THERE is to be a further easing of partner access restrictions at University Maternity Hospital Limerick from Wednesday, September 1, with an increase in scheduled visiting slots on the postnatal wards from 45 minutes to two hours.

The scheduled two-hour visiting slots will be offered to nominated partners of women on wards M1 and M2, from 2pm to 4pm or 6pm to 8pm daily.

This is the latest in a series of measures taken in recent months to gradually ease pandemic restrictions on access to partners of women in UMHL, in line with national guidance on partner access to maternity units.

UMHL allows partners in the following areas, regardless of vaccination status, following the COVID-19 questionnaire and temperature screening: Labour Ward: throughout labour and delivery; Elective and Emergency C-Section; Anomaly scan; EPAU (Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit); Compassionate grounds; Antenatal Ward: 45-minute slots; Postnatal Wards: 2-hour slots; NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)/HDU (High Dependency Unit): 30-minute slots; Emergency high risk admissions; 12-Week scan

UL Hospitals Group stated it acknowledged that COVID-19 access restrictions, while necessary, have been difficult for maternity service users and their loved ones, and said it would continue to review these safety measures at UMHL on a weekly basis.

“We continue to plan for the safe, controlled and phased relaxation of restrictions, and to ensure all processes are safely introduced and managed,” said a spokesperson.