A government minister has welcomed the decision by doctors to get acting classes to better communicate bad news to women.

Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty says it’s a good idea as not everyone is naturally empathetic.

Obstetricians are attending workshops at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin following criticism over the insensitive approaches by some.

The classes aim to help doctors improve their bedside manner when communicating with patients who have lost a baby or undergone a traumatic experience in a maternity unit.

The role play classes see drama teachers acting out real-life scenarios maternity.

Minister Doherty says if it helps improve the all round care women receive then it should be welcomed.

“When you delve into it, I think it is a lovely thing to do,” she said.

“When doctors have to give really difficult information not everybody is a natural at being a certain kind of personality.

“I think they are there to serve and what they are trying to do is serve the people they are looking after in a more empathetic way.”

The move comes amid recent criticism of "insensitive" and "patriarchal" treatment in Irish maternity hospitals.

Reporting from Adrian Harmon