Maternity visiting arrangements

Our Maternity Services visiting guidance has been updated in response to ‘Enabling Safer Visiting’ guidance published by the Department of Health NI.

Outpatients

You can be accompanied by your partner or nominated other to;

• Pregnancy related appointments and ultrasound scans
• Attendances to Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit
• Attendances to Emergency Obstetric Unit/ Day Obstetric Unit

Inpatients

Visiting can be facilitated on the antenatal and postnatal wards, with the following principles in place:

• Your partner or one nominated other may visit the ward for unlimited periods between 11:00am – 9:00pm.We facilitate a strict rest period between 1.30pm – 2.30pm.  Please speak to staff for guidance around this.
• General visiting times are from 3.30pm – 4.30pm and 7pm – 9pm.  Only two visitors are allowed in  during this time.
• Only your own children may visit you in the antenatal and postnatal ward – no other children should attend the unit.

Maternity services visiting times leaflet

During peak times visiting might be staggered to prevent overcrowding.

Labour and Birth

Having a trusted birth partner present throughout labour is known to make a significant difference to the safety and wellbeing of women in childbirth.

Your chosen birth partner will be facilitated to accompany you for induction of labour, duration of labour, and birth.

Please speak to the ward manager or midwife in charge for information regarding rest periods within the induction bay.

General principles

Whilst the restrictions on visiting have now largely eased, it is essential that your partner or nominated other helps to ensure you remain safe, by:

• Staying at home, if symptomatic. Even if they test negative for Covid-19
• Washing their hands often and using the hand sanitiser available
• Ensuring good respiratory hygiene
• Respecting other patients and staff to try and protect their health
• Working in partnership with the maternity staff, to help protect your family

Other key points

• Please arrive to appointments at the specified time, to ensure people in waiting areas are kept to a minimum
• Some controls may need to be put in place by staff if departments become congested, to ensure a safe environment

Thank you for your continued understanding and co-operation.

Covid-19 Vaccination

The COVID-19 vaccine is available to all pregnant/breastfeeding women. Your community midwife, or GP will  discuss the vaccine with you. For more information, visit: www.rcog.org.uk/covid-vaccine