Breaking News
Fianna Fail questions future of maternity services at Portiuncula Hospital
Galway Bay fm newsroom – The HSE says a preliminary report into existing models of maternity services across the West and North West does not recommend the closure of any unit.
It follows concerns raised by Fianna Fail today over the future of maternity services across the region, including at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.
Galway East TD Colm Keaveney says a leaked report reveals that services at some units could be downgraded to a midwife-led system which would see a rationalisation of hospital services into UHG and Letterkenny General Hospital.
The HSE West says the review is not yet complete and the preliminary report does not recommend the closure of any maternity unit.
It adds that speculation at this early stage in the process is unhelpful and potentially upsetting for patients and staff.
Deputy Colm Keaveny has called on the Health Minister to provide some much needed clarity on the feared plans.
Breaking News
Portiuncula Hospital appoints Bereavement Support Midwife

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe has appointed Leanne Norton as a Beravement Support Midwife for the hospital.
Ms Norton has previously dealt with bereavement through midwifery experience gained in The Rotunda Hospital in Dublin and Midland Regional Hospital in Mullingar.
The role will see her care for, and support, women, and families dealing with loss of pregnancy, stillbirth or neonatal death.
Leanne said she feels privileged to take on the role, and to provide compassionate, individualised, and culturally sensitive support to patients and their families.
Breaking News
Works on Athenry sewer network worth €13m to begin in March

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Works to provide an upgrade to the sewer network in Athenry are to begin in March.
The €13m scheme will reduce the risk of sewer flooding and address the discharge of non-compliant sewer overflows in the River Clarin.
The project is to be carried out by Coffey Construction and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
Eunan Canavan, Wastewater Regional Delivery Lead, explains how this could lead to population growth in the town,
Breaking News
Teddy Bear Hospital at University of Galway wraps up after busy two days

Galway Bay fm newsroom – The Teddy Bear Hospital wrapped up today at the University of Galway after a busy two days.
Children from schools across Galway, from the city to Tuam, Mountbellew and beyond, brought their teddies to the hospital.

The university’s Sláinte Society set up pharmacy, X-ray and surgery stations at the Bailey Allen Hall on campus.
The aim of the event is to familiarise children with a hospital environment to reduce their fear of it.
Pupils explained to our reporters Sarah Slevin and Rachel Timoney why their teddies were attending the hospital today:
