THE COOMBE HOSPITAL: DEVOID OF SENSE, SCIENCE OR SYMPATHY?
But the burning question is "Why?"
Why would a hospital administration not wish to ensure that their facility is a happy and comfortable haven for expectant mothers?
Why instead do they subject these mothers to invasive testing and rules which impinge on their entitlement to have their partner or chosen family member present for their labour or birth, without stress, worry and anxiety?
Is this the way they want to be remembered for their treatment of mothers during this epoch?
We have been contacted by a number of expectant mothers who have been distressed by ongoing requirements by certain hospitals for PCR testing prior to admission to have their babies, and in some cases as a result of their vaccination status, therefore, we decided to check in to the website of the soberingly named 'Coombe' Hospital in Dublin to review their current policies, as an example.
The first of their policies to come to our attention was the following:-
"If a nominated support partner has tested positive for Covid-19 in the previous 14 days, they are required to have a negative PCR before entering the hospital."
"In such circumstances, If the partner tests positive in any circumstances within the last 14 days we regret that they will not be permitted to attend the birth. However, the woman may request to have an alternative birthing partner. This person will be allowed attend following confirmation of their negative PCR test within the previous 48 hours. In addition, they must also be asymptomatic. This swab will be facilitated by the Hospital at the time the woman is being admitted in labour."
As many of us have long since been aware, the U.S. Center For Disease Control (CDC), who withdrew their request for Emergency Use Authorisation of the PCR test on 31st December 2021, published guidance in January of 2022, confirming that PCR tests can detect RNA for up to 90 days. At this time, the CDC also reduced the recommended isolation period to 5 days, stating that the evidence suggested that transmission occurred immediately prior to and for 2-3 days after the onset of symptoms. They also stated that there was no difference in transmission data as between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated.
So the basis of this policy of The Coombe is anybody's guess, as the recommended isolation periods, after which transmission is not possible, do not seem to feature in the Coombe's policy, nor does the unreliability of any test result in these circumstances in a healthy, asymptomatic individual, given the 90 day detection of RNA.
Where is the risk/benefit analysis and assessment, which goes any way towards justifying the potential infringement on the Human Rights of the Family which are enshrined in our Constitution? Have they at all considered same or The Right of Bodily Autonomy? The Right of Privacy?
Perhaps the most shocking section of The Coombe's Covid-19 policy stated clearly on their website is the following:
"Women being admitted to the Hospital will be required to undergo a test for COVID-19 unless they are fully vaccinated (proof of vaccination will be required) or have proof of having had COVID-19 infection in the last three months.
Pfizer – 7 days post second dose
AstraZeneca – 15 days after second dose
Moderna – 14 days after second dose
Janssen – 14 days after single dose vaccination"
It is hard to believe that a hospital which, one would assume, has the benefit of medical experts to advise the hospital administration, can possibly get it so wrong.
Do those at The Coombe Hospital really believe that there is a need for Covid-19 testing only in those who are not vaccinated?
Is it their official position that fully vaccinated people cannot contract or transmit this illness?
Is a 'University Hospital" not a teaching hospital?
But the burning question is "Why?"
Why would a hospital administration not wish to ensure that their facility is a happy and comfortable haven for expectant mothers?
Why instead do they subject these mothers to invasive testing and rules which impinge on their entitlement to have their partner or chosen family member present for their labour or birth, without stress, worry and anxiety?
Is this the way they want to be remembered for their treatment of mothers during this epoch?
We have been contacted by a number of expectant mothers who have been distressed by ongoing requirements by certain hospitals for PCR testing prior to admission to have their babies, and in some cases as a result of their vaccination status, therefore, we decided to check in to the website of the soberingly named 'Coombe' Hospital in Dublin to review their current policies, as an example.
The first of their policies to come to our attention was the following:-
"If a nominated support partner has tested positive for Covid-19 in the previous 14 days, they are required to have a negative PCR before entering the hospital."
"In such circumstances, If the partner tests positive in any circumstances within the last 14 days we regret that they will not be permitted to attend the birth. However, the woman may request to have an alternative birthing partner. This person will be allowed attend following confirmation of their negative PCR test within the previous 48 hours. In addition, they must also be asymptomatic. This swab will be facilitated by the Hospital at the time the woman is being admitted in labour."
As many of us have long since been aware, the U.S. Center For Disease Control (CDC), who withdrew their request for Emergency Use Authorisation of the PCR test on 31st December 2021, published guidance in January of 2022, confirming that PCR tests can detect RNA for up to 90 days. At this time, the CDC also reduced the recommended isolation period to 5 days, stating that the evidence suggested that transmission occurred immediately prior to and for 2-3 days after the onset of symptoms. They also stated that there was no difference in transmission data as between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated.
So the basis of this policy of The Coombe is anybody's guess, as the recommended isolation periods, after which transmission is not possible, do not seem to feature in the Coombe's policy, nor does the unreliability of any test result in these circumstances in a healthy, asymptomatic individual, given the 90 day detection of RNA.
Where is the risk/benefit analysis and assessment, which goes any way towards justifying the potential infringement on the Human Rights of the Family which are enshrined in our Constitution? Have they at all considered same or The Right of Bodily Autonomy? The Right of Privacy?
Perhaps the most shocking section of The Coombe's Covid-19 policy stated clearly on their website is the following:
"Women being admitted to the Hospital will be required to undergo a test for COVID-19 unless they are fully vaccinated (proof of vaccination will be required) or have proof of having had COVID-19 infection in the last three months.
Pfizer – 7 days post second dose
AstraZeneca – 15 days after second dose
Moderna – 14 days after second dose
Janssen – 14 days after single dose vaccination"
It is hard to believe that a hospital which, one would assume, has the benefit of medical experts to advise the hospital administration, can possibly get it so wrong.
Do those at The Coombe Hospital really believe that there is a need for Covid-19 testing only in those who are not vaccinated?
Is it their official position that fully vaccinated people cannot contract or transmit this illness?
Is a 'University Hospital" not a teaching hospital?