EXCLUSIVE: Devastating Blow To Expectant Mothers As Athy Midwife Service Axed Due To "Staff Shortages"

The service has also been cancelled in Portarlington, impacting some locals, particularly those in Monasterevin, who could have travelled to that location or the Athy clinic.

Women reliant on the midwife service at the Athy Primary Centre have been dealt a blow after receiving text messages to say the service has been cancelled.

Some women received the text less than 48 hours before their appointment.

The service has also been cancelled in Portarlington, impacting some locals, particularly those in Monasterevin, who could have travelled to that location or the Athy clinic.

All women impacted will now have to travel to Portlaoise for appointments, meaning some could be forced to cancel their appointment or face delays.

A source who deals directly with the HSE told Kfm that the cancellation of the service is due to "staff shortages".

The community midwife-led care service has provided essential prenatal support to pregnant women in Athy and surrounding areas.

Its cancellation has sparked concern among expectant mothers.

Kfm spoke to expectant mother Alice Sharkey from Athy.

She said the service, which operated every Tuesday and Wednesday at the local Athy primary care centre, was designed to minimise travel and ease access for women, especially those who do not drive or face childcare challenges.

It allowed mothers to attend appointments locally with their other children, enabling families to be involved in the pregnancy journey - a supportive experience not available at major HSE hospitals such as Holles Street and Portlaoise.

The service reduced waiting times in hospitals and helped women build trusted relationships with their designated midwives.

Appointments were timely and efficient, often completed within half an hour depending on individual needs.

With the cancellation of this community service, pregnant women now face lengthy hospital visits, sometimes lasting five to six hours, to receive comparable care.

This increase in travel and waiting times, according to Alice, risks deterring some women from attending crucial check-ups due to childcare or transportation difficulties.

"This service was a lifeline during a vulnerable time. Without it, we have to endure long waits in hospitals or struggle to keep appointments. It’s devastating for women who relied on this support," Alice said.

She said the removal of this service compounds other losses in South Kildare’s healthcare provision, including the previous removal of KDoc and public children’s dental care services in the town.

Kfm has contacted the HSE for comment.

Alice Sharkey will be on Kildare Today tomorrow morning.