Changes to visitor rules at maternity ward in Hull
PARTNERS NOW ABLE TO ATTEND SCANS
STRICT visitor restrictions which were introduced at Hull Women and Children’s Hospital at the start of lockdown have been partly lifted.
From yesterday birth partners have been be allowed to join women at their 20-week baby scan.
For the past six months, pregnant women have had to attend all scans alone, and have spoken of the loneliness faced by many expectant parents throughout the pandemic.
The rules at were announced by Hull University Teaching Trust at the end of March, as part of measures brought in to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Under the rules, partners were also unable to visit their babies in hospital after they were born, because no visitors were permitted before or after birth.
Now, under the easing of restrictions, birth partners can arrange booked visiting slots to the Rowan post natal ward.
To enable birth partners to attend the second scan, the trust has purchased an additional screen, so the birthing partner will be able to watch the scan from the same room, on a separate screen, to allow for social distancing.
Janet Cairns, head of midwifery at the trust, said: “We have been working for months to look at how we can adapt our service to allow partners to attend scans.
“Unfortunately, our options were limited because of the size of our scan rooms and our waiting area. Space in our hospital has to be prioritised for patient care and we thank people for their understanding as we’ve worked to find a solution.
“Introducing a second screen in each room allows us to maintain social distancing, minimising the risk of infection for the couple and our staff.”
Restrictions have been eased because the trust has recognised how difficult it is for mums-to-be to attend scans alone.
Midwives have told mums-to-be the 20 week scan has been “opened up” because this is the scan where “more support is usually required”, where detailed information is obtained about the baby’s anatomy.
Mrs Cairns added: “It’s not been quite as straightforward as people would imagine as we’ve had to fund the cost of additional equipment at a time when NHS resources need to be concentrated on the pandemic and its recovery. We’re grateful that our trust has recognised the impact this has been having on women and families and have supported our work to find a solution.
“We understand how difficult it has been for families and we’re grateful for their patience and understanding during this difficult time for them and our staff.”
Rules vary across the country, and thousands of people have backed the #butnotmaternity campaign, which has launched a petition to call for restrictions on maternity services to be lifted.
Hull University Teaching Trust has said other restrictions are under “constant review” by midwifery teams and will be lifted as soon as it is considered safe to do so.