New restrictions on maternity visiting

NHS Lanarkshire has reduced its maternity visiting arrangements for four weeks, making “a very difficult decision to minimise partner attendance”.

Health officials say the decision, which came into effect last week, has been necessitated by “an increase in community prevalence of Covid-19, along with an increase in hospital admissions and rising rate in the maternity population”.

It means birthing partners now have three-hour timeslots for visiting inpatients on antenatal and postnatal wards, and are only able to attend booking and 20-week scans.

Mums-to-be who need to attend maternity triage at University Hospital Wishaw are being given advice on whether or not they can bring a partner – but there are no restrictions on partners being present during labour.

Cheryl Clark, who is NHS Lanarkshire’s chief midwife, said: “We have made a very difficult decision to minimise partner attendance.

“This is due to the number of people coming through our clinics in our hospitals, ultrasound department and communal areas.

“It’s also, unfortunately, due to the variable approach to adhering to facial covering and hand hygiene measures.

“For these reasons, partners can only attend the booking scan and scan at 20 weeks gestation.

“In terms of in-patient services including our labour ward, triage, antenatal and postnatal wards, we have had to alter the time of essential visiting for birthing partners, who will be allocated a three-hour visiting slot in both the antenatal and postnatal ward.

“There will be no restriction to birthing partners being present when the woman is in labour – they are encouraged to attend for the duration of the labour and for two hours post-birth or until the woman has been transferred to the post-natal ward, and the team in postnatal will allocate a three-hour slot for visiting.”

A review of the new arrangements is now due to take place in three weeks, and NHS Lanarkshire say: “Any alterations will be made as soon as it is safe to do so.

“We recognise that every person has individual needs and may need an altered plan. The maternity team will continue to provide care and support tailored to each woman’s needs, and all women can discuss their own circumstances with their community midwife or the senior charge midwife in the hospital.”

Health officials are reminding pregnant women and all Lanarkshire residents of the importance of following the FACTS guidance.

Ms Clark said: “Please continue to follow FACTS – when attending antenatal appointments, or if the team visit you in your home, please wear a Facial covering where possible; Avoid crowded places and follow the guidelines for the current restrictions.

“Clean your hands regularly and if the community midwife or a member of the maternity team visit your home, please clean surfaces before and after their visit.

“Follow the Two-metre social distance rule, and please phone your midwife if you develop Symptoms of Covid and book a test.

“While you are isolating, you must stay at home, and we will rearrange all your care at a time that is safe to do so.”

New rules Mums-to-be who need to attend maternity triage are being given advice on whether they can bring a partner