The letter also revealed that officials had serious concerns over the operation of the hospital in Ballina. It stated that the hospital’s medical officer should have made further efforts to ascertain if a bed had been available for Ms Duffy. The board also said Ballina District Hospital should be able to provide an additional fifth bed in its maternity ward. However, the GP said he was informed that there was no bed available for Ms Duffy after contacting the matron. Dr Keane said he also contacted the matron two or three times again the following day to try and get Ms Duffy admitted but was “to be disappointed”.

Source: Irish Examiner December 30, 2025 06:50 UTC