Ban on partners and kids at maternity unit

Partners and children are to be banned from the maternity unit at The Regional Hospital in Mullingar from today, Thursday March 26 due to the coronavirus crisis, hospital management has announced.

"The ban is being imposed in order to protect mothers and their new born babies as well as all staff and other patients within the hospital," a statement from the hospital said, adding that it understood and apologised for any distress caused to both parents.

Exceptions to the ban will be made in outstanding circumstances.

"We hope that our Maternity Services and Visiting Restrictions can be lifted as soon as possible. We appreciate all the support and understanding the public have given the hospital during this very difficult time," the statement concluded.