AGGRESSIVE AND VIOLENT incidents in the country’s maternity hospitals are increasing in number – including some in the delivery suite.

Some of the country’s main maternity hospitals said that in many incidents, the problem was sparked by anti-social behaviour in the locality, with a spokesperson for one hospital stating that some incidents were fights that “end up on our doorstep”.

The two biggest maternity hospitals in the country both noted that some of the incidents were sparked by visitation rules ‘and visitors that do not think the rules apply to their situation’.

Data received through Freedom of Information shows the number of recorded incidents in the National Maternity Hospital, Holles St more than doubled to 51 last year. Eight of the 100 incidents recorded at the hospital in the past three years took place in the antenatal unit.

The number of violent incidents at the Rotunda Hospital, also in Dublin, was even higher – 56 incidents took place last year, compared to seven in 2024 and six in 2023. Gardai were called to the hospital 34 times last year.

There were 44 recorded incidents in Dublin’s Coombe Maternity Hospital between 2023 and 2025, including seven in the delivery suite.

Elsewhere, University Maternity Hospital Limerick had 15 incidents in the past three years, including six last year, while seven of Cork University Maternity Hospital’s total of nine cases for the past three years occurred last year.

However, the hospitals in question stressed that the increase in the number of recorded incidents is more likely due to enhanced safety protocols rather than a spike in aggressive or violent behaviour.

Drug users an issue 

The Rotunda Maternity Hospital Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

A spokesperson for the Rotunda Hospital said its reporting mechanism recently changed to a QR code, meaning reporting incidents could be completed much more easily by security staff.

“In addition, they were encouraged to start recording all incidents regardless of how small,” the spokesperson said, adding that the expansion of the hospital also contributed to the rise in recorded incidents.

The hospital also has an issue with anti-social behaviour in the local area, which can spill into hospital property.

“Our biggest issues stem around drug users in the general areas of the Rotunda, fights that have nothing to do with the hospital but end up on our doorstep and visitors that do not think the rules surrounding visiting etc apply to their situation,” the hospital spokesperson said.

“Some are relating to drug users who were asked to move on.

“The Gardai have asked us to notify them of every similar incident irrespective of whether there is a suggestion of violence.”

Some 69 people were involved in the 56 recorded incidents at the Rotunda last year, with the spokesperson stating that “there may have been more than one person involved such as a group of disgruntled visitors”.

“Adverse reactions” from partners

The National Maternity Hospital at Holles St. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

A National Maternity Hospital spokesperson said the increase in recorded incidents at Holles St “reflects greater staff awareness and confidence in reporting following the rollout of new/additional training at the National Maternity Hospital to support staff and patient safety across the campus.

“The vast majority of incidents were minor and managed by staff trained to intervene and de-escalate situations at an early stage.”

The spokesperson stressed there was a “zero tolerance” approach to any incident which may potentially expose a patient or infant or staff member to risk, and that some incidents recorded as having taken place in the delivery suite may be related to restriction or limitations on visiting to the area, sometimes at the request of a patient.

“This can result in adverse reactions from partners or family members. In such instances, staff work to ensure that patients are protected and their wishes are respected.”

The hospital said a small number of incidents relate to “trespassers” – individuals not considered to be patients, partners, or visitors and who accessed the campus, which is a public building, without permission.

A spokesperson for the Coombe said violence and aggression “are not a significant issue” and that where incidents do arise, “appropriate measures are taken to protect safety which may include escalation through hospital procedures, and where necessary the involvement of external authorities.”

Earlier this week The Journal Investigates revealed the increasing number of aggressive and violent incidents across the hospital system, both HSE-run and voluntary.

In addition to an average of 18 incidents each day in the the year period between 2023 and 2025, more than €3m was paid out by the State Claims Agency.

Both the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) said issues around the design and staffing of hospitals, particularly Emergency Departments, were a factor.