Restrictions within maternity care are still in place in some hospitals, despite the Taoiseach, the Minister for Health and the chief medical officer all agreeing they should end. According to maternity care campaigners, some hospitals are still not allowing partners to stay with expectant mothers for the full duration of labour. The guidance added that any restrictions on the above should be based on a documented risk assessment that is reviewed regularly. “The hospital has reintroduced scheduled visiting to the maternity ward for antenatal and postnatal women, which is arranged by appointment [and usually lasts an hour],” a representative said. In Mayo, partners are allowed to attend with mothers in labour, but they must leave the maternity department when the mother is transferred to the maternity ward.

Source: The Irish Times June 12, 2021 08:40 UTC