The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has urged the HSE to boost staffing levels in midwifery services to improve patient safety.

The union welcomed the findings of an NUI Galway study published yesterday, which found that midwife-led continuity of care was associated with several benefits for mothers and babies.

The INMO said it had for some time been drawing attention to the dangers associated with inadequate staffing levels.

It had particularly requested that the independent reviews previously conducted into midwifery services in Ireland be implemented by the HSE and that current risks due to inadequate staffing levels are corrected.

The union said its concern was heightened by its members confirming that, on a daily basis, they are very worried about safety due to inadequate staffing levels.

Phil Ni Sheaghdha, Director of Industrial Relations said midwives were calling for independent risk assessments to be carried out in their current work locations on staffing levels.

She said the HSE should immediately move to minimise and reduce all factors which interfere with provision of best care, especially inadequate staffing levels that exist in maternity services.

Midwife care has better outcomes