Call to extend maternity leave for premature births
Runners of the only post-hospital service for parents of premature babies at the Coombe Hospital, Dublin, argue that the standard 26 weeks paid leave is inadequate for a premature baby, who may take a year to develop to the stage of a healthy newborn.
Patricia O’Hara, a specialist nurse who help set up the neo-natal transition home service group, was appalled by her findings when she carried out the only research project concerning Irish parents of premature babies when they return home.
