The Institute will work comprehensively with the HSE and its National Clinical Programme for Obstetrics and Gynaecology on the recommendations in the report to minimise the chance of a similar event or events in future related to actions or omissions in healthcare where our members or trainees are involved.

Addressing some of the recommendations of this report:

The Institute, working with the HSE, has developed National Guidelines on the Ultrasound Diagnosis of Early Pregnancy Loss. These guidelines have been circulated by the HSE to all maternity sites as part of the National Clinical Guidelines on Early Pregnancy Loss.

A successful and well attended multidisciplinary Early Pregnancy Forum was held by the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the HSE in February 2011.

Information on how to organise and operate an Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit has been sent to all maternity units by the HSE

The Institute has developed an Ultrasound Training Module. The first part of this module, dealing with Early Pregnancy, is complete and has been rolled out to Basic Specialist Trainees in obstetrics and gynaecology. This is an online module, with workplace based assessments and a record of cases.

The Institute is strongly recommending that those beyond basic training should complete the requirements of this course and receive certification from the Institute.

It is important that women who are going through a miscarriage, can have confidence in their health care providers, are encouraged to ask questions, and can be certain that they have been properly investigated.

The Institute continually strives to improve its training programmes to ensure that the women of Ireland receive the best prenatal and obstetric care possible.