Partners now allowed to accompany pregnant women at 20-week scan but NOT after the birth as infection rates remain high in Bedford

Hospital trying to keep footfall down to help stop spread of coronavirus
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Bedford Hospital has confirmed partners are now allowed to accompany pregnant women at their 20-week scan appointment - but a ban on the ward after the birth is still in place.

Although some concerned would-be parents have taken to Facebook to challenge the decision, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was quick to point out its priority has to be with the health of the mother and her unborn child.

A spokesman said: "We know the number of Covid cases is low in the hospital - but in the community, it is a different story.

Bedford Hospital (Google)Bedford Hospital (Google)
Bedford Hospital (Google)

"We don't want to put mothers at risk - we have to reduce footfall on the ward."

She added: "We understand the anxieties and additional stress the current visiting restrictions are having on our maternity patients. As such we are working hard with maternity teams and partner organisations to identify how we can further ease restrictions, allowing a partner to be present for more antenatal and postnatal appointments."

The hospital also maintained that throughout the pandemic, a birthing partner has always been able to be in the delivery room during established labour and /or caesarean section.

And the trust said it is hoping to re-introduce at a later date one partner to be present for all stages of labour and inductions of labour once women start to experience contractions. Restricted visiting to maternity wards are also within its discussions to introduce as soon as it is safe to do so.

But some people are not happy, and have set up a petition, saying the changes don't go far enough, compared to other trusts.

One woman said: "As soon as mother and baby are taken to the post-natal recovery ward, partners will not be able to see their new baby until they are discharged to go home. If you have any complications or undergo a C-section, this could mean a number of days on the ward with absolutely no contact or visits, not even from the baby’s father."

Another on Facebook said: "Wish they would allow 2nd birth partners when in labour. They are in individual rooms so less risk of infection to others and midwife is wearing PPE."

While another added: "Despicable that its only this scan. You can go to schools and work but partners can't be together for the most-life changing event that will happen in their lives. Get a grip and support women through pregnancy and their partners."

Liz Lees, chief nurse at Bedfordshire Hospitals said: “It’s completely understandable for pregnant women to be feeling anxious about having a baby in hospital at this current time of a global health pandemic. We know it can be terrifying and we do respect and acknowledge everyone’s concerns around restrictions in place. This is why no decision we make is taken lightly.

"We appreciate that some women and their families will be disappointed that we’re unable to ease the restrictions further at this time, but the safety of our patients and staff has to be our priority.”

Bedford Hospital confirmed it reviews its maternity policy on a daily basis, in line with the Bedford Covid figures.

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