To ask the Minister of Health what consideration is being given to relaxing maternity services visiting restrictions in line with A Pathway to Enhanced Visiting.

The Pathway to Enhanced Visiting requires scheduled reviews, broadly every four weeks, in which health professionals assess the risks impacting on visiting arrangements and this informs the decision as to whether it is appropriate to move to the next stage of the pathway. The most recent review of the Hospice/Hospital (incl. Maternity) restrictions was completed on 18 January, and resulted in a recommendation of remaining at the “Gradual Easing” stage of the relevant Pathway.

The guidance further states that in certain, prescribed circumstances, local decisions may be made to reinstate some restrictions for limited periods to protect patients, families and staff, so from time to time, some additional local visiting restrictions may apply in a particular geographical area or facility.

It is important to note that any visiting restrictions currently being implemented above those outlined in the Pathway to Enhanced Visiting, are kept under regular review by the appropriate HSCT, to allow for a reversion to the permissions outlined in the regional visiting guidance document at the earliest opportunity.