Crisis Pregnancy Agency and HSE West launch new resource to assist community and health professionals in HSE West to deal with women experiencing crisis pregnancy

Galway, 28th November 2006 – The Crisis Pregnancy Agency and the HSE West launched a new resource today in the G Hotel in Galway. “Responding to Crisis Pregnancy – Information and Service Directory for Community and Health Professionals” is an information resource for health professionals and community workers in HSE West who may be the first point of contact for women experiencing a crisis pregnancy.

The resource is divided into five sections with basic information on topics such as teenage pregnancy, supporting adult women, crisis pregnancy counselling services, rights and entitlements after childbirth and adoption services.
The resource contains up-to-date information, contact details and opening hours of services that are available to women who are in a crisis situation.

Speaking at the launch of the resource, Dr. Stephanie O’ Keeffe, Head of Research, Crisis Pregnancy Agency said: “A woman who experiences a crisis pregnancy has an immediate need for psychological support and medical attention. She may also have longer-term needs for practical information on the supports available to her and for the appropriate services that can assist and support her now and in the future. This resource contains a full list of services and supports in the HSE West so that if community and health professionals come into contact with a woman in crisis they are able to refer her to the most appropriate local services”.

Commenting on the resource, Catherine Duffy, Development Officer of the Primary Care Department, HSE and member of the Advisory Committee of the Crisis Pregnancy Agency, said: “The resource is very welcome to professionals working in the HSE West Area. Access to information and support is vital for a woman or teenager going through a crisis pregnancy. This can be a very lonely time and access to support can help ensure a more positive outcome”.

The resource was funded by the Crisis Pregnancy Agency. It is one of a series of resources developed by the CPA under the banner of “Key Contacts” for the prevention and management of crisis pregnancy. Other resources available are a Directory of Supported Accommodation for Women Experiencing Crisis Pregnancy and an Information Resource for Migrant Women, which is available in several languages.

For more information please contact:

Orla McGowan
Crisis Pregnancy Agency
Tel: 01-8146292
Mobile: 086-3785366

Caitriona Meehan
Area Communications Manager
HSE West
Merlin Park
Galway
Tel: 091-775474
Mobile: 086-6069749