Study Finds Cost Of Maternity Injury Payouts Is More Than Cost Of Services

A previous investigation flagged inadequate standards at Portlaoise Regional Hospital.

The cost of negligent birth injury payouts is more than the cost of maternity services in Ireland, according to a new study.

Academics at UCD, UCC and Trinity College found the average cost of a live birth is 3,300 euro, while the the state's liability per delivery is 3,700.

A 2014 investigation found "poor outcomes that could likely have been prevented were identified and known" by Portlaoise Regional Hospital in 2007 and 2008, but not satisfactorily acted upon.

One of the report's authors, Maeve Hally, says they're recommending the State Claims Agency be given greater powers akin to commercial insurers to control and shape the risks:

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