The Chief Executive of the West/North West Hospital Group has played down reports that some maternity units in the region may face closure.

He has told staff that reports of maternity units in the region closing down were 'speculation'. However he did not deny outright that units may close as a result of a review currently being undertaken.

He confirmed that plans are in place to set up midwife-led units, co-located with maternity units.

Concerns are growing that some maternity units in the west and north west of the country may be closed or downgraded as part of this recently-launched review.

There are fears that the maternity units at Castlebar, Ballinasloe and Sligo will be earmarked for closure.

However, Mr Maher, in a memo to staff on Wednesday,  said in the run-up to the local and European elections in May, there will be lots of speculation in the media in relation to the provision of maternity services in the west/north west.

"I would like to advise you all that it is just that-speculation. I will ensure that you will be consulted and kept informed of the facts of what is planned and the processes that are underway."

Mr Maher said a review of the existing models of maternity services care was being conducted across the West/North West Hospitals Group, including the maternity units at University Hospital Galway, Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe; Mayo General Hospital; Sligo Regional Hospital and Letterkenny General Hospitals.

He said the review was being conducted in light of recent HIQA recommendations on maternity services. following the Savita Halappanavar case, 'to cover patient choice, models of care and the provision of a suitably skilled and competent workforce to ensure that we can deliver safe and effective care'.

Mr Maher said progress with the first phase of the review was discussed at a hospital group board meeting earlier this week.

He said the board accepted the short-term recommendations, which are to further develop the clinical governance structures across the hospital group and develop consistent models of maternity care across the group.

Mr Maher said the board also welcomed a discussion on different service models, including 'midwife-led units co-located with existing obstetric units, and agreed that staff and public engagement on this would be included in the second phase of the review'.

The hospital group says it will draw up a public engagement strategy to determine the level of support for midwifery-led services.

"We will also carry out a full stakeholder consultation with all staff in maternity services and we will conduct a review of the maternity workforce in line with current standards," Mr Maher said.

In addition to the regional review in the west/north west, a national review of maternity services is also due to take place.

Fears that maternity units face closure