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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 our maternity services

Please see the most up to date visiting guidance below. 

Antenatal scans

  • Support partners can attend all scan appointments and antenatal 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

  • One person/birthing partner can remain at a patient's bedside from 8:30am - 10pm, this does not have to be the same person throughout. 
  • Patient's own children/step-children can visit between 2:30pm - 8pm.
  • Two additional visitors can visit between 2.30pm - 4pm and 6.30pm - 8pm. These can also be swapped throughout the timeslots. These are in addition to a patient's birthing partner and own children, 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.
  • 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. 
  • 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 will be explained by staff.