Inadequate staffing and infrastructure are growing concerns in Dublin's maternity hospitals, the Master for the Coombe said today.
Dr Chris Fitzpatrick made the claim as the hospital today published figures showing 2006 was its busiest year to date, with 8,084 babies delivered compared to 7,925 the previous year.
The Coombe Women's Hospital annual report showed Caesarean sections were down 1.6 per cent to 22 per cent, the lowest in 3 years.
Of the infants delivered at the Coombe last year, there were 141 sets of twins, 3 sets of triplets and one set of quadruplets.
Despite medical advice supported by a publicity campaign 46.6 per cent of mothers had not taken folic acid prior to pregnancy; 26.4 per cent had not had a cervical smear and 18.2 per cent were still smoking.
Other statistics on mothers showed:
- 76.8 per cent were from the Republic of Ireland
- 39.8 per cent were first time mothers
- 4.2 per cent were under 20 years of age and 4.3 per cent were 40 or older
Dr Fitzpatrick noted there were no maternal deaths in 2006 which he attributed to "highly effective multidisciplinary teamwork" at the hospital.
"There are however increasing concerns in all three Dublin Maternity Hospitals with regard to patient safety in view of the increasing birth rate, inadequate staffing levels, and serious infra-structural deficiencies," Dr Fitzpatrick said.
The Coombe was likely to face an increased workload in to the future due to a concentration of increased population levels in the west of the city and increasing complexity of care, he said in his foreword to the report.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) said funding for infrastructure enhancement at the three hospitals - the Coombe, the Rotunda and Holles Street - would be provided for next year.
A review of maternity and gynaecology services is already underway which would frame an action plan to improve services and would include an evaluation of staffing requirements.
A maternity services advisory group is also being established but a short-term action plan was already in operation extending procedures, such as allowing mothers home within 24 hours of birth.