Easing of Visiting Restrictions for Partners attending Maternity Department at University Hospital Galway

As part of the hospitals’ response to COVID-19, visitor restrictions were introduced to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect all mothers, babies and healthcare staff.

These restrictions are under continual review and each maternity unit carries out regular risk assessments around visiting restrictions taking into account community transmission rates, local infrastructure within the unit and staffing.

In light of recent improvements in community transmission, a number of visiting restrictions for partners visiting the Maternity Department at University Hospital Galway have been eased. From Monday 26 April:

• St Catherine’s Ward and St Angela’s Ward - partners may visit from 19.00-20.00
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - visiting time by fathers will increase to 30 minutes
• Partners may attend anomaly scans

Currently birthing partners of women in labour may attend for the birth and birthing partners can attend a caesarean section done under regional anaesthesia, subject to screening questions and wearing PPE (surgical mask and gown) in the theatre.

If a partner has COVID-19 symptoms, is awaiting a COVID-19 test or test result or has had a positive test within the last 14 days they must not come to the hospital. In this event an alternative birth partner may attend. Partners must wear a face mask at all times, maintain social distancing and use the available hand gel to clean their hands regularly.

While the community transmission rates in Galway have improved, the risk associated with COVID-19 remains. Visiting arrangements will be kept under review while there is still a risk of introduction of infection to the Maternity Department.

We appreciate the patience shown by families over the past year in supporting us to keep our patients and services safe from COVID-19.

The details of the visiting restrictions in the Maternity Departments are updated regularly on the HSE website at:
https://www2.hse.ie/services/hospital-service-disruptions/hospital-service-disruptions-covid19.html