1 ½ years since Walker Report, recommendations not implemented – Rabbitte

Published on: 28 January 2020


Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East, Anne Rabbite, has expressed her concerns that not all the recommendations in the Walker Report, an independent report into maternity services in Portiuncla Hospital, have been implemented.

In a parliamentary question response to Deputy Rabbitte the Saolta University Health Care Group revealed that the appointment of a Peri-natal Pathologist, Sonographers, and Consultant Obstetricians/Gynaecologists are all outstanding.

She commented, “We are over a year and a half since the Walker Report was published. The report made 35 key recommendations yet some of these remain outstanding which is very concerning.

“We must not forget the reason this independent review led by Professor James Walker was carried out, and should ensure incidents like those never happen again.

“Expectant parents deserve to know that there are the required medical professionals in Portiuncla Hospital as they go through one of the most important times in their lives.

“The positions badly need to be filled for the hospital to function to its maximum. The Saolta Group, HSE, and Department of Health need to ensure this process is not delayed any longer and fill the positions that are outstanding in the Walker Report,” concluded Deputy Rabbitte.

Connect with us



News Categories