Petition calls for full reinstatement of Domino service at CUMH

A petition with over 2,500 signatures was handed to the Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) this morning, calling for the full reinstatement of the Domino scheme at the hospital.

The petition's organisers Louise Lotty and Grace O'Brien said that they welcomed the reinstatement of the 24-hour telephone line and Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll McNeill's commitment to a full restoration in early 2027.

However, they said that they are seeking a confirmed date for the reinstatement, as well as a clear plan to restore the full continuity model, with the staffing needed to sustain it.

"Continuity of care is at the heart of this campaign," they said.

Last week, the Cork Independent reported that the service reductions currently in place for the scheme are to be fully reversed in 2027, though no exact date has yet been given.

The Department of Health said that the cutback in services was as a result of a "temporary redeployment" of Domino midwives to "support the skill mix in the labour ward and help ensure the safe and continued delivery of maternity services".

The change means that the post-natal care which was provided by the Domino Scheme is currently being provided through the Early Transfer Home midwifery service.

The reductions have faced pushback from a number of quarters, including Cork City Council, and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).

At its last full meeting, Cork City Council agreed to write to the Minister to seek the full reinstatement of the service.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.