Mothers And Babies At Risk Of Infection At Maternity Hospitals

That's one of the findings of a new report from the Health Information and Quality Authority.

Around 60 thousand babies are born in Ireland ever year.

A new report by the Health Information and Quality Authority has found the national standards of quality and safety in the country's maternity units are high.

But if has found some areas need improvement.

It found services are reliant on midwives working difficult rosters and overtime which isn't sustainable or safe in the long term.

It also found the layout and infrastructure of many maternity units and hospitals present an infection risk for mothers and babies.

It also impacts on a woman's comfort, dignity and privacy.

HIQA also says there's a lack of clarity and national leadership within the HSE regarding the responsibility for implementing the National Maternity Strategy and limited progress has been made.