An investigation is under way following the death of a baby during birth at Cavan General Hospital.
The hospital confirmed that a clinical incident occurred on Saturday April 26th, in which a baby died.
In a statement, the HSE said that a “full and thorough investigation into this tragic event is now under way.”
Hospital management have met the family and the HSE said it will continue to keep them informed as the investigation continues.
Cavan General Hospital has offered its deepest sympathies to the family who have requested privacy at this time.
The HSE Incident Management policy is being followed and a full investigation into the death is now under way.
Sinn Féin health spokesman Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said delays at Cavan General Hospital may have played a role in the infant’s death.
“The woman was scheduled to have a caesarean section at 5pm but it was delayed by an hour and 20 minutes because another procedure was being carried out in the theatre where she was scheduled to have the operation,” he said.
“It is very important that the full facts surrounding the delay are revealed in the investigation and it should also look at the lack of provision of services at the hospital. The delay of one hour and 20 minutes may have not determined whether this tragedy occurred or not but it’s crucial that this investigation assuages any concerns that it did,” he said.
Mr Ó Caoláin said this is the second death of an infant at the hospital in the past 18 months. In November 2012, a child was born at Cavan General Hospital but was transferred to a Neonatal Unit in the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin where he later died.
Mr Ó Caoláin said he believes it is in the interests not only of the tragic family involved but of all dependent families across Cavan and Monaghan and adjacent counties that there be full disclosure of the facts.
“The investigation announced by the HSE today needs to restore public confidence in the system. Locally, there are concerns that lessons have not been learned since the last time this occurred.”
Last month, Minister for Health James Reilly approved the appointment of a team to carry out an investigation into the deaths of a number of babies at the maternity unit of the Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise over the past six years.
