McGrath says Minister must act urgently on antenatal appointments
South Down MLA Colin McGrath, SDLP Health Spokesman, has written to Health Minister Robin Swann MLA asking him to urgently allow couples to attend ultrasound scans of their children, if it is safe to do so.
Mr McGrath says that the reinstating the policy of allowing only one parent to attend is causing distress and has asked the Minister to allow couples to attend scans together, in a safe way.
The South Down MLA commented: “I recognise the Minister has to act decisively in response to rising rates of COVID-19 across the North, but reinstating the policy of only allowing one parent to attend antenatal scans is causing great upset.
“It seems particularly cruel that people can go to a pub or a restaurant in groups, but partners are not permitted to attend antenatal scans.
“This is especially concerning for first time parents who want to be together at this most precious of times in their child’s birth.
“These scans mean a lot to expecting couples. It is 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.”
