[COVID-19] Update from our Executive Management Team

In March, The Rotunda Hospital took the difficult decision to severely restrict visiting at the Hospital in the interest of public and patient safety.

Throughout the pandemic, The Rotunda remained open 24/7 and, when safe to do so, all women giving birth were able to have a partner with them for labour and birth, once admitted to the Delivery Suite or Theatre.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continued and changed, we were able to gradually ease the restrictions that we had put in place.

Over the last few months, thanks to the cooperation of our Rotunda patients and families, we have been delighted to be able to welcome parents safely back to the NICU, as well as welcome partners back to our inpatient wards during certain hours, and to the 20-22 week anomaly scan.

However, the COVID-19 crisis has not ended, and we need to remain alert to the challenges it poses as we approach the winter and flu season.

The Rotunda has been in a unique position during this time, as the busiest maternity hospital in Europe, delivering services in the oldest maternity hospital building in Europe, it is uniquely challenging to maintain social distancing – especially in our waiting areas.

We understand how important it is for pregnant women to have support from their partners and family throughout their pregnancy, and we know how difficult and distressing it is to come to appointments alone, for partners to have to wait outside before being admitted. We are sorry for this distress, but we feel this represents the best balancing of patients’ preferences with the hospital’s duty to keep patients and our staff safe.

Despite all of these challenges, The Rotunda has been very successful at containing and limiting COVID transmission amongst our patients and staff, and we have been able to relax many of our restrictions since March. We are continuously monitoring the situation and review restrictions on a weekly basis.

Rest assured that the Rotunda will continue to do what we do best – providing the safest possible care to all of our patients in the most family-friendly environment possible.

Here is a short breakdown of our current restrictions, adopted 20th July 2020
It is mandatory for all patients and visitors entering the Hospital to wear a face covering.⠀

As before, all women giving birth may have one named companion with them for labour and birth, once admitted to the Delivery Suite, or Theatre.

Each woman attending for her 20 -22 week anatomy scan (also known as anomaly scan) may have a nominated companion with her for this appointment.⠀

For inpatients on postnatal, prenatal and gynae wards, one named companion may visit from 5pm – 7pm Monday to Friday. Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays visiting hours will be from 2pm – 7pm.⠀

In the NICU, mums who are in the hospital may visit at any time for feeding. Parents who have been discharged from the hospital can visit from 11am to 7pm daily. Parents will be required to wear hospital grade surgical masks when in the NICU.⠀

As always, if you have any signs or symptoms of COVID-19, please do not attend or visit. Call our COVID helpline on 01 817 2575.⠀

The situation is under constant review.

Here are some simple things that we recommend that will help keep you, your loved ones, & our staff & other patients safe.

1. If your due date is approaching, or you have a procedure coming up where you will be admitted to the Hospital, consider minimising the number of people you have contact with for the 14 days before you are admitted, if you are able. This could mean restricting visitors over to your house for the time being and not visiting others, or if you can, asking family members to help with groceries, or working from home if you’re able to, or avoiding public transport as much as possible. Any little thing you can do to reduce your risk of contracting this disease or passing it on is worth it.

2. Wear a mask/face covering, and wear it correctly. Masks are now mandatory when coming in to the Hospital, and we’ve been grateful for everyone’s cooperation with this. Masks/Face coverings reduce your risk of contracting the virus, and protect others around you as well. It’s incredibly important to wear a face covering correctly – i.e making sure it fits tightly to your cheeks, that it covers your nose and mouth, and fits under your chin. You should wear a mask/face covering when on public transport, when in shops and any other time where you think you might not be able to keep 2m social distance.

3. Keep your distance. Try and keep 2m between you and others, and avoid shaking hands and hugging.

4. Keep good hand and respiratory hygiene. Wash your hands properly and often. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze. Avoid touching your face, and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

5. And we ask that if you’re due to come in to the hospital and you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have symptoms, like fever, cough, shortness of breath or loss of sense of smell/taste, if you’ve been abroad in the last 14 days, or have had contact with a confirmed case of #COVID19, that you ring 01 817 2575, and we can arrange to keep you safe

For more information please visit – rotunda.ie/visitor-information/ and rotunda.ie/covid19