Changes to maternity restrictions mean partners can now accompany pregnant women to scans and all admissions to the labour ward at Dorset County Hospital.

For scans, pregnant women may bring a support person with them to all scans - rather than just the 20-week scan and missing the 12-week scan during the pandemic. They are required to undertake a Covid test (lateral flow device test) no more than 24 hours before the scan appointment.

If the test is positive, they can ring 01305 254530 and the woman will have the option to proceed with the scan or discuss re-booking after the support person has completed 10 days self-isolation.

For early pregnancy, growth or any other urgent scans, in the event of a positive Covid test for the support person, the advice will be to proceed with the scan for the woman only.

For all admissions to the labour ward, including induction labour, elective caesarean and labour, a lateral flow test is not required and partners must wear a face covering.

If a single room is available, partners can stay with the woman and baby until they go home. If there isn't one available after the birth, partners need to go home overnight but can return the next day.

From April 19, all ladies attending consultant antenatal clinics at Dorset County Hospital may bring a partner/family member with them under the following guidance:

• The person should be from the same household/support bubble

• Only one person may attend with the woman

• No children are able to attend

• The person attending for support must be well and have no Covid symptoms

• They will need to wait in the corridor until it is time for the woman to see her consultant

• They will need to wear a surgical mask (available at the hospital)

• A lateral flow test is not required, but it for partners to attend USS

For more information, visit dchft.nhs.uk

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