Write a commentMLA Liz Kimmins, has joined calls to urge Health Minister Robin Swann and the Southern Trust to reconsider the new restrictions on maternity services. The trust announced new visiting arrangements for Maternity on Friday.
The Newry and Armagh representative said "Following this week's announcement regarding the decision by the Southern Trust to place restrictions on birthing partners attending appointments and labour, I have written to the Health Minister Robin Swann and asked him to urgently engage with the Southern Trust on this issue, and my colleague Mickey Brady MP has written to the Chief Executive of the Trust also.
"The last 18 months has been extremely hard on expectant parents, especially all those mothers who had to go through appointments and labour alone for most of the time and it is important their needs and the needs of their partners are recognised and acknowledged.
"Many expectant parents cannot understand the rationale for these decisions and are experiencing significant stress following this announcement. Not every pregnancy is straightforward, and this can be a very anxious time for a lot of women, therefore support from a partner is essential at all stages.
"I am therefore asking the Health Minister and the Southern Trust to urgently reconsider this decision and reinstate the arrangements that have been in place in recent months for all maternity services."
