INMO midwife members met with Minister for Health Simon Harris today (Friday) to confirm his commitment that the Cavan’s midwife-led unit will not be downgraded.
The group video call was attended by local midwives, INMO officials, the Minister for Health, newly appointed Chief Nursing Officer Rachel Kenna, government officials, and local TD and Minister for Business, Enterprise, and Innovation, Heather Humphreys.
In the meeting, Minister Harris stated that the unit would not be downgraded. He has sought a full report from the HSE on the proposed downgrading of the unit and will update the INMO by next Tuesday.
The ministers, Chief Nurse Kenna, and the Cavan midwives agreed that woman-centered services like this provide a vital service, pointing to their positive feedback ratings, good health outcomes, and their necessity under the National Maternity Strategy.
INMO Industrial Relations Officer for the region, David Miskell, said:
INMO midwife members welcome this intervention by the minister. The voice of local, frontline midwives has been heard.
This is a service that should not merely be allowed to continue but to thrive. We look forward to building on the great work done at Cavan MLU to fully implement the National Maternity Strategy.