Tag: maternity services

Restrictions eased as families welcome new arrivals

New and expectant mums in Lothian can now enjoy some family support as some of the national restrictions around maternity services begin to ease.

Pregnant women and women who have just welcomed a new baby into the world will be able to share the precious moments with some of their friends or family.

Until now, national guidance to keep mums and babies safe and to minimise the risk of COVID-19 has meant restrictions on the number of people attending maternity services.

However as from yesterday, expectant mums can now have one additional visitor as well as one birth partner, if requested, to support them whilst in labour.

Women will also be able to have a designated visitor, as well as their birth partner, to visit them whilst in the maternity ward.

Birth partners have also been advised that they can now attend with pregnant partners for ante-natal ultrasound scanning appointments.

Frances McGuire, Chief Midwife, NHS Lothian said:  “We know how hard the restrictions have been for women and their partners during these most important life events and our team have tried to ensure that the experience has been as positive as possible during this pandemic.

“Our priority remains the safety of mothers and their babies, and we are very much looking forward to safely welcoming more Lothian visitors to meet our new mothers and babies.”

Ultrasound scanning departments in Lothian will do their utmost to allow one birth partner to be present at the appointment.

Waiting area capacity is still severely restricted due to the requirement for physical spacing of seating to comply with social distancing guidance. Only the one person will be able to accompany the patient into the waiting area and for the scan.

Radiology Services are planning to adjust ultrasound scanning appointment times and are assessing waiting area capacity to improve access.

Birth partners and visitors must wear a face covering at all times and maintain physical distancing where possible.

Everyone must also adhere to strict hand hygiene measures and use the alcohol gel provided.

Visiting can be arranged with ward staff on a daily basis as numbers will have to be managed due to the ward capacity and social distancing guidelines.

Maternity services are open for business – help us keep them that way, says RCM

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has called on every pregnant woman to support them in keeping services open and available.

With maternity services across the country working to maintain as broad a range of services – including antenatal appointments and scans – as they can, the RCM has urged pregnant women and their families to do their bit to keep themselves healthy and protect midwives and maternity support workers (MSWs) too.

The RCM is calling on pregnant women to let their midwife know if they or anyone in their home starts to have symptoms of Covid-19 and they must also continue to attend routine appointments for antenatal care and scans.

Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the RCM, said: “It’s really important to remember that maternity services are open. Every day, up and down the country, babies are being born and new families are created. Coronavirus isn’t putting a stop to that.

“Yes, some things may be slightly different – you may see your midwife via a video screen for some appointments, for example – but you will still receive the care and support you need throughout your pregnancy.

“We want you to have a happy and healthy pregnancy and birth, and our members will support you every step of the way. What we’re asking in return is that you support them too, by reducing their exposure to coronavirus. If you or your partner has coronavirus symptoms, it’s vital that you let your midwife know before you attend an appointment.

“You’ll still get the care you need, but your midwife will be able to take the precautions they need to keep themselves as safe as possible. The same applies when you go into labour. Let the maternity unit know so they can be ready for you and help you welcome your new baby into the world.”

The RCM has applauded the maternity units that are embracing innovation to replace some face to face consultations with phone or by video calls. They have stressed the need for pregnant women to continue to attend all appointments for scans, blood pressure, urine checks and blood tests as planned.

It is also vital to contact their midwife if they have any concerns, particularly around the movement of their baby, without delay.

Gill added: “I am so proud of the work Heads and Directors of Midwifery are doing to keep services open and to make sure pregnant women still receive the care they need.

“Please support them this Easter weekend, by not taking a break from the important measures that are in place to keep you safe. Stay at home as much as you can, and if you can’t continue to observe social distancing; wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face; and if you cough or sneeze, do it into the crook of your elbow or into a tissue.”

Midwife registration fall ‘worrying,’ says RCM

Figures published today by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) show an increase in the numbers of midwives and nurses leaving the NMC’s register.  At the same time, the numbers joining the register have slowed down resulting in an overall reduction in the numbers of nurses and midwives registered to work in the UK. Continue reading Midwife registration fall ‘worrying,’ says RCM