Trained staff also support this “maternity tourism”, the report says, as midwives from the hospitals in Tartu and Viljandi are moving to the South Estonian hospital (Lõuna-Eesti Haigla) in Võru.
Tallinn Hospitals and Tartu University Hospital have decided to reinstate the ban on fathers staying in hospital facilities after giving birth during the spring coronavirus wave.
However, the hospital in southern Estonia now needs to avoid potential overcrowding problems. Board member Arvi Vask told AK: “We were asked yesterday whether those who are to be born from outside Southeast Estonia could contact us in advance by phone to ask if we currently have free space.”
“So far, no calls have been made as the decision has just been made. It is common knowledge that hospitals generally accept all births when delivery is imminent, and there is no need to pick up the phone when they are here. “
The Järvamaa Hospital in Paide has been born for a long time if the mother is from Rapla or Rakvere, but mothers from Tallinn have also contacted them, the AK said hospital.
While fathers may not be present at many larger hospitals after the birth, regulations are generally milder than in the spring, AK reported, when fathers were often not even admitted at birth themselves.
Now, if they recently came back negative on a COVID-19 test, AK reports, although in the case of Tartu University Hospital this is not extended to the postnatal period, as a father or other partner / family member may be present you will have more contacts after the test and while on the hospital premises, which increases the risk.
Sirje Kõvermäe, senior midwife at Tartu University Hospital, said his restrictions – the hospital is currently at the red hazard warning level – have understandably seen emotional reactions from family members.
Kõvermäe said: “We understand this feedback. [The regulations] caused fear and stress to people, and families want to be together. It is not our aim to prohibit something. But at the moment this cannot be avoided. “
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