FAQs
Current situation due to COVID-19
Are companions permitted to be present at childbirth?
A companion may accompany the mother for delivery, provided they have a negative PCR test.
In the case of a spontaneous delivery, a companion who does not have proof of a current PCR test will be tested upon arrival at the hospital. There will be a charge for the molecular biological test of €50 incl. VAT.
In the case of a planned cesarean section, the companion must have a PCR test performed prior to entering the hospital.
People who have recovered from COVID do not need to do a PCR test for a period of one month from the onset of infection (= first positive PCR test). Please bring proof of your recent COVID infection and recovery with you to admission (separation notice if onset of infection was more than 10 days prior; proof of Ct value >30; recovery certificate; doctor's note).
Please see the note about the PCR test.
The companion – with a negative PCR test – can be admitted to a family room after the birth.
What happens if the companion leaves the hospital again?
If the companion leaves the hospital, they are subsequently treated as a visitor.
What are the current regulations for visitors?
New mothers and babies are allowed a maximum of three visitors per day. However, in a double room, there can be no more than one visitor per patient at a time. You are welcome to use our visitor areas, the cafeteria or the garden if you have several visitors at once.
Visitors are required to present a negative PCR test (from an authorized body and not older than 48 hours) or a proof of recovery (not older than two months from when the infection ended).
Are siblings allowed in the hospital?
Yes, if they meet the necessary requirements, i.e. a negative PCR test (from an authorized body, not older than 48 hours) or a Proof of recovery (not older than two months from when the infection ended) and wear an FFP2 mask throughout the visit.
Children also count towards the three visitors permitted each day.
Will the mother be tested for COVID prior to admission?
In the case of a spontaneous delivery, a mother who does not have proof of a current PCR test will be tested upon arrival at the hospital. There will be a charge for the molecular biological test of €50 incl. VAT.
In the case of a planned cesarean section, the mother must have a PCR test performed prior to entering the hospital.
People who have recovered from COVID do not need to do a PCR test for a period of one month from the onset of infection (= first positive PCR test). Please bring proof of your recent COVID infection and recovery with you to admission (separation notice if onset of infection was more than 10 days prior; proof of Ct value >30; recovery certificate; doctor's note).
Please see the note about the PCR test.
What happens if the COVID-19 test is positive?
In the event of a positive test result with a spontaneous birth before the birth process has started, the patient will be transferred to a hospital specifically designated for this purpose. If the birth is already in progress, it will be carried out in compliance with all safety and protective measures and the mother and baby will be transferred afterwards.
If the PCR test is positive prior to a planned cesarean section, please contact the Medical Directorate at +43 1 360 66-7764 to discuss the next steps.
Are masks mandatory for the mother and companion in the delivery room?
The woman giving birth is not required to wear a mask during the delivery provided that a negative rapid test result (approx. 15 minutes) is confirmed. The companion and our staff will continue to wear masks.
When do I need to come to Döbling Private Hospital for the first time?
Normally on the delivery date for the CTG check-up, unless you receive different information from your medical specialist.
Which examinations will I need to undergo?
All examinations during pregnancy that are recommended by your medical specialist.
Which documents are required for the registration at the registry office?
You do not need to bring any documents with you to the hospital for the registration at the registry office. The hospital will send an electronic notification of your child's birth to the responsible registry office in Vienna Ottakring. Learn more about the process for issuing the birth certificate here.
What documents do I need to bring with me for the admission?
The main items you will require for your admission are your mother-child health passport, your e-card, an official photo ID, as well as the policy number for your private health insurance.
What do I need to bring to the delivery?
In principle, you only need clothes for the return home for yourself and your baby.
We will provide everything that you and your baby need while you are staying as an inpatient at our hospital. We will be happy to provide you with a dressing gown, nightgown, sanitary pads, mesh pants, and guest slippers. Cloth and disposable diapers, clothing, etc. will be provided for your baby. Please feel free to bring your own personal sanitary products and other items with you that will help you feel comfortable and at home.
We will be happy to organize a baby car seat for the first car journey in cooperation with the ÖAMTC automobile association.
Are there midwifes present on site?
Yes, a team of midwifes is available on site 24/7. However, you also have the option of bringing your “own” midwife of choice.
What happens if my gynecologist is unexpectedly prevented from attending the birth?
There is a gynecologist on call 24/7 who can then be contacted in these cases.
Is it possible to plan the birth with a gynecologist at Döbling Private Hospital?
We work with a large number of gynecologists. A list of these is available on our website. It is also not a problem if you do not choose a physician beforehand, as you will be cared for by the on-call physician during the birth and over the following days.
Do I need to arrange for the pediatrician independently?
We have pediatricians available to us at all times, so it is not necessary for you to arrange for someone yourself. The following examinations will be performed at the hospital free of charge:
- Ultrasound hip check / hip joint screening
- Check-up of the kidney and urinary system
- Newborn hearing screening
What equipment do the delivery rooms have?
We have two individually designed delivery rooms with a modern delivery environment available to you with birthing stools, wall bars, a Pezzi ball and birthing tub. Our delivery beds support all delivery positions.
Learn more here about our delivery environment.
Can the room that I requested while registering definitely be reserved for me?
We can assure you that we will be able to provide a room and a bed for you. We do our best to fulfill room requests but cannot guarantee these in all certainty. Due to the lack of planning ability with births, it is enough for you to notify us of the room request when you are admitted. You are also welcome to change the room request you made previously at the actual time of admission.
Is it possible to visit the facilities (delivery room)?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to visit our facilities (delivery room and maternity ward) at the present time, due to COVID-19. However, you can gain a first impression as part of our virtual 360° tour or take part in one of our webinars.
