External reviews into deaths at Cork and Kerry maternity units to be conducted

The most recent data on maternal deaths indicates there were 24 deaths between 2019 and 2021, but this includes women who died during pregnancy, or within one year of pregnancy.

Some 12 deaths were during pregnancy, or within 42 days of pregnancy, including six reported as direct maternal deaths due to obstetric factors.

University Hospital Kerry (UHK) confirmed that a maternal death took place “recently”. The coroner has been notified and an external review will be undertaken, as required by HSE policy.

“UHK is providing bereavement support to the family at this very sad time,” a hospital spokesman said.

“Hospital management and staff at UHK wish to express their condolences and deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased during this very difficult period.”

It follows confirmation from Cork University Maternity Hospital of an external review into a maternal death that happened last Friday.

The deceased woman’s husband, Baiju Scaria, posted a moving tribute online to his wife, Stephy, saying their family is “devastated” by the tragedy. 

Fr Tony Mullins said the couple and their son had lived in Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick, for over four years and were “very much part of our parish” there.

There is incredible sadness for them and people are stunned really by what’s happened.

An online fundraiser stood at over €76,000 last night for funeral expenses here in Ireland and in Stephy’s home state of Kerala in India.

Tributes have also been paid, meanwhile, to Naomi James, who is understood to have died at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda on Sunday, in what is believed to be the third death linked to pregnancy in recent weeks. She leaves behind a newborn baby as well as three older children and her bereaved husband.

Online tributes have been paid to the well-known photographer and a fundraiser has been set up to help the family.

“Our dear friend, Naomi, tragically passed away on 23rd June under heartbreaking circumstances,” her friend wrote on the fundraising site, adding: “Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering support touched many lives.” 

“Maternal deaths are a particularly tragic outcome in any maternity service,” the HSE said.

A HSE spokeswoman explained all direct maternal deaths are subject to external review by experts from outside the hospital group.

The National Women and Infants Health Programme is notified of such deaths and it advises which clinical specialties are needed.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly offered his sincere condolences to the affected families.

A spokesperson for Mr Donnelly said: “While the Minister cannot comment on individual cases, the HSE has informed the Department that the procedures which are in place to respond to and review such tragic events are now underway.”