The ordeal of a young mother highlights the ongoing difficulties as a result of the closure of the Maternity Unit at Louth County Hospital in Dundalk, Sinn Féin Louth County Councillor Arthur Morgan told a press conference on Tuesday, 28 February.
Ashleen Lawlor visited Louth County Hospital on 23 January as a result of having pains, where she was monitored and instructed to attend Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, 25 miles away, the following day. The family have no car, so Ashleen took the bus from Dundalk at 9.30am. Ten minutes into the 40-minute journey, her waters broke, causing Ashleen shock and concern among fellow passengers. The bus driver had the presence of mind to speed immediately to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, ignoring intending passengers waiting at bus stops along the route. Fortunately, all ended well, with baby Sandra born later the same day.
"Numerous complaints and stories about hardships endured by expectant mothers have been surfacing for some time now," said Morgan. "The present government policy of closing down hospital wards and vital medical services is putting the lives of women and their unborn babies at risk. In the case of Louth County Hospital, the government has closed the Pediatric ward, followed by the closure of Gynae and Maternity units, all services vital for the health and wellbeing of women and children.
"I have been accused of making a political football of this issue because of my continued campaigning on it. I wish to state very clearly that I will continue to campaign on it until the government removes the football by reopening these vital services at Louth County Hospital. Pending the recruitment of staff and the re-opening of these facilities an effective transport link should be put in place between Louth County Hospital in Dundalk and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, as well as childcare facilities for expectant mothers with other young children."
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the bus driver and the other passengers on the bus for their help," said Ashleen. "The reason I have come forward with my story is I do not want other expectant mothers to be put in the same position as I was. I don't think it is fair for women to have to go through the trauma of traveling to Drogheda, especially when there is a hospital in Dundalk."
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