THE closure of a maternity hospital crèche is leaving expectant parents with no childcare for critical prenatal appointments.
A notice was put up on the door of the crèche at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital on December 13 saying it was closed. The Belfast Trust has admitted it does not have a date for its reopening.
“Unfortunately, the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital crèche has been closed since December due to staff absence,” a spokeswoman said.
“We understand the inconvenience that this may cause and know that it is a valuable service for new parents.
“We are working proactively with the team in Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital and crèche staff to address this, and will reopen the crèche when this has been resolved.”
The crèche is used by parents who are not able to get someone to look after their children at the time of appointments – some of which are unsuitable for children.
These include 12-week booking appointments when early miscarriages may be detected and usually includes an ultrasound dating scan which estimates when the baby is due. Parents are not allowed to bring young children to scans.
There is a further appointment at 18-20 weeks when there is an ultrasound scan to check the physical development of the baby and to check that there are no physical abnormalities.
In addition to children being banned from scans, upsetting news can also be given to parents at these appointments, during which they would not wish their off-spring to be present.
SDLP deputy leader Nichola Mallon said she was concerned about the impact of the closure, now in its ninth week.
“It is my hope that this closure can be reversed,” she said.
“Antenatal appointments are criticial and this creche facility is an important source of help to parents who don’t have any other child minding options. It’s especially important given the clear advice in maternity hospitals for parents not to bring children to scan appointments.
“At these appointments unfortunately parents can be faced with bad news.
“It is very important that parents in this position can have time with midwives and doctors knowing that their other children are being well looked after in a professional crèche facility close by.”
