merrion street

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD visited the Coombe today to show the Government’s support for all on the front line, at what is, and has been, a very challenging time.  The Minister also wanted to underline the Government’s full commitment to the implementation of the National Maternity Strategy and to improvements in women’s healthcare.

Minister Donnelly said

As Minister, I am absolutely committed to the provision of safe and high-quality maternity and gynaecology care for the women of Ireland and I look forward to pushing the women’s health agenda forward.

The National Maternity Strategy is about choice for women in how they receive their maternity care.  There needs to be more investment in women’s health, and this will mean increased funding for the National Maternity Strategy.  A new Implementation Plan with revised timelines for delivery of the new model of maternity care will also be essential.

Gynaecology services need to more responsive and accessible.  Plans are underway to change how we provide gynaecology care, and, starting this year, we will see new ambulatory clinics established around the country.

The development projects for our new maternity hospitals will proceed as quickly as possible, and in the meantime, building works required for existing hospitals will be carried out.

There is a lot of work to be done in relation to women’s healthcare and I look forward to working with all stakeholders to get the job done.  I will use my Office to do all that I can to ensure that health services for women in Ireland are radically improved over the coming years.  To that end, I have no doubt that I will be greatly supported by everyone here at the Coombe and I want to thank them for meeting with me today.