There could still be loss of life at Monaghan General Hospital, according to a member of the North Eastern Health Board.
A special meeting of the board yesterday was told by Mr Kevin Bonner, author of the recent report into the future of Monaghan hospital in the wake of the death of baby Bronagh Livingstone last December, that a new protocol "is being finalised".
The provision of a new protocol was recommended by the independent review ordered by the Minister for Health and Children, Mr Martin, after the baby's death and Mr Bonner was subsequently appointed by the Minister to implement its findings.
He also reported on the future development of services at the hospital but his overall report was criticised by a number of board members yesterday.
After he told the meeting that the new protocol (policy) is being finalised, Monaghan Cllr Hugh McElvaney condemned the fact that it is not yet in place.
"Did the death of baby Livingstone mean anything to the Department of Health, the health board executive, or you? The danger and chance of loss of life still exists at Monaghan hospital; this is a revelation," he said.
However board chief executive Mr Paul Robinson said the new protocol has been completed and sent to the national bodies for approval.
Independent TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Mr Paudge Connolly, dismissed the Bonner report into the future provision of maternity services as "a rehash of the Kinder report that recommended Monaghan be given a midwife-led unit after such units are opened in Drogheda and Cavan".
Mr Robinson referred to a recent case where a woman in advanced labour delivered in Monaghan hospital and was then, with her baby, transferred to Cavan General Hospital.
The board's assistant chief executive in acute hospital services, Mr Tadhg O'Brien, said work on introducing the midwife -led units is ongoing and, "it is anticipated, subject to funding, that these units will initially commence in Drogheda and Cavan and be formally evaluated prior to being extended to other areas such as Dundalk, Monaghan and Navan".