Call for review of visiting restrictions in hospital maternity wards

New mothers and their partners are understandably very angry about the ongoing visiting restrictions in maternity hospitals, Cork TD Holly Cairns has highlighted.

She said some maternity hospitals in Dublin have eased restrictions, yet elsewhere the opposite is the case.

 "I know that public health is a priority, as it should be, but it is difficult for people to understand why someone is allowed to attend a wedding with 49 other people but, in some instances, people cannot attend a prenatal scan with their partner or be with their partner for most of the labour and after the birth of their baby.

"Why is there a disparity in the restrictions among hospitals? There seems to be a geographic lottery that is confusing and frustrating for people. 

"The Covid-19 restrictions in maternity hospitals were introduced six months ago. Since then, many other restrictions in general society have been eased, so why not these?

"They clearly need to be revised as a matter of urgency. Inconsistent practices in maternity hospitals add to the general confusion among the public. We need coherent guidelines that are supported by clear rationale and shared evidence.

"Being alone during labour is hard enough when everything goes well but it is even more awful when there are complications. No one should have to be alone at this time, unless it is absolutely necessary."

In response, Minister of State Mary Butler said as a mother of three she fully understands that the current position in maternity hospitals is a serious concern, which is presenting difficulties for expectant mothers and fathers.

She said: "It is regrettable that in order to protect women, babies, staff and our maternity service as a whole, it has been necessary to reduce footfall in maternity hospitals.

"This has been achieved in part through the introduction of visitor restrictions which, unfortunately, have included limitations on access of partners to maternity wards, theatres and appointments.

"However, the fact that there have been no Covid-19 maternal deaths in this country and that we have had a low incidence of the disease in pregnant women suggests the current approach is working, even if it is very difficult. 

"It is worth remembering also that some of the most vulnerable members of society are cared for in our maternity hospitals, including fragile infants at the very extremes of prematurity. We must do all we can to protect these babies.

"Like most healthcare services, maternity hospitals rely on highly specialised personnel to deliver care to women and infants.

"Should an outbreak of Covid-19 occur in a maternity hospital, it will be devastating for the service in question and would severely impact its ability to provide safe, quality care to mothers and their babies.

"To date, our maternity hospitals have performed very well and they have continued to keep women, babies and staff safe while delivering quality care in very challenging circumstances.

"However, we cannot become complacent. The virus is still transmitting in the community and we must be on high alert.

"I will raise the concerns with Minister Stephen Donnelly and raise the fact a review of the maternity ward restrictions is sought.

"Finally, I looked at the list of 19 maternity hospitals. In University Hospital Galway, partners are permitted to be with mothers in the labour ward or in theatre if there is a caesarean section. In Mayo University Hospital, partners are permitted to attend with mothers in labour. It varies."