Denis Naughten TD is seeking the publication of an Independent Clinical Care Review into nine births that occurred in University Hospital Galway (UHG) in 2022.
Speaking in the Dáil later today (Thursday) Denis Naughten will call for the review into nine cases of neo-natal subgaleal haemorrhage, which occurred during births in UHG in 2022, to be published immediately.
He is doing so due to what appears to be a contradiction between an internal review carried out by University Hospital Galway and the Independent Clinical Care Review with regard to classification of all nine cases concerned as “mild”.
Subgaleal haemorrhage is an accumulation of blood between a baby’s skull and the skin on their scalp. The condition can occur after a difficult delivery, especially if a vacuum was necessary.
Denis Naughten said: “The Independent Review incorrectly states that none of the babies concerned developed jaundice or required phototherapy while it was clearly acknowledged in one of the internal patient reports that at least one baby did indeed develop jaundice and require phototherapy, a fact that should have prevented this particular case from being classified as mild.
“There is not only this inconsistency between the two reports (see attached) but it also seems the re-admission of at least one mother for sepsis has been ignored by both reviews, despite the tragic death of Savita Halappanavar in the same hospital as a result of sepsis.
“Until the independent review is published we can’t be sure if there are more contradictions or omissions in addition to the one I have highlighted. I am now seeking an inquiry, external to the HSE, which is given full access to the records of both the mothers concerned and their babies, and which has the ability to look at cases both prior to and post-2022 in light of reports from parents of additional cases with poor outcomes.”
Denis Naughten also highlighted the fact that the last time an increase in reported adverse incidents in a maternity service within the Saolta Hospital Group occurred it led to a review, external to the HSE. This was in 2018 and was the External Independent Clinical Review of the Maternity Services at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe of 18 perinatal events which occurred between March 2008 and November 2014.
“In light of the concerns being presented to me by parents, I believe that a similar external review is the only appropriate avenue at this point,” concluded Denis Naughten.