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To help prevent the spread of winter viruses such as Covid-19, influenza and norovirus (winter vomiting bug), and to protect our patients and staff, please do not visit patients in our hospitals if you have: flu-like symptoms (cough, fever, cold); Covid-19 or influenza, or any other infections; diarrhoea and/or vomiting within the last two days.
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Visiting information

Please see the most up to date visiting guidance below. Please do not visit the unit/hospital if you are symptomatic of covid-19 or have been unwell at all in the last 48 hours. 

Please see below for our current visitor arrangements. These reflect the situation with Covid-19 locally as well as national guidance - the safety parents, babies and our staff is our top priority. We understand how difficult restrictions may be for patients and we know how important these accompanied visits are for you.

Please contact your maternity team on 01284 713755 or wsh-tr.communitymidwives@nhs.net or out of hours on 01284 713272 if you have concerns about the wellbeing of yourself or your unborn baby. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Antenatal scans

  • Support partners can attend all scan appointments and ante-natal appointments. 

 

Maternity Day Assessment Unit

  • Support partners can attend the Maternity Day Assessment Unit. 
  • When you arrive at the doors, you will be met by a midwife or midwifery care assistant who will show you to an area where you will be assessed. Everyone will be wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment when they approach you.
  • Please do continue to call us if you have any concerns about your or your baby’s well-being, particularly if your baby’s movements are reduced.

 

Labour Suite and the Midwifery Led Birthing Unit

  • Two support partners are welcome to remain with you when you are in labour. Those having a planned caesarean section can have one birthing partner. In all but extreme circumstances they will be able to stay with you throughout the birth, and we’ll do our utmost to make sure this happens.
  • You and your chosen partner do not have to be from the same household, but please make sure you have undertaken a Covid-19 lateral flow test 24 hours prior to admission or can provide proof of twice weekly testing. 
  • Support Partners can attend any admission/assessment on the Labour Suite and the Midwifery Led Birthing Unit - this includes triage assessments.
  • Support Partners can attend from the start of admission to the Labour Suite and Midwifery Led Birthing Unit. They should be prepared to stay on the unit once you have settled in - we recommend bringing plenty of snacks and drinks, and bring in everything you might need from the car so that you can reduce the amount of time spent walking around the hospital. This is to keep you and others safe

 

Ward F11

  • 1 designated birth partner can visit from 8:30am - 10pm.
  • Patients own children/step-children can visit between 2:30pm - 8pm. Additional visitors can visit during the following timeslots (2 visitors per slot): 2.30pm - 4pm, and 7pm - 8pm. 'Additional visitors' are in addition to your own children and birthing partner but must be over 12 years old.
  • Please do not attend the maternity unit if you are unwell or have been unwell in the last 48 hours.
  • If you have a planned/booked induction of labour and have symptoms of Covid-19, please perform a lateral flow test and inform the Ward F11 if it is positive prior to attending.
  • Anyone who has any symptoms of COVID, is currently self-isolating, or has household members with COVID symptoms must not visit.
  • All visitors must provide and wear a face covering on arrival to the hospital and for the duration of their visit. Visitors arriving early should wait outside of the hospital prior until their appointment time, and should leave promptly after their visit. Strict hand hygiene must be adhered to at all times- staff will direct you to hand washing/hand gel facilities. 
  • If you need to be admitted to Ward F11 after being assessed on the Labour Suite or MLBU, or after having your baby, your midwife will take you on to the ward after you have spent time with your partner. 
  • If you need to be admitted during your pregnancy, please be aware that you will also need to be prepared to remain on the ward, and avoid making trips around the hospital and outside. Make sure you have plenty to keep you occupied and a supply of snacks, etc. This is to keep you as safe as possible and reduce your risk of coming into contact with the virus.
  • Staff are on hand to provide emotional and physical support, as well has helping with the practicalities. You will not be alone.
  • When you are ready to be discharged from hospital the process for collecting you will be explained by the staff.

We know that there may be exceptional circumstances that make this policy difficult for you, and we would encourage you to discuss this with your midwife.