The emergency service at Monaghan General Hospital has serious shortcomings and requires urgent investment, a report commissioned following the death of baby Bronagh Livingstone has found, writes Arthur Beesley, Political Reporter.
The author of the report, former civil servant Mr Kevin Bonner, said there was a "huge chasm of mistrust" between the Monaghan community and the North Eastern Health board. The restoration of a midwife-led maternity service would be needed to renew confidence, he said.
The space now occupied by the emergency treatment room in the hospital was not designed for that purpose and was insufficient for its needs. The service was operating without ambulance admissions and there was a need for an emergency service between 8 a.m. and midnight. A €14 million investment would be required to upgrade the hospital, which would include €3.85 million for maternity services, said Mr Bonner.
Bronagh's mother, Denise, was refused admission to Monaghan hospital because maternity services had been suspended. She was sent in an ambulance to Cavan, unaccompanied by a doctor or nurse, and gave birth en route to a premature baby, Bronagh, who died later at Cavan hospital.
The case ignited a major political controversy and led to calls for the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, to resign.
In separate incidents this month, two women who presented at Monaghan hospital gave birth on the roadside after they were told they would have to travel to Cavan hospital.
Mr Martin said he accepted the recommendation that the hospital should continue to play a vital role in the delivery of services. But he said the range and level of services would be subject to negotiation with the health board.