A virtual tour of the maternity unit at Letterkenny University Hospital has been produced to allow expectant mothers, their partners and family members to view the interior of the unit in advance of giving birth since they cannot visit it due to Covid-19.
The virtual tour, which is available online, also includes staff members talking about the service.
Evelyn Smith, Director of Midwifery at the hospital, said: "Unfortunately it is not possible for women and their birthing partners to tour the maternity unit in advance of giving birth at the moment due to the need to reduce footfall as part of our infection and prevention precautions for Covid-19."
However, she said: "We know how important it is to be as prepared as possible for this life-changing event so we have worked with our colleagues in the Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Unit to put together a virtual tour of the maternity unit."
The virtual tour is designed to give an insight into the services in the unit and introduce some of the people working there including midwives, clinical midwife specialists and an obstetrician.
Expectant mothers and their families will be able to see the admission room, the birthing suite, the foetal assessment unit, the maternity theatre and the neonatal unit.
The tour is available to view on the Saolta website and YouTube channel and Ms Smith said it can be watched at anytime but they look forward to a time "when we can revert to an open door policy".
"In the meantime we will continue to provide essential care to women and their babies and do everything we can to ensure the hospital is protected from the ever-present threat of Covid-19," added Ms Smith.
