Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
76. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to reduce preventable baby deaths, following a recent Oireachtas Committee on Health meeting in which this issue was highlighted (details supplied); if this will be a priority in the next National Maternity Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17724/26]
View answerThe reduction of preventable baby deaths remains a priority for me and for the Government. I appreciate the devastating impact that the loss of a baby can have on women, families and the staff who care for them. My focus is on continuous improvement, transparency and learning across maternity services.
Through the National Maternity Strategy 2016-2026, measures implemented to reduce preventable baby deaths include the introduction and review of standardised clinical guidelines, strengthened clinical audit, strengthened governance through the implementation of Maternity Networks, enhanced multidisciplinary training including emergency simulation training in maternity units, and improved access to specialist services for women experiencing high-risk pregnancies.
We are also investing in better data collection and digital maternity records to support earlier identification of risk, alongside workforce planning to ensure the right skills mix across services.
In 2024, the Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Act was written into law. The new Act updates the definition of a stillbirth to babies born at over 400 grammes or 23 weeks gestation, reflecting developments in neonatal care in recent years.
All stillbirths in Ireland are monitored within the Perinatal Mortality National Clinical Audit report. This encompasses stillbirths, the loss of a baby during labour, and the loss of a baby up to 7 days after birth. All stillbirths are monitored and discussed at a local level in individual maternity services. Engagement and reporting also take place at a regional level through Maternity Networks. In some cases of stillbirth, a determination may be made that an external review is needed. Reviewing adverse outcomes is a standard practice in healthcare; these reviews and audits are commissioned to facilitate learning and improve the quality of care.
It is vital that particular care is directed to supporting families in the tragic event that a baby is lost, including providing much needed answers so they are supported in making decisions about any future pregnancies. The National Standards for Bereavement Care following Pregnancy Loss and Perinatal Death are being implemented throughout our health services, through specialist bereavement teams funded in all 19 maternity hospitals and units.
Work is now also underway to inform the successor to the National Maternity Strategy. The quality and safety of our maternity services will be a continuing focus. The Programme for Government commits to requiring hospitals to improve their environments, spaces, and supports within maternity services to better assist and support individuals dealing with pregnancy loss or critical neonatal illness. Both the Department of Health and HSE will continue to identify and develop further improvements.
