The true cost to the State of maternity services in Ireland

Abstract

Accounting for the cost of delivery of maternity services in Ireland ignores the cost of claims settlements caused by negligence in delivery. We show that the true cost of maternity services is more than double the generally reported cost when proper account is taken of the associated cost of maternity claims. There must come a tipping point, if it is not already exceeded, when the sums paid out by way of settlements for mismanagement of maternity services become larger than the additional costs of operating a sound service.