The Rotunda will start removing remaining restrictions this month

The Rotunda is set to lift its Covid-19 restrictions.

The Rotunda Hospital has confirmed it will remove restrictions on partners by November. The maternity hospital issued a statement this evening. It stated that it is "looking forward and planning to return to “pre-COVID” access in a safe way for all our patients and their partners." The hospital stressed that their aim was to always restore access "as safely as possible and as soon as possible while taking into account rates of COVID-19 infection in the community, vaccination rates amongst our patients, and our unique infrastructural challenges." The Rotunda has already restored access similar to pre-pandemic levels in most areas of the hospital, including early pregnancy scans, anomaly scans, the Emergency and Assessment Unit, and inpatient wards. However, some restrictions remain in place for partners which have caused major distress and anxiety for parents and pregnant people. From Monday, October 25th, partners will be able to attend Booking Visit appointments and appointments in the High-Risk clinic. From Monday, November 1st, The Rotunda will also remove remaining restrictions for partners for other antenatal outpatient appointments. The hospital stressed that older parts of the building have small waiting areas, which means overcrowding is a concern. Patients have been advised to attend routine outpatient appointments alone, and only bring an accompanying partner for occasional visits, such as if you have a complicated or special issue to discuss with your care team. If the hospital is experiencing high footfall in these areas, partners will be told to wait outside the building until the appointment time. Patients and their partners have also been warned to be cautious of the rising Covid-19 infections in the community. The hospital warned that Covid infection is associated with severe maternal illness, particularly affecting women in the second half of pregnancy. It urged patients to get the vaccine as soon as possible. "Talk to a midwife or doctor if you have any concerns about vaccination. The vaccine is safe in pregnancy and is the best way to protect you and your baby against the very serious risks of COVID-19 infection." Anyone with Covid-19 symptoms or those who test positive have been told to stay away from the hospital. "Telephone our COVID helpline on 01 817 2575 and we will make special arrangements for your care to keep you and others safe." "It is still essential that all patients and nominated companions must wear a face-covering, except when the woman is in labour. Visiting by children or by extended family members is still not possible. Only the nominated companion/partner will be allowed to attend," the hospital stressed. The Rotunda added that measures and restrictions may change due to the level of Covid-19 infections in the community.