Sheffield hospital eases restrictions for partners on maternity ward after criticism

Sheffield’s Jessop Wing will now ease their Covid-19 restrictions to allow support partners to attend for first baby scan and other appointments, but strict rules will remain in place.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The changes, which were updated on Wednesday (December 23) came in wake of criticism by expectant parents who said they were not allowed access to their partner’s maternity appointments at the hospital despite the new NHS guidance.

Jessop Wing, in a statement, said partners will now shortly be able to attend the first pregnancy scan (the dating scan) and visit the ante-natal and post-natal wards for one per day as restrictions to be eased in stages into the New Year.

Jessop Maternity Wing in SheffieldJessop Maternity Wing in Sheffield
Jessop Maternity Wing in Sheffield
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Restrictions on the attendance of partners are being reduced in a stepped manner, in line with the new national maternity service guidance.

"The safety of women and babies in Jessops and the need to limit transmission of COVID-19 as much as possible is still the first priority and so there will be strict measures which we will be asking people to adhere to before they can accompany or visit.

"This includes social distancing, wearing PPE and having a COVID-19 test for some types of attendances,” the statement said.

The changes to the restrictions are as follow:

From Thursday December 24, a partner or nominated support person can visit the ante-natal and post-natal wards for one hour per day, in a nominated time slot. They will be provided with PPE to wear and will need to follow social distancing rules. Unfortunately children are not allowed to attend. From Monday December 28, partners will be able to attend the first pregnancy scan (the dating scan). Social distancing measures are in place, and partners will be escorted to the scan room and leave via a one-way system. Masks must be worn throughout.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The hospital said partners are already allowed to attend labour and for the birth of the child, including elective C-sections, and to stay for a short time afterwards.

They are also working on reducing restrictions further over the coming days and weeks including enabling unlimited joint visiting for partners on the neo-natal unit and allowing partners to attend 20 week anomaly scans from January.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.