maternity Experience Survey, first conducted in 2020, has shown that improving postnatal care in the community is a priority for women. That is why, since 2022 significant investment has been directed into the establishment of a national network of Postnatal Hubs.
A total of five pilot Postnatal Hubs were established in Cork, Kerry, Portiuncula, Sligo and Carlow-Kilkenny. €0.4 million was allocated in 2024 (with a full year cost of €1.9 million) to establish four more Postnatal Hubs. These Hubs are currently under development in the Dublin maternity hospitals and at Our Lady of Lourdes, Drogheda. New development funding of €2.0 million through the National Maternity Strategy in 2025 will initiate four further Postnatal Hubs, bringing the national network to 13. An Expression of Interest process has recently been conducted within the HSE for this third phase, and the location of the remaining 4 sites will be announced once letters of approval have been issued.
