Maternity services visiting and supporters update – Tuesday 16 November 2021

Photo: Baby holding hand

Published: 16 November 2021

Our Maternity services are pleased to announce changes to the number of supporters during labour and extended times on the ward which will come into effect from Thursday 18 November 2021.

Women will be able to have two supporters with them when they are in labour and giving birth (on the Delivery Suite and at Whitelake Birthing Rooms).

We are still only able to have one supporter attend appointments and John MacPherson ward, but we have been able to extend the hours that supporters can be present on the ward from 5pm to 7pm. This means that nominated supporters can attend John MacPherson ward from 9am until 7pm.

We want to thank all families who have supported us over the past few months by following the safety precautions that we have set to keep you, your supporters and our staff safe during such challenging times.

Due to the current rates of COVID-19, we continue to ask all pregnant women and their nominated supporters/partner to undertake twice weekly lateral flow tests at home to enable us to continue to maintain safety for all. We will also be asking your supporters to continue to wear facemasks while in any of our clinical settings.

Please remember to bring you mobile devices with you when you attend any appointment so that you present your lateral flow test result, either on a text or email. Sadly, without evidence of a recent lateral flow test we will not be able to let your supporter/partner attend the appointment or clinical area.

Help us to keep you and our staff safe by:

  • Wearing a mask at all times whilst attending appointments.
  • Using hand gel or washing your hands regularly.
  • Not attending if you have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Having your COVID-19 vaccinations.