A public rally will take place in Ballinasloe later this month in response to concerns regarding the future of maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital in Galway.
A summary report into the care of babies at the facility published last month, identified several failings at the hospital, which delivers around 1,400 babies a year.
According to the HSE, seven external reviews into the care provided to women and their babies at Portiuncula University Hospital have been completed and shared with the families, while a further five reviews are underway or due to commence.
Following the latest report, expectant women whose pregnancies are viewed as higher risk are currently being seen at other maternity units in the region.
Over 300 people in support of reversing the decision and reinstating full services in Ballinasloe turned out last night for the first public meeting of the Portiuncula Maternity Alliance.
The meeting was chaired by Dr Kevin Connolly, who spent 32 years as a paediatrician in the Special Care Baby Unit of Portiuncula Hospital.
"I was extremely heartened, first of all, about the size of the attendance. Secondly, about the honesty of people who gave the reasons why they felt that any move to downgrade Portiuncula Hospital was contrary to the best interests of the mother and the children," he said.
"And there was evidence presented that it is a retrograde step and is likely it, rather than reducing the risks of adverse events, that it could increase the risks of adverse events."
Among the many attending the meeting was Lorraine Reilly.
Following the death of her two daughters, who were born at Portiuncula Hospital, Ms Reilly and her family were part of the Walker report in 2018, which reviewed 18 perinatal events which occurred at the hospital between 2008 and 2014.
She gave her reaction to the latest developments to the crowd gathered: "We have never asked for Portiuncula Hospital to be ever closed. We have always looked to make sure that it was safer. I think there's an issue in maternity services in all 19 hospitals across Ireland. Now, obviously, I am extremely upset to see that there's so many issues…"
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Local and national politicians from across the political spectrum pledged their support to the campaign, including Galway East Fine Gael TD Pete Roche.
The Government TD was urged to bring the concerns of locals directly to his party colleague, the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, and ask her to reverse the current decision.
Deputy Roche responded to the large crowd: "You've just heard some of the comments tonight about how the unit needs to be more modern. It needs investment. If there's a risk there, she will not put another baby's or mum’s life at risk until there's investment," he said.
While an online petition to resist the downgrade of services at Portiuncula Hospital is gathering pace, a paper petition was also launched at last night’s meeting ahead of a public rally on Saturday, 16 August.
Co-founder of the Portiuncula Maternity Alliance, Independent Councillor Dr Evelyn Parsons, said it is a chance for the community to have their voices heard.
"People will come together, carry their banners and placards, sign petitions and march through the town and respectfully past Portiuncula to indicate the level of their displeasure with this announcement.
Portiuncula has been downgraded, and they want a full reinstatement," she said.
For those leaving last night’s meeting, the concerns continue.
Six months after giving birth to her daughter Pippa in Portiuncula, Anna said she is worried about what choices will be available to her in the future.
"Technically now I'm a high-risk mam, so if I go to have another baby, I'm high risk, so I'm due to go to Galway, and now I feel like I've been shushed. I'm being told what to do and where to go," she said.
