McGrath says couples should be allowed to attend baby scans together.
SDLP Health Spokesperson, Colin McGrath MLA has written to the Minister of Health and the Chief Nursing Officer asking them to explore changing their decision and allowing couples to attend ultrasound scans of their children, if it is safe to do so.
Mr McGrath says that the current policy of allowing only one parent to attend is causing great upset and has asked the Minister to explore how couples can attend scans together, in a safe way.
The South Down MLA commented: “A number of pregnant mothers have been in contact with me locally and have been upset that they have been unable to bring their significant others to baby scans at our hospitals. This is especially concerning for first time parents who want to be together at this most precious of times in their child’s birth.”
“I’ve asked the Trust to revisit this area during their ‘rebuilding phase’ with the view of allowing couples in to scans while taking every measure possible to ensure safety for them and for health workers.”
“These scans mean a lot to expecting couples. It’s a very emotional experience and mothers need the support of their partners. I believe they should be together at this time as long as it’s safe to do so.”
