The Health Service Executive (HSE) has conducted reviews into the deaths and brain injuries of almost 500 babies over the past four years. These investigations, which took place between 2020 and 2023, highlight significant concerns in prenatal and neonatal care.
Of the nearly 500 cases, 247 reviews focused on stillborn babies or those who died within the first week of life. Additionally, 241 cases involved babies who either passed away within a month of birth or survived but with brain dysfunction.
The HSE’s reviews aim to understand the underlying causes of these tragic outcomes and to improve future healthcare practices. The investigation sheds light on critical issues in maternal and infant health, emphasizing the need for enhanced medical protocols and support systems.
The findings from these reviews will be crucial in shaping policies and practices to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The HSE remains committed to ensuring the highest standards of care for mothers and babies, striving to reduce the incidence of such heartbreaking events.