'Long overdue' changes to maternity restrictions to be implemented from next month 

Linda Kelly pictured during a Better Maternity Care protest at Leinster House earlier this month. Ms Kelly described the latest changes as the most significant progress they have seen since beginning the camping last year. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos

New guidance has been issued to allow access to maternity services for partners in what has been described as “the most significant progression” in over one year of campaigning.

The latest changes issued by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) include access for a nominated support partner in maternity services from 8am to 9pm.