FOR the first time in almost a year, fathers across the mid-west region will be allowed visit their offspring at the neonatal unit at University Maternity Hospital Limerick (UMHL), as the hospital eases restrictions on access due to a decrease in local transmission of COVID-19 and the continuing roll out of vaccines.
UL Hospitals Group confirmed today the gradual relaxation of a number of COVID-19 restrictions on access to UMHL allowing fathers/parents of babies in the neonatal unit from between 4.30pm – 6.30pm, subject to activity in the unit, from next Monday, April 26.
The option of having a nominated partner present for anomaly scans was reintroduced at the hospital this week, it has also emerged.
Meanwhile, weekly risk assessment is ongoing at the hospital with a view to giving a nominated partner 45-minute visiting slots on the hospital’s postnatal wards, M1 and M2, from May 10th, between the hours of 6pm and 8pm daily.
“No-one could minimise the impact these restrictions have had on women using our services, their partners and loved ones, which run counter to the spirit of joy and happiness traditionally associated with pregnancy and the arrival of new-born babies,” said Eileen Ronan, UL Hospitals Group’s Director of Midwifery.
Welcoming the hospital’s first steps in a phased relaxing of visiting restrictions, that have been in force at UMHL for almost the entirety of the pandemic, Ms Ronan added, “and we are delighted to be in a position where we can safely permit circumstances that allow parents and their children closer contact at this most important time in their lives”.
However, Ms Ronan said the restrictions on visits “have been difficult, but necessary, and effective”.
“During the surge of cases in the earlier part of the year, it was more important than ever to safeguard the health of mothers and babies and our staff, and we are grateful for the cooperation of our patients and their families and the broader community,” she said.
“Thanks to their sacrifices, they ensured there was no outbreak of COVID-19 in UMHL, with all the dangers that would have created for specialist maternity staff, young babies, and mothers and mums-to-be.”
UMHL is monitoring the rate of COVID transmission within the local community, the number of staff in the hospital and the possibility of those staff becoming unwell, and the infrastructure of the hospital site.
Meanwhile, visits on “compassion grounds” are being facilitated, as they have been throughout the pandemic, and birthing partners will also continue to be supported in attending the Labour Ward and Theatre.
“All nominated partners must adhere to the wearing of face masks, observe hand hygiene and social distancing. Temperature monitoring is in place at the main reception, along with the completion of a COVID-19 screening questionnaire,” said a UMHL spokesman.
“The measures are subject to change, and hospital management will continue to review the situation on a weekly basis, to plan for the safe, controlled and phased relaxation of restrictions, and to ensure all processes are safely introduced and managed,” he added.
