Partners of pregnant people will be allowed to accompany them for the 20 week scan, University Hospital Galway has confirmed in written correspondence to Sinn Féin Galway West TD, Mairead Farrell.
In an email to the TD the hospital said: "The Maternity Department in UHG is working towards facilitating partners or one nominated person to accompany pregnant women to the anomaly (20 week ) scan within the next few weeks."
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The hospital admitted this would be "challenging" while the pandemic is still ongoing, and said its priority must be" the safety of women, their babies and maternity staff".
A 'distressing and isolating' experience
Dep Farrell has welcomed UHG's work on this issue. “While I recognise that precautions have to be taken due to Covid 19," she said, "it is extremely important for expectant mothers to have support."
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Dep Farrell had previously raised the issue of maternity care and called for a more "compassionate approach to be established" regarding partners not being allowed to attend vital appointments and scans with pregnant women.
“Pregnant women have spoken of how distressing and isolating this experience can be and how much they miss the support of their partners at such appointments," she said. "There needs to be a recognition of the importance of having partners or a nominated person present.”
