Women's views on the visiting restrictions during COVID-19 in an Irish maternity hospital

Background Due to the coronavirus infection, visitors to all hospitals were greatly restricted in the UK. In maternity hospitals, only partners of women in labour were permitted to attend the hospital. Aims This study aimed to gain an understanding of women's experiences of visiting restrictions imposed due to COVID-19. Methods Women who attended the hospital for outpatient appointments and who were inpatients on the antenatal or postnatal ward during a two-week period were asked to complete an anonymous survey. Findings A total of 422 surveys were completed. The majority of women (97.6%) agreed that the hospital made adequate preparations for them to feel safe. Most women reported that the restrictions are a good thing and several advantages were identified. Women cited not having their partner with them as the main negative consequence to the restrictions. Conclusions Although women miss having their partner for support during scans and to help after the baby is born, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the safety aspect of the restrictions and the support received from staff is considered by women when making recommendations to a maternity hospital about whether, or how, to ease restrictions on visiting.