The latest attempt by the North-Eastern Health Board to have insurance cover at the maternity units at the Louth County Hospital in Dundalk and at Monaghan General Hospital extended beyond the end of the month has failed.
Last month, Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurances Ltd warned that it could not continue indemnity cover on the units beyond February 28th as the consultants felt they were unable to provide a safe service.
A recommendation from the NEHB chief executive, Mr Paul Robinson, to suspend obstetric services at the units was twice rejected by board members.
Last Thursday, a special meeting of the board made a renewed request to the insurers to extend cover beyond February 28th. Comhairle na nOspideal will meet on that date to consider a request for the appointment of additional consultants that would allow the units, which are the only single consultant-led units in the UK and Ireland, to remain open. This request has now been turned down by IPBMI.
Last week's meeting of the NEHB authorised the CEO to take whatever action was necessary to ensure the safety of patients and staff at the units, and management at both hospitals will now begin talks with staff on the ending of maternity services at both hospitals.