Cuidiú-ICT's Consumer Guide to Maternity Services in Ireland

This Guide provides information about the Maternity Services in the Republic of Ireland. Late in 2006 we sent an email questionnaire to all 22 hospital units and 2 Midwifery Led Units seeking details of practices and policies.  We did not set out to find a best maternity unit/service.  That depends so much on an individual woman’s wishes.

A comprehensive document on each unit plus a summary of their 2005 birth statistics is provided as the main element of this guide (see the hospital information page).  In addition we have included comparison tables to highlight areas where there is variation in practice between units nationwide.

We asked each hospital/unit to provide information on the following areas:

• GENERAL INFORMATION
• ANTENATAL CARE
• ANTENATAL EDUCATION
• CARE DURING LABOUR
• SPECIAL CARE UNIT
• POSTNATAL WARD
• POSTNATAL PERIOD
• SPECIAL NEEDS/UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES
• DEVELOPMENTS AND SERVICES

All information in this Guide was supplied by the Maternity Service providers. They were also given an opportunity to correct any factual errors prior to publishing.

Cuidiú - ICT is not responsible for the accuracy of such information or for alteration in policies or practices.

If there are any terms or abbreviations that you are not familiar with please refer to the glossary.

Whilst we are conscious of the involvement and valuable role of fathers we have addressed the comments to mothers for ease of expression.

If your experience of services provided is very different from those described in this Guide, we suggest that you speak to the individual unit or hospital about this.  You can do this in the short, medium or long term - there's no time limit.

Remember that most health professionals genuinely want you to have a good experience in their hospital.  They rely on your feedback to ensure their services are responsive to women’s needs.  If you are unhappy with any aspect of your care – let the hospital know.  Of course if you are particularly happy about your experience – make sure to pass that on also!

Cuidiú-ICT wishes to thank all those involved in the compilation of this guide: hospital midwives, managers, directors of midwifery, obstetricians and administrative staff who completed the questionnaires and to the Cuidiú-ICT volunteers who gave their time and energy to compiling this Guide.

If you require further information about this Consumer Guide please contact Louisa Crowley or Niamh Healy (contact details can be found on the antenatal teachers page).

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