‘Deeply concerning’ figures spark questions over access to maternity facilities in Limerick

LESS than 50 women used the Danu Suite at University Maternity Hospital Limerick (UMHL) during labour last year, sparking concerns about access to the specialised birthing facilities.

At a recent meeting of the Regional Health Forum Mid West, Councillor Elisa O'Donovan asked the HSE for “the number of people that laboured in the Danu Suite in the last three years” and whether births will be considered in the suite in future plans for UMHL.

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In a written response, Ian Carter, CEO of Mid West Acute and Older People Services, HSE Mid West, said the Danu Suite “provides a calm, supportive environment for women during labour, with facilities designed to promote comfort and mobility,” including a birthing pool, shower, birthing balls, and floor mats.

He outlined that over the past three years, 95 women used the suite in 2023, 65 in 2024, and just 48 in 2025.

Mr Carter said: "Many women made use of the comfort measures available in the suite, such as the pool, shower,  sling, birthing stool, birthing balls and mats."

"In some cases, women were transferred to another  room if complications arose or if they requested epidural analgesia. At present, women can labour in  the pool in the Danu Suite; however, births do not currently take place in the pool." he concluded.

In a social media post following the meeting, Cllr O'Donovan said that these figures are "deeply concerning" as out of 3,831 mothers who gave birth in Limerick last year, just 48 women were able to use the Danu Suite during labour. 

She expressed that this "raises real questions about access and whether this important facility is being fully utilised for the benefit of mothers and families in Limerick."