A review of maternity services is investigating the deaths of 30 babies.

A Health Service Executive (HSE) panel, set up after a number of babies died at the Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise, is looking into 180 complaints.

The Sunday Independent reports that the panel reviewed around 80 deaths and concluded that 30 needed further investigation.

But this figure could increase as more cases are reviewed.

Along with the deaths, dozens of other cases - involving traumatic births, near misses and serious injuries suffered by mothers - are also believed to be part of the review.

Last year, the health watchdog HIQA launched an investigation into the patient safety culture at Portlaoise Hospital.

The probe began after the deaths of five babies there since 2007.

Meanwhile a report by the Department of Health found that the maternity service at the hospital was not safe or sustainable and an interim management team was put in place.

Elsewhere, a review of maternity services at Portiuncula Hospital in Galway announced last week following the deaths of two babies is set to be expanded.

It comes after a further five families came forward to say that their babies died or were left starved of oxygen.