NHS Tayside to resume option of home births for mums-to-be

Mums-to-be in Tayside have been told the option of a home birth is to return from next week.

As part of the easing of lockdown restrictions, NHS Tayside has said from Monday women will be able to opt to give birth at Ninewells Hospital or their own home.

However, maternity units in Angus and Perth will remain closed.

Lead midwife Lesley Sharkey said: “The safety of women and their babies is our main priority and we will ensure that we will be adhering to all government guidance surrounding Covid-19.

“This is the first stage of maternity services within Tayside returning to normal.

“We are continuing to review our other suspended services on a regular basis.

Our midwives are continuing to work hard and are absolutely committed to continuing to provide a high-quality, patient-centred maternity service.

“We would encourage women and their families if they have any further questions regarding home birthing to speak to their midwife.”

All women will be assessed for risks or presence of Covid-19 within their home environment and only one birth partner will be allowed to be present during labour and birth in the home.

The health body said that women already booked in for a home birth will be informed of the re-establishment of this service by their midwife.

The labour and birthing at community maternity units at Perth Royal Infirmary and Arbroath Infirmary remain temporarily suspended.