THE current rules on partners visiting maternity wards have been relaxed at North Wales hospitals.
From June 3, a single partner or nominated essential support person, preferably from the same household, will be able to visit the antenatal and postnatal in-patient maternity wards - at hospitals that come under Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) - by appointment
A spokesperson from BCUHB said: "An appointment for a visit will be arranged through your midwife on the maternity unit.
"To support this easing, all partners will be asked to complete a Covid screening questionnaire and have their temperature checked before they are admitted onto the unit.
"We will continue to closely monitor Covid-19 infection and transmission rates and review further changes in accordance with local and national guidance."
There are currently no changes to the existing arrangements that remain the same as per the below:
- One birthing partner/nominated other to provide support to women who are attending Early Pregnancy Assessment and Fetal Medicine ultrasound scans.
- One birthing partner for women in active labour, preferably from the same household or part of an extended household.
- One birthing partner/nominated other to provide support to women who are attending for an early pregnancy-dating scan (11 weeks + 2 days - 14 weeks +1 day gestation).
- One birthing partner/nominated other to provide support to women who are attending all fetal anomaly scan (18-20 weeks gestation).
Visitor access for neonatal services:
- Both parents can be partners in their babies care.
- No other visitors are permitted in the Neonatal Units, including siblings.
- Parents are asked to attend the unit one at a time to assist with social distancing.
- Any parents who have COVID symptoms or have tested positive for COVID cannot visit and are required to follow the quarantine guidelines.
- In cases of bereavement /discontinuing intensive care, safe practices are put in place to allow the family to be together.
Guidance, published on the BCUHB website, says: "Please be mindful that anyone could have an infectious disease. All permitted visitors must comply with infection prevention precautions at all times. This includes washing hands (supervised) on arriving and leaving the area.
"It is important that all visitors have agreement from the ward sister/charge nurse/nurse in charge before travelling for each visit. The risk assessment will ideally be completed in advance of the visit.
"The ward manager/ nurse in charge will run through the attached checklist when discussing potential visiting and again in person if visiting permission has been given. The visitor will be asked to sign that they have understood and will comply as described. Both documents will be filed with the patients notes.
"The health board encourages family and friends of patients under our care to consider alternative ways of keeping in touch.
"This includes the use of our hospitals’ free WiFi to use FaceTime or video calling.
"We can help facilitate to make this happen."
For the latest on hospital visiting, click here.
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