Rally demands retention of maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital

Marking significant unified support, large numbers were present in Ballinasloe on Saturday to voice their demand for the protection and reinstatement of maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital (PUH).

In one of the largest demonstrations the town has seen in years, thousands of people from across Westmeath, Offaly, Roscommon, Longford, Galway, Tipperary and beyond flooded the streets of Ballinasloe highlighting concerns over the downgrading of maternity services at PUH.

With an estimated gathering of 3,500 people, the rally took 45 minutes from front to end to file through the wide streets of Ballinasloe.

The marchers, chanting 'Care Can’t Wait — Reinstate!', made their way through the town before gathering outside the hospital gates for speeches that blended emotion, anger and determination.

Cllr Evelyn Parsons, a founding member of the Portiuncula Maternity Alliance (PMA), welcomed the huge crowd and told them that by turning out in their thousands, they had all become part of the movement.

“Today you are all members of the PMA. We stand together, as one, and we will not be silenced. If this downgrade is not reversed, if services are not fully reinstated, then Government politicians must look within and ask, who do I serve? What do I want for my constituents? Do I stand with the people who elected me or do I stand with a Government dismantling rural healthcare?," Cllr Parsons said.

Cllr Parsons laid down a stark challenge to public representatives, warning that political pressure must be applied and that there will be “personal political pain” for those who continue to support the government if the downgrade proceeds. She went further, calling on opposition members to consider if the downgrade is not halted whether warrants a motion of no confidence in the Minister for Health.

Other speakers included Dr Kevin Connolly, retired Paediatrician, who spoke of the crucial role PUH plays in safeguarding mothers and babies and John Hanniffy, who reflected on the strong focused committee who drove the successful campaign that saved Portlaoise Maternity Unit.

The rally also heard powerful and emotional testimonies from families affected by recent reviews. One mother described being forced to travel while high-risk as “a terrifying gamble with our lives, and our babies’ lives, on the road.”

The presence of many local and national politicians underscored the growing political pressure, but organisers made clear that sympathy is not enough.

During the rally, the Portiuncula Maternity Alliance outlined its demands, the core of which is the full reinstatement of maternity services at PUH.

The Alliance has also called for the implementation of the Walker Report and all safety recommendations; proper staffing, resources, respect for nurses, midwives, and doctors; an answer as to why PUH is the only Level 3 hospital in the country which had not been resourced with a business manager and an independent external review of maternity networks and governance issues including responsibilities and failings with UHG.

Organisers confirmed that the campaign will now escalate further. The region is vast and the movement will grow across the counties affected across the Midlands region with potential for rallies in each of the towns and counties affected.

Thousands more petition cards were signed at the rally, leading to an immediate reprint to meet demand. While a meeting with the Minister for Health has been formally requested, no date has been confirmed and no direct response received.

In her closing words, Cllr Parsons acknowledged the courage of a concerned mother with whom she co-founded the PMA and gave full credit to the committed volunteers who made the rally possible.

“This day was powered by our community, the volunteers, unions, businesses, and families who stood up and said ‘enough.’ Ní neart go cur le chéile — there is strength in unity. And united, we will protect Portiuncula.”

The rally closed with thunderous applause echoing across Ballinasloe to the words - 'No Downgrade. Every Mother Matters. Every Baby Matters. Our Families Matter.'