There's been a broad welcome to the news that Cork University Maternity is changing its visitor rules.
From today partners can now attend early pregnancy scans, the 12 week scan, the anatomy scan and when the patient is in labour.
They're also allowed stay in the post delivery ward with the mother for an hour, while visiting is not restricted from 7am to 11pm daily.
Both parents can freely attend the neo-natal unit seperately, and the high dependency unit has no restrictions.
The hospital says partners are also allowed be present in any situation that 'is likely to be particularly stressful, or of emotional significance.'
Speaking to RedFM News Linda Kelly of Better Maternity Care says it's been a long road before this change finally came about.
"The announcenemtn that visiting would go back to pre pandemic access from 7am to 11pm is a huge sign of progress.
"There's still more to be done. CUMH still aren't compliant with the national guidelines particularly in emergency presentations, so we look forward to seeing them move ahead on that as well."
