Pregnant women in Kerry who are more than 37 weeks gestation and were under the care of Private Midwives Ireland (PMI) are asked to contact their local maternity hospital as soon as possible.

The provider stopped trading suddenly on last week, 15 August.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) says this may cause distress, as women now need to reconsider birth plans at a late stage of pregnancy.

Women under 37 weeks are urged to contact their GP, who can make an appropriate referral.

If accessing a GP is difficult, women are advised to contact their local maternity hospital directly.

The executive recommends attending your nearest Emergency Department without delay in the case of an emergency.

It is reassuring women that care and support are available.

The HSE states each woman will be assessed individually and given a tailored care plan.

Women 37 weeks along or more, or with clinical concerns, should call UHK on 066 718 4000 or CUMH on 021 4920 500.

Dr Mairead O’Riordan, Clinical Director at CUMH, says affected women can contact their local maternity hospital and speak to the bed manager to put a plan in place.

She added that if women wish, their PMI midwife can attend the birth as a support person.