During a crisis such as COVID-19 health services are under increased pressure to respond to the health needs of the public. Women may be concerned that their access to women specific healthcare, for example access to maternity services, may be affected due to increased demand for COVID-19 related care services.
You can find reliable information and updates on COVID-19 here:
The HSE has created a dedicated information page for hospital service information and on visiting restrictions. Find updated information on each hospital on the HSE website.
Everyone needs to stay at home, so changes have been to make it easier for you to get your medicines.
Find information on how to collect your prescription and medicines on the HSE website here.
Dublin Well Woman Centre has made some adjustments to their services.
The IFPA is committed to providing sexual and reproductive healthcare as far as possible during COVID-19.
My Options provides support and information for those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. The service continues to operate as normal during this time. Freephone 1800 828 010 or visit myoptions.ie.
HSE-funded, face-to-face unplanned pregnancy counselling services have moved their services to phone or remote support. They continue to provide the same level of service. You can find their contact details on myoptions.ie.
Abortion services will continue to be provided. During the current COVID-19 public health emergency, it may not be possible or suitable for you to attend a doctor in person to access abortion services. You can have your pre-abortion consultation by phone or video link with a doctor. Find out more information on myoptions.ie
Dublin Well Woman Centre provides support to women around crisis pregnancy, including Crisis or Unplanned Pregnancy Counselling, and After-Abortion Counselling. For the duration of the COVID19 crisis, these services have moved to a telephone basis, but are still being provided by their team of accredited counsellors. They also provide access to Early Medical Abortions for women.
Find out what Well Woman Centre services are available and how to contact them here.
The IFPA is committed to providing sexual and reproductive healthcare as far as possible during COVID-19, including Early Medical Abortion services and post abortion counselling.
To support women and girls who are experiencing an unintended pregnancy or a pregnancy that has become a crisis during the Covid19 pandemic, the IFPA has launched a series of videos to assist women who need abortion care.
Watch these videos on the IFPA website.
Find out what IFPA services are available and how to contact them here.
There have been some changes to some patient’s hospital appointments because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
There have also been changes to visiting arrangements in hospitals to help protect patients.
People with an impaired immune system (including due to cancer treatment) are at higher risk of severe illness due to coronavirus.
The National Screening Service is reviewing the operation of their CervicalCheck and BreastCheck programmes due to the evolving situation with COVID-19.
Find updates on available services on the National Screening Service website. You can also phone their freephone information line on 1800 45 45 55.
The HSE has a confidential freephone helpline for those seeking support, information, guidance and referral on anything to do with substance use and alcohol. You can phone the helpline on 1800 459 459 from Monday to Friday between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm or email them on helpline@hse.ie
The Drugs.ie service directory can help you find the contact details for a local service so you can see what way they are operating during COVID-19. These times may change frequently.
Find more information and supports on the Drugs.ie website.
There have been changes to AA meetings nationwide with many meetings now taking place online.
Find details about AA online groups here.
Narcotics Anonymous is a non-profit fellowship of women and men. Online meetings are available during COVID-19.
Find details about Narcotics Anonymous online meetings here.
Narcotics Anonymous International also provide online supports. Find details of international online supports here.
SMART recovery is a non-faith based behaviour change support group. SMART Recovery Online (SROL) is an online community where individuals with addiction, their Family & Friends, and other specialized audiences can interact with SMART Recovery volunteers and each other to aid in overcoming addiction.
Find details of their online groups here.
If your organisation is offering supports for women or has resources relevant to women during COVID-19 please email them to Silke at silkep@nwci.ie
