Maternity unit restrictions leave women feeling 'abandoned' says Clarke

(Above) Deputy Sorca Clarke.

Women are feeling “let down and abandoned” by the government, Deputy Sorca Clarke says.

The Sinn Fein deputy wants the government and the HSE to review its current policies on Covid-19 restrictions in maternity units and has personally raised the issue with the Minister for Health, who has said that he will look into.

“Women are really feeling let down and feeling abandoned by the government and there is a lack of appreciation for what they are going through.

“We know from the likes of the World Health Oranisation that the delivery outcomes for both mum and baby are much better where there is a birthing partner or a doula. At this stage we are looking at being able to facilitate perfect strangers coming into our home to have dinner or increased crowds at footabll games. This is where concentration needs to be.”