A report into the deaths of four babies at the Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise, says the maternity service there can't be regarded as safe and sustainable within its current governance arrangements.
The damning report, written by the Department of Health's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan, says there were clear failures in the management of risk and patient safety, while the a transition team has been put in place to take control of maternity services in Portlaoise.
The HSE apologised to four families whose babies died during or shortly after being born at the Hospital, in ilght of a recent television documentary.
The report says they were treated in a poor and at times appalling manner, with limited respect, kindness, courtesy and consideration.
Today, Health Minister James Reilly admitted the events in Portlaoise have damaged public confidence in the hospital.
