An Irish hospital has suspended home births following the death of a woman who died of life-threatening complications while giving birth to her first child.
Laura Liston, a Co Sligo security guard in her thirties, described by a former classmate as “kind and caring”, gave birth to her son, Shay, on June 5 at her home in Croom.
According to reports, Laura was admitted to University Hospital in Limerick after complications during childbirth, where she was pronounced dead.
In a statement Friday, UL Hospitals Group said home deliveries were temporarily suspended pending an HSE assessment of the tragedy.
Laura Liston (pictured) died earlier this month after developing life-threatening complications while giving birth to her first child, a son named Shay.
At Laura’s funeral on June 10, her husband Fergal thanked everyone who attended for their support and shared a message in the funeral booklet, which also included a photo of little Shay.
The message read: “Fergal and Shay, along with their Liston and Mannion families, would like to thank everyone who attended Mass today and for all the sympathy and support they have received at this very sad time.”
A week later, Father Richard Davern, who presided over the funeral, described Laura’s death as “the most tragic case”. [he has] never seen [his] ministry or no treatment’.
He added: “I hope the family finds strength.
Laura, pictured with her husband Fergal, was described by a former classmate as “kind, gentle and caring to everyone”.
“He has high hopes for the boy, he really gave them high hopes and something to focus on at this terrible time.
“I think it’s ironic that the weakest little child is the strongest bond that holds and motivates a family. It’s indescribably sad. God loves them”.
Some of Laura’s friends signed an online condolence book.
Former classmate Jillian Halpin, who attended Crescent College Comprehensive, Limerick, said: “I was shocked and very saddened to hear that Laura had died. I have good memories of Laura from our high school days. He was kind, gentle and thoughtful to everyone. My condolences to the Liston and Mannion families. Ar dheis De go a hanam raibh.
Laura’s husband, Fergal, thanked everyone who attended Laura’s funeral earlier this month in the funeral booklet, which shared a photo of little Shay.
Meanwhile, my former colleague Breffni Coffey wrote: ‘I worked with Laura in Tusla. He was a great colleague, a hard worker, always there for you, and it was always so much fun to be with you.’
Not mentioning Laura, a statement from UL Hospitals Group said: “We confirm that we have temporarily suspended home delivery service in the Midwest following the recent death of a mother.
“UL Hospitals Group staff and home delivery service wish to express their deepest condolences to the family for the dire loss.
‘We have commissioned an external overhaul of home birth service in the Midwest.
‘A group of external research experts will be formed, including specialization in obstetrics and gynecology; looking at patient safety, clinical governance, and any other emerging issues”.
A hospital spokesperson said they have contacted women who are expected to give birth at home in the coming months to discuss their care.
They added that there were 4,294 hospital births last year.
Meanwhile, there were about 650 home births nationwide during the same period.
Laura is separated from her son Shay, husband Fergal, siblings Jenifer, Sarah, John-Robert, and parents Fiona and John.
Source: Daily Mail
