Taoiseach Responds To Kfm Report On Athy Midwife Service Suspension, Commits To Intervene

Tuesday, 20 May 2025 16:39

By Martin Osborne

Speaking in the Dail, he said there is "normally" a background to these issues but he will engage with the relevant bodies.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has committed to speaking to the HSE and the Health Minister to deal with the cancellation of midwife services in Athy.

Speaking in the Dail, he said there is "normally" a background to these issues but he will engage with the relevant bodies.

Kfm has learned that some staff at Athy Primary Care Centre were unaware of the sudden suspension of a midwife-led service - only finding out after local women contacted them.

The HSE confirmed the cancellation is due to "unplanned staff leave" and said the service will only resume when staffing allows.

Women will now be seen at The Spraoi Centre in Portlaoise, and the HSE has apologised to those affected.

Some women received cancellation texts less than 24 hours before appointments.

Kfm also understands the Portarlington service has been suspended.

Labour TD Mark Wall says he wasn’t told about the issue until Kfm broke the story.

He’s contacted the HSE and says local maternity services are "essential" and "must be protected".

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