Information continues to change on a frequent basis from the government, Public Health England and other sources.
Any changes made are to keep you, your family and our staff as safe as possible.
More information can be found on the trust’s maternity service website.
Is my partner or nominated support person able to attend ultrasound scans and antenatal clinic appointments?
Yes.
We are pleased to continue to welcome partners to attend antenatal appointments.
To maintain safety and social distancing within the department it is important partners wait outside the hospital building or in their vehicle until a room is available.
Please do not bring children to appointments as they are not able to be in the department.
You will be asked to provide proof of this test before your appointment or scan.
Can my partner or nominated support person attend during labour?
Yes.
One birthing partner or nominated support person is able to accompany you to the maternity unit when you think you are in labour.
Partners or nominated support person are required to wear a surgical mask at all times and are asked to perform a lateral flow test on the day of admission.
If your birth partner or nominated support person is unable to attend due to isolation you are able to have an alternative birthing partner who is free of symptoms of COVID-19.
Can my partner or nominated support person attend for an induction of labour?
Yes.
We welcome your birthing partner or nominated support person to accompany you on
admission to central delivery suite for induction of labour.
They can remain with you until 8pm on day of admission.
If you remain in the induction suite the following day your partner or nominated support person is able to attend from 10am to 8pm and then accompany you into a delivery room once labour has started.
They must be free of COVID symptoms and of isolation requirements and we ask them to have a lateral flow test at the point of admission.
Will my partner or birth supporter be able to attend the maternity unit if they are positive for COVID-19?
No.
If your birth partner has a positive test within their required isolation period they unfortunately will be unable to attend to ensure the safety of other patients and staff.
You are able to select an alternative birth partner or support person who is free from COVID-19 symptoms and isolation requirements who will be offered a lateral flow test at admission.
Can my birth partner or support person attend the maternity unit if they have recently had COVID-19?
If a birth partner or support person has a confirmed COVID-19 positive test and is choosing to test and release early on day five, they must be double vaccinated, have proof of a negative lateral flow on days five and six and can attend the maternity from day six (they must complete five full days of isolation).
If your partner is not fully vaccinated (two doses) they will not be able to attend the maternity unit until day 11.
If your partner is unable to attend you are able to select an alternative birth partner or support person.
Can my partner attend the antenatal ward?
Yes.
Your partner or nominated support person is able to support you on the antenatal ward
between the hours of 10am to 8pm this must remain the same person for the duration of the stay.
Staff will ask COVID-19 screening questions before admission and for evidence of a
negative lateral flow test for each day of visiting.
Can my partner attend the postnatal ward?
Yes.
Your partner or nominated support person is able to support you on the postnatal ward
between the hours of 10am to 8pm this must remain the same person for the duration of the stay.
Staff will ask COVID-19 screening questions before admission.
Partners or nominated support person must have had a negative lateral flow for each day they are visiting.