Taoiseach gives commitment to intervene on cancellation of midwife services in one Kildare town

An Taoiseach Michéal Martin has given a commitment to intervene in relation to the cancellation of midwife services in one County Kildare town.

The story was initially reported on earlier this week by KFM, who revealed that  that some staff at Athy Primary Care Centre were unaware of the sudden suspension of a midwife-led service, and only found out after local women contacted them.

According to the HSE, the cancellation is due to "unplanned staff leave" and said the service will only resume when staffing allows.

The station also reported that some women received texts announcing the cancellations less than 24 hours before they were due to have their appointments. Women who previously availed of the service will now be seen at The Spraoi Centre in Portlaoise, and the Health Service Executive (HSE) has apologised to those affected by the cancellations.

In response to the controversial news, An Taoiseach yesterday (May 20 last) issued assurances that he will speak with the Health Service Executive and the Minister of Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, to deal with the cancellation of midwife services in Athy.

An Taoiseach Michéal Martin. File photograph

Speaking in the Dáil, Mr Martin also said that while there is "normally" a background to these issues, he emphasised that he will engage with the relevant parties in an effort to resolve the matter.

The sudden cancellations have been called out by one TD for Kildare South.

Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh said about the situation: "I myself have availed of the community midwifery service and I know how important it is — not just in terms of clinical care, but as a source of stability and reassurance for women during a vulnerable period of their lives.

"The sudden cancellation of appointments, without notice or contingency plan, is extremely disappointing.

"Public transport links between Athy and Portlaoise are limited, and many women now face the prospect of paying for taxis or missing out on critical care."

"This disruption will disproportionately affect women with limited resources, no car, or other children at home. For many, the local midwife is not just a health professional but a lifeline."

Regarding An Taoiseach's comments, Deputy Ní Raghallaigh said: "I will continue to press this issue until the women of South Kildare see this service restored in full."

She concluded by calling on the HSE to "provide immediate clarity to affected families and to ensure that this vital service is not lost to rural communities".

Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh, Sinn Féin. File photograph

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