Partners of pregnant women across Morecambe Bay will be able to attend 20 week antenatal scans from Tuesday 1 September 2020.
This applies to scans taking place at South Lakes Birth Centre at Furness General Hospital in Barrow, Helme Chase Maternity Unit at Westmorland General Hospital in Kendal, and the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.
Carol Carlile, Head of Midwifery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT), said: “After an ongoing review, we are now in a position to be able to allow partners or one support person from the same household or social bubble to attend 20 week scans across our hospitals.
“As we need to maintain the safety and health of our mums-to-be, their families and our staff, the restrictions on partners attending any other scans or antenatal appointments, including those held immediately before or after the 20 week scan, will remain in place until further notice. Children are also not permitted to attend any antenatal scans or appointments.
“One named birthing partner can still attend the labour and birth, including induction. However, this does not include staying overnight following the birth or visiting following birth. Anyone admitted to our maternity service will be offered COVID-19 screening.
“We are continuing to review these policies regularly in line with local, regional and national guidance, and will share any updates on our website, on social media and on our Maternity app.
“We would like to thank all of our new and expectant mums and their families for their continued support and understanding during these difficult circumstances.”
Pregnant women and their support person will be required to wear face coverings, use hand sanitiser regularly and keep a safe distance from other people when attending scans and appointments.
Please do not attend your scan or appointment if you or anyone in your household or your support person’s household has symptoms of COVID-19 as listed on the NHS website: nhs.uk/coronavirus
If you or anyone in your household or your support person’s household has symptoms of Covid-19, please contact our maternity teams on the numbers below to rearrange your scan or appointment for a more appropriate time:
- If you live in the Barrow area, call 01229 403609 (Monday–Friday, 9am–4.30pm)
- If you live in the Lancaster area, call 01524 583668 (Monday–Friday, 9am–4.30pm)
- If you live in the Kendal area, call 01539 795375 (Monday–Friday, 9am–4.30pm)
