No stillbirth problem at MUH, says health chief

Saolta management has denied there is a stillbirth problem at Mayo University Hospital despite five deaths in the space of three months.

Cllr Michael Kilcoyne raised concerns about the stillbirth numbers at the hospital at meeting of the Regional Health Forum West.

Figures provided by the HSE show there were seven stillbirths in Mayo University Hospital in 2023, five of these occurred in the last three months of the year.

They said that based on the Irish Maternity Indicator System (IMIS) report for 2023, Mayo University Hospital perinatal mortality rate is within the national range.

As per the national incident management framework, all seven stillbirths underwent local preliminary review.

Two met the definition for serious reportable incidents (SRE) and full external reviews were commissioned on these cases. There were no indications of commonalities in these cases. One of these reviews has been completed and shared with the family and the second is underway.

“This is a very dramatic situation,” said Cllr Kilcoyne.

He argued that five stillbirths occurring in the last three months of 2023 is “way above” the national average.

“The national average should really be zero. We are talking about children’s lives,” said Cllr Kilcoyne.

“I think there should be a clear acceptance from the HSE that this should not be happening and it should be regarded as most serious when it does. In a three month period, five stillbirths, that’s five families devastated. It shouldn’t be happening,” he added.

Saolta Chief Executive, Tony Canavan denied the MUH figures are overly concerning.

He said there is considerable oversight across the maternity departments within the hospital group.

Mr Canavan said across the country, indicators show that the outcomes for babies born in Irish hospitals are improving.

“It’s not correct to say that stillbirths should not be happening. That’s not correct,” said Mr Canavan.

“There are circumstances under which stillbirths occur that are outside of all our control,” he added.

The Chief Executive suggested having people who work within this area to attend a future meeting and explain exactly what these stillbirth indicators mean and how they should be interpreted.

“Five still birth in a three month period is not acceptable,” commented Cllr Kilcoyne.

“How do you know?” retorted Mr Canavan “I wouldn’t be qualified to make that determination, and neither are you,” he told the councillor.

Mr Canavan said he does not accept there is anything wrong at MUH in relation to stillbirth numbers.