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Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospital. RollingNews.ie

Master of NMH says he can't understand 'vitriol of opposition' to new maternity hospital

The Oireachtas Health Committee discussed the issue in a heated session last night.

LAST UPDATE | 13 May 2022

THE MASTER OF the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) Professor Shane Higgins has said he cannot understand the “vitriol of the opposition” to plans for the new hospital on the St Vincent’s Hospital campus.

Professor Higgins was speaking at a media briefing today about the plans to move the NMH from its current location at Holles Street to the new campus, which have been met with opposition from campaign groups and some politicians.

He said he wanted to stress again that he and all of the clinical staff at the hospital are confident that there will not be any influence from the Catholic Church on services provided at the new hospital. 

“We believe that the the legal framework protects the hospital, protects our ability, protects our independence – our operational and clinical independence, which is fundamental to the running of the voluntary hospital,” he said.

“We will have our own board, which will function completely independently of St Vincent’s Healthcare Group, although it will have representatives from the group, but that’s not through any landlord licensee operation, it will be because we are on a campus and it’s an integrated service.”

The briefing this morning follows Higgins’ appearance yesterday evening at a session of the Oireachtas Health Committee, where he told members that the discussion around the phrase ‘clinically appropriate’ has led to a “misplaced fear” that it will allow the Vatican to stop certain procedures.

He said this wording serves as future-proofing, to ensure that the new maternity hospital cannot be converted into any other type of hospital in the future.

Former master of the NMH Dr Peter Boylan also appeared before the committee, outlining why he has concerns over the wording used in the framework.

“The phrase ‘clinically appropriate’ is a major red flag. Providing healthcare on the basis of this test removes autonomy from women and gives the sole decision-making capacity to doctors,” Boylan said.

“These words qualify access to services and enshrine justification for refusing legally permissible treatments.”

When asked today about Dr Boylan’s views, Professor Higgins said he, as the current Master of the NMH, speaks on behalf of the 1,200 staff currently working in the hospital, who support the plans.

“Dr Boylan was the Master here, I think he was the Master here 25 years ago, there have been three masters since then -  Declan Keane, Michael Robinson and Rhona Mahony – who are all 100% in favour of moving to St Vincent’s,” he said.

He said he was “not sure that he [Dr Boylan] has the understanding of the proposed move and the detail”. 

Professor Higgins said the campaign against the hospital’s relocation had changed direction once it became apparent that the Sisters of Charity had divested their interest.

“They’ve moved away from the nuns and now ‘clinically appropriate’ is the new hot topic, or the leasehold,” he said. “I think when you drill down, if you take them all separately and look at them from a purely objective point of view, none of them hold any water.

“The same individual has said that this hospital is fit for purpose and I challenge anyone in the room to say that the National Maternity Hospital is fit for purpose in terms of a 21st century maternity service.

“He’s disputed the definition of a nightingale award and I don’t want to get into the negative, I think the clinical imperative is clearly laid out and no one will dispute it. So I’m not going to speak for Dr Boylan, he was a very highly respected clinician for his entire career, but I don’t understand the vitriol of the opposition.”

The hospital has compiled a list of answers to the main questions members of the public may have about the plans, covering topics such as the ethos, ownership, the company directors and the clinical procedures that will be available at the hospital.

Professor Higgins said that while he had no issue with the inclusion of the term ‘clinically appropriate’ in the framework, he can now “see how much concern it has caused”. 

He said, having seen how much upset and concern it caused, the NMH would be open to either defining it or having it removed. 

“We don’t believe it’s going to impact on what we will or will not be able to do with the new development at Elm Park,” he said.

Cabinet decision next week 

Separately, Taoiseach Micheál Martin indicated today that Cabinet will press on and make a decision on the hospital on Tuesday. 

He suggested today that the phrase “legally permissible” is “very clear” that any procedure that is legal in Ireland has to be provided at the new maternity hospital.

“The guarantees are cast iron in respect of all legally permissible services being made available at the hospital. The constitution of the new hospital is very strong in terms of all services being made available,” Martin told reporters today in Kildare.

“‘Lawfully permissible’ is very clear – anything that’s legal in this country has to be provided at the new hospital, and is currently provided at Holles Street,” he said.

“The guarantees are cast iron in respect of all legally permissible services being made available at the hospital. The constitution of the new hospital is very strong in terms of all services being made available. Also, the operating licence of the HSE (provides further assurances).

“Above all, the clinicians in the hospital I listen to a lot. Many women involved in maternity, obstetrics and midwifery are unanimous that this hospital must go ahead in the interest of the health of the women in the country,” said the Taoiseach. 

Separately, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin, who is understood to have called on Cabinet for more time to review the deal, stated today:

“As agreed by government, a decision to approve the National Maternity Hospital’s move to St Vincent’s Hospital was delayed for two weeks in order to give more time for Ministers, medical experts and the public to reflect on the proposals and address genuine concerns.

“Minister Stephen Donnelly and other witnesses appeared before the Oireachtas Committee and gave clarity around concerns about “the clinical independence” of procedures at the new hospital.

“During this necessary extended two week period of time, I sought answers and assurances in correspondence from my Cabinet colleague, the NMH, the HSE as well as St Vincent’s Healthcare Group.

List of procedures

“These centred on a non exhaustive list outlining what procedures will be available at the NMH, the use of the term “clinically appropriate” for services agreed by the parties involved, current and future funding for important services for women as well as safeguards that will protect the State’s significant investment in the new hospital,” she said.

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The minister was supplied with a letter from the St Vincent’s Hospital Group that a number of procedures, such as abortion, will be carried out at the new hospital. 

The minister said it was important that Donnelly and expert witnesses respond to, elaborate upon and answer in public session at the committee, the valid questions of concerns raised.

“I am satisfied that following assurances received (including written assurances I received containing required additional clarifications, including from the St Vincent’s Healthcare Group) that this has resulted in greater transparency around this project. I now believe that the safeguards and protections are there to protect services for women,” she concluded. 

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    Mute Colm Lyons
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 1:17 PM

    No mention of the paint bombs thrown at the republican memorial in Lurgan?

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    Mute munsterman
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 1:18 PM

    @Colm Lyons: well said

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    Mute Gus Sheridan
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    Jun 4th 2019, 8:05 AM

    @Colm Lyons: what’s that got to do with this particular vandalism? Bit of whataboutary….

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    Mute Frank Lloyd wright
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 1:44 PM

    Why are the journal not reporting on the ballymurphy inquiry in Belfast? BBC NI have coverage of this everyday.

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    Mute Beeb Stapelton
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 4:09 PM

    @Frank Lloyd wright: the BBC is a mouthpiece for Corbyn, and he is an apologist for the provos. always has been always will be. Under this dogma the pnly people murdered in NI were Catholic childeren.thus Ballymurphy is first on news forever.

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    Mute Cathal
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 8:48 PM

    @Frank Lloyd wright: Notice Tommy Gorman won’t do the reports on Ballymurphy,

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    Mute Jim Dunne
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 1:20 PM

    The memorial should be in the UK. I

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    Mute Oliver Jumelle
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 1:24 PM

    @Jim Dunne: it is! learn geography and history before commenting

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    Mute Tim Cookson
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 1:26 PM

    @Jim Dunne: It is in the UK isn’t it?

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    Mute Wild Goose
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 1:54 PM

    @Oliver Jumelle: No, it bloody well is not!

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    Mute Patrick Nolan
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 2:20 PM

    @Wild Goose:
    It is, you may not like but untill a majority, north and south, agree with you the 6 counties are part of the UK.

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    Mute Stephen Blood
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 2:29 PM

    @Patrick Nolan: it’s not part of uk that’s why it says on there passports United Kingdom of Great Britain and
    N. Ireland

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    Mute Squiddley Diddley
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 2:31 PM

    @Stephen Blood: That’s exactly why its part of the UK. The UK comprises Great Britain AND Northern Ireland, and we voted to accept that.

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    Mute Squiddley Diddley
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 3:00 PM

    Short history lesson from Wikipedia for those confused:
    ] The medieval conquest and subsequent annexation of Wales by the Kingdom of England, followed by the unionbetween England and Scotland in 1707 to form the Kingdom of Great Britain, and the union in 1801 of Great Britain with the Kingdom of Ireland created the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Five-sixths of Ireland seceded from the UK in 1922, leaving the present formulation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

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    Mute Red Pirate 71
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 3:20 PM

    @Oliver Jumelle: it’s not. The UK is he very construct of British imperialist colonial oppression that caused the deaths of these working class soldiers as they did the bidding of their aristocratic officers. Learn history before posting.

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    Mute Ronan Sexton
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 6:29 PM

    @Red Pirate 71: It is. Jesus, it’s not that complicated.

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    Mute Mike
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 9:02 PM

    @Stephen Blood: Christ man, can you read what you’re writing. You literally spelled out for yourself that Northern Ireland is part of the UK! I think what you mean to say is that N Ireland isn’t part of GB.

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    Mute Gus Sheridan
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    Jun 4th 2019, 8:06 AM

    @Jim Dunne: why? It is already

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    Mute Gus Sheridan
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    Jun 4th 2019, 8:06 AM

    @Wild Goose: haha in your mind ….

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    Mute Gus Sheridan
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    Jun 4th 2019, 8:07 AM

    @Stephen Blood: cop on to yourself

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    Mute Gus Sheridan
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    Jun 4th 2019, 8:09 AM

    @Red Pirate 71: can’t see a united Ireland for generations , sectarianism is alive and well on both sides.

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    Mute Ronan Skelly
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 2:22 PM

    It shouldn’t be there in the first place

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    Mute Yurty Tim
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 2:58 PM

    @Ronan Skelly: Why not? Isn’t that where they were blown to bits by two fellas hiding in a bush at the other side of the the water

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    Mute James Wallace
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 7:55 PM

    @Ronan Skelly: of course it should. A group of young lads died in a senseless, unnecessary conflict, young working class lads who most likely joined the army out of financial necessity. Their families are at least entitled to this memorial.

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    Mute Gus Sheridan
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    Jun 4th 2019, 8:10 AM

    @Ronan Skelly: why not? Very interested in your logic

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    Mute Ronan Skelly
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 2:21 PM

    The memorial should be in England, not Ireland

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    Mute James Wallace
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 7:56 PM

    @Ronan Skelly: simpleton

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    Mute Gus Sheridan
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    Jun 4th 2019, 8:11 AM

    @Ronan Skelly: bollocks

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    Mute Windom Earle
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 1:09 PM

    Attacking any monuments/memorials is the lowest of the low. We’ve seen a number of Blueshirt monuments attacked in recent years here. Disgusting behavior.

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    Mute jamesdecay
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 1:50 PM

    @Windom Earle: which blue shirt monuments? (Apart from Leo, obviously).

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    Mute Ronan Skelly
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 2:20 PM

    What do they expect? Perhaps they should have this memorial in their own country.

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    Mute James Wallace
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 8:17 PM

    @Ronan Skelly: it is

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    Mute Gus Sheridan
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    Jun 4th 2019, 8:15 AM

    @Ronan Skelly: it is or are you still in denial? Get used to it pal, while the majority want to stay in the UK they will and good luck to them. When they want to change it will be their decision , not rabid keyboard warriors. Ever think for a minute that BOTH sides would have accept the other sides heritage, Orange AND Green ? Can you see that happening? Serious question !

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    Mute Cooking School
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 1:39 PM

    This is a prime example of the disgrace of educational segregation in N Ireland. Why is it we can’t get the kids educated together and break this “us and them” identities forever?!

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    Mute David Garland
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 1:49 PM

    @Cooking School: Stick to the cooking.. Segregated education has nothing to do with it.. The British Army is still covering up the Atrocites it carried out North and South of the border.. There are marches all over the UK to show solidarity with a Solider who murdered Catholics during Bloody Sunday.. Maybe that’s why British Solider memorials are been destroyed..

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    Mute Patrick Nolan
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 2:28 PM

    @Cooking School:
    Neither the DUP or SF want to de-segregate NI schools because it suits both extremes to re-enforce the “them versus mentality” to maintain support at the sectarian head count that NI elections usually are.
    That’s why, despite what they will say in public, the recent surge in support for the alliance party will worry both SF and the DUP.

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    Mute CJ Stewart
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 2:50 PM

    @Patrick Nolan: yep..stick to the cooking ..

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    Mute Yurty Tim
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 2:56 PM

    @David Garland: *being

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    Mute Patrick Nolan
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 6:24 PM

    @CJ Stewart:
    ??

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    Mute Cathal
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 8:53 PM

    @Cooking School: Free Presbyterians have their own schools, be like letting the Klan teach your kids, still had corporal punishment in the late nineties, maybe still have.

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    Mute Gus Sheridan
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    Jun 4th 2019, 8:16 AM

    @David Garland: or maybe just mindless vandalism?

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    Mute Ronan Skelly
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 2:21 PM

    The memorial should be in their own country

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    Mute James Wallace
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 8:17 PM

    @Ronan Skelly: it still is

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    Mute ÓDuibhír Abú
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 1:10 PM

    Monument’s for Flowers to wither and blow away, ‘till another day.!!

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    Mute TamuMassif2019
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    Jun 3rd 2019, 11:41 PM

    Sometimes these memorials are used as a way to provoke hatred, remembering the group of men as the British army who were responsible for the killings of Bloody Sunday, Ballymurphy as well as the Dublin and Monaghan killings. What if this memorial was to those who died in the IRA? Facts get washed away to create a false history, history is used to create culture and actions based on beliefs not facts.

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    Mute Jim Dunne
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    Jun 4th 2019, 3:30 AM

    It’s because we read history and geography , we know that the six counties,/the province/“ulster” , is NOT part of the UK.
    And any soldier who unfortunately lost their life there are part of a colonial oppressive army of occupation.
    So no irish person needs a history lesson from a myopic ignorant English man

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    Mute Gus Sheridan
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    Jun 4th 2019, 8:18 AM

    Actually Northern Ireland IS part of the UK, like it or not and only NI people can change that.

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