Letterkenny University Hospital has announced visitor allowances for partners from this week.

From today, birthing partners will be allowed a daily 30 minute visit to the Maternity Department at Letterkenny University Hospital after the birth of the baby.

In addition birthing partners may accompany women to the dating scan as well as the anomaly scan.

Evelyn Smith, Director of Midwifery at the hospital said, “We are delighted to be in a position to ease some of the restrictions that were introduced to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect all mothers, babies and healthcare staff.

“We are continually reviewing access for partners in light of community transmission rates, local outbreaks within the unit and the infrastructure within the Maternity Department. In line with national guidance on visiting published at the end of April, the following access is currently being facilitated:

·         Birthing partners of women in labour may attend.

·         Partners can attend a caesarean section done under regional anaesthesia. Partners will be subject to screening questions and wearing PPE.

·         Partners may visit the ward for a 30 minute visit daily after the baby is born. This visit must be arranged with the ward manager.

·         Partners may attend the dating scan and the anomaly scan.

·         Parents of an infant in the Neonatal Unit may visit, one parent at a time.

“However, if a partner has COVID-19 symptoms, is awaiting a COVID-19 test or test result or has had a positive test within the last 14 days they must not come to the hospital. In this event an alternative birth partner may attend. Partners must wear a face mask at all times, maintain social distancing and use the available hand get to clean their hands regularly.

“We appreciate the patience shown by families over the past year in supporting us to keep our patients and services safe from COVID-19.”

The details of the visiting restrictions in the Maternity Departments are updated regularly on the HSE website at: https://www2.hse.ie/services/health-service-disruptions/hospital-appointments.html