THE HEALTH SERVICE Executive is to investigate the death of a newborn baby boy in Dublin last week.
The child was born at Cavan General Hospital but was later transferred to a Neonatal unit in the Rotunda, where he died on Saturday.
The HSE said that, as per normal procedure, it will closely examine the circumstances of the case.
“A clinical incident review is being planned which will involve a multi-disciplinary team reviewing all aspects of the care provided in this case.”
The Dublin city coroner has also been notified, as per policy, and has begun his own inquiry.
The HSE expressed its deepest sympathy to the parents of the deceased infant and confirmed that it has offered support to the family.
Calls for haste
Sinn Féin Health and Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has now called on the Cavan hospital management and the HSE to ensure that “all due haste is employed in establishing the promised clinical review” and that the review’s findings be published immediately on completion.
Deputy Ó Caoláin said that while he has “every confidence in the excellent care provided expectant mothers and women in labour at Cavan General Hospital”, he believes it is in the interests not only of the tragic family involved but of all dependent families across Cavan and Monaghan and adjacent counties that there be full disclosure of the facts.
The Deputy added that while concerns have been raised in the media regarding access to theatre facilities in Cavan at the time, “I am advised by HSE sources that there was access to an emergency theatre at all times throughout the event”.
According to RTÉ, the mother was in labour in Cavan when a decision was made to deliver the baby by Caesarean section. Another C-section was being carried in the main theatre and a second operating room had to be used.
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