A protest has been organised to take place outside University Hospital Waterford this afternoon over maternity restrictions.
The local hospital is one of just five maternity units in the country that is not fully compliant with HSE guidelines on easing restrictions for partners.
Four of the five hospitals impacted are in the South East, UHW, St Luke's in Kilkenny, Wexford General and South Tipperary General Hospital.
The HSE's Chief Clinical Officer has asked that they be allowed to visit for at least 30 minutes a day.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says local issues in five out of Ireland's 19 units are preventing greater access for partners...
Tipperary General Hospital an issue is with daily visiting, University Hospital Waterford is the same. Letterkenny there's an issue with high-Covid in the area and staff absenteeism.
"St. Luke's in Kilkenny - there's an issue specifically with the scan as there isn't room for the partners to be safely accommodated for the scan and so we're getting the equipment moved and the issue with Wexford General Hospital is daily visiting, "Minister Donnelly said.