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25th Sep 2020

Plans considered by the HSE to let partners attend maternity appointments virtually

Melissa Carton

Do you think this is a good idea?

Due to current restrictions to help stop the spread of Covid-19 many hospitals are not allowing partners to attend appointments with expectant mums.

Some hospitals have even gone so far to ban partners altogether.

With many pregnant woman upset about not being able to share moments, like their first scan, with their partner the HSE has suggested creating a way for partners to attend appointments virtually.

stillbirth

According to The Irish Times plans are being considered by the HSE that could see partners taking part in maternity appointments virtually.

The health service has suggested introducing a telelink via a smartphone or camera to allow partners to be part of key appointments.

Many expectant mums still feel that it is not enough and that if children are safe to attend school why can partners in proper PPE not attend hospital appointments?

I have to say I completely agree with mums who say that it isn’t enough.

Having received bad news alone myself during a scan appointment it’s just not the same having your partner on the other end of the phone. You need the support of someone else there with you.

I can also understand the frustration of pregnant women as they watch restrictions ease on schools and pubs allowing them to reopen while they still have to go through the stress of seeing out their pregnancy and labour alone.