Restrictions for visiting postnatal wards on maternity units at the Cumberland Infirmary at Carlisle and the West Cumberland Hospital at Whitehaven have been update by North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.
In line with national guidance, only a birthing partner is able to be present during labour and delivery. Visiting is not permitted by the birthing partner once the mum has been admitted to post-natal wards following the delivery.
If it is anticipated that the mother can be discharged to go home directly from the labour ward after giving birth, the birthing partner is able to stay within the labour ward and accompany their partner to the care of the community midwives. If admittance to a post-natal ward is required, the birthing partner will be asked to leave and can only come back when mother and baby are discharged.
Anna Stabler, Interim Chief Nurse at North Cumbria Integrated NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We appreciate that the arrival of a baby is a special event and the latest national guidance will undoubtedly cause disappointment but it’s really important that we follow the guidance. Safety is our top priority and these measures are necessary to reduce the risk of spreading infection.
“We know there may be some exceptional individual circumstances and we will support families on an individual basis to meet their needs.
“Our team of midwives are all here and ready to provide care during what is an exciting and special time for families brining new life into the world. We would encourage mums to continue to contact their midwife if they have any questions at all, we are here to support them and will do our very best to help during this extraordinary time of having baby.”
The updated FAQ is also available at: https://www.ncic.nhs.uk/application/files/8015/8695/7402/Maternity_FAQs_15_April.pdf
