Birth partners can now attend ultrasounds and antenatal clinics in Wakefield, Pontefract and Dewsbury - everything you need to know

Birth partners will once again be allowed to attend appointments at hospitals in Wakefield, Pontefract and Dewsbury, after coronavirus restrictions were eased.
Birth partners will once again be allowed to attend appointments at hospitals in Wakefield, Pontefract and Dewsbury, after coronavirus restrictions were eased.Birth partners will once again be allowed to attend appointments at hospitals in Wakefield, Pontefract and Dewsbury, after coronavirus restrictions were eased.
Birth partners will once again be allowed to attend appointments at hospitals in Wakefield, Pontefract and Dewsbury, after coronavirus restrictions were eased.

Many people attending maternity appointments in the Wakefield district during the coronavirus pandemic have had to do so on their own, with birth partners or supporters allowed only for certain appointments.

But the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust which runs Pinderfields, Pontefract and Dewsbury Hospitals, has now confirmed that they are opening up more opportunities for birth partners and supporters to "be present throughout the maternity journey".

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

From this week, in line with the national easing of restrictions which has seen shops, pubs, hairdressers and many more reopen, the following rules have been introduced for those attending appointments at hospital sites:

Pregnancy ultrasound scans: one birth partner or supporter can attend all pregnancy ultrasound scans (including growth scans).

Antenatal clinics, antenatal day unit and outpatient appointments: one partner/supporter can be present.

Induction: one birth partner or supporter can stay for up to three hours following admission and visit again during the enhanced visiting timeslots below.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Antenatal, postnatal, transitional care inpatient wards and induction suite: one visitor is invited to attend between 9am and 12pm, 2pm and 5pm or 6pm and 8pm.

In a Facebook post, the Mid Yorkshire Maternity Clinic said: "When you arrive at the maternity unit or department you are visiting, clear instructions about whether you need to wear a mask and/or visor – if you need to wear a visor it will be provided by us.

"It must be the SAME allocated birthing partner / supporter for each appointment/visit and the birth.

"Thank you so much for bearing with us during the Government restrictions. We are ready and can’t wait to welcome partners/supporters back to more of our maternity areas."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In addition to this, pregnant women are now allowed to bring on person with them during maternity triage visits.

One birth partner will be allowed to be admitted to the birthing room during labour, and also to the induction baty, where they will be allowed to stay for up to three hours following admission.

For further information, visit the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust website.