To ask the Minister of Health to detail his plans to recommence normal visitation rights of partners to expectant and new mothers in hospitals.

My officials recently completed a review of the guidance for all healthcare settings. New guidance for visiting in hospices and hospitals was issued on 30 April 2021, effective from 7 May 2021, and represents a significant easement in the restrictions formerly in place.

In general hospitals, one daily visit from one of two nominated individuals (from up to two households) can be permitted, with the timing/ duration agreed with the person in charge.

In respect of maternity, a chosen birth partner will be facilitated to accompany the pregnant woman to any pregnancy related appointments or ultrasound scans, and to accompany the pregnant woman for induction of labour, duration of labour and birth and, for up to three hours after the birth.

Where the woman is receiving inpatient care, one daily visit from one of two nominated individuals (from up to two households) can be permitted.

Full implementation of the new guidance will be subject to a dynamic risk assessment, but all five local Health & Social Care Trusts have undertaken to work to ensure measures are put in place to facilitate this as soon as possible.

The full guidance (https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/Covid-19-visiting-guidance) sets out the detailed guidance for each category of care.