Partners allowed to attend antenatal scans
Slough: One person allowed to support women attending Wexham Park
Women attending antenatal scans at Wexham Park Hospital can now be accompanied by one support partner.
Introduced on Tuesday, the new rule was announced via a social media post on the Wexham Maternity Facebook page on Monday, which stated the decision has been made ‘in line with national guidance’.
Since lockdown many pregnant women, who ‘are in a vulnerable group and should continue to keep social interactions low’, have had to attend appointments alone.
Although Wexham Maternity says that its priority ‘has, and always will be, their safety’ it acknowledges ‘how important the issue of support provision is for all women attending antenatal appointments and hospital admissions including labour and post birth’.
The hospital has been ‘gradually welcoming partners back in a slow, controlled way’ since the easing of restrictions, but there are several rules still to follow.
Allowing each woman to have one partner accompanying her at the antenatal scan, and in the waiting area, is said to take into consideration the safety of all women, the risk to staff, and the space available in different areas.
Due to the need for social distancing partners are asked to stand in waiting rooms, but adjustments will be made for people who are unable to stand for prolonged periods.
All women are encouraged to attend appointments on time and to wait outside the hospital if they arrive early. These arrangements will be reviewed again on November 1.
The post adds: “We would ask everyone due to attend appointments at Frimley Park, Wexham Park hospitals or any of our satellite sites to read the guidance carefully.”