HSE Review of National Women and Infants Health Programme Implementation (data.oireachtas.ie)

• €80m invested and 567 WTEs added under the National Maternity Strategy 2016.
• 63% of babies now on full electronic health records; six maternity networks operational.
• Rising complexity: gestational diabetes rates doubled to 12.7%; caesarean rates hit 39.7%.
• Workforce under strain: up to 15% temporary leave in some units, heavy agency reliance.
• Only 5 of 19 maternity units met HIQA standards in 2020; infrastructure outdated.

"The HSE submitted an opening statement to the Joint Committee on Health reviewing the National Maternity Strategy 2016. The evaluation, due by June 2026, shows substantial progress: €80m invested, 567 additional staff, 63% of babies on full EHR, and 9 postnatal hubs. However, it highlights rising complexity: obesity up from 16% to 22.3%, gestational diabetes doubled to 12.7%, caesarean rates up to 39.7%. Workforce challenges include high temporary leave (up to 15%) and outdated infrastructure, with only 5 of 19 maternity units meeting HIQA standards. The successor strategy must address these changes."