Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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100. To ask the Minister for Health when restrictions on partners attending at maternity hospitals will be lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42443/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I acknowledge that the visitor restrictions introduced in maternity services, because of Covid-19, have given rise to concern and anxiety for women and families. However, the reality is that, while very regrettable, these restrictions have been necessary to protect the safety of patients and families, hospital staff and the operability of our maternity services.

To date, thankfully, no maternal deaths linked to Covid-19 have been recorded in Ireland.  This coupled with the fact, that we have had a low incidence in pregnant women, suggests that the measures taken by maternity services to protect women, have been successful.  

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has issued guidance regarding attendance at acute hospitals during the pandemic, including attendance at maternity hospitals.  The guidance advises that restrictions on partner visiting; accompanying persons in labour; or parents visiting neonatal intensive care units, should be based on a documented risk assessment that is regularly reviewed.

In that context, and in an attempt to ensure the greatest consistency of service across our maternity units, the HSE is now re-classifying partners as an ‘essential companion’ for the purpose of fetal anomaly or anatomy scans.  I am advised that the HSE is currently finalising guidance for maternity hospitals in this matter; the expectation is that from next week, partners’ attendance at antenatal scanning will be facilitated, where possible., having regard to overall patient and staff safety.

However, it is important to emphasise that if a case of Covid-19 is linked to a maternity unit, Public Health teams will undertake a public health risk assessment, and it may be necessary to re-introduce restrictions. Of course, responses and recommendations for each maternity unit may differ, depending on the facilities and circumstances.

The Deputy will appreciate that, notwithstanding the relaxation of the restrictions in place, there will be a need to ensure that the safety of women, their partners and hospital staff is protected.  Maternity services are a core, essential service and the focus must be to protect services to ensure we are able to continue to provide 24/7 care.