Support partner can now attend antenatal appointments

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) says that, with the support of the local authorities , maternity services users and their chosen support partner can access a lateral flow test prior to attending the appointments. The introduction of this testing will enable a chosen support person to accompany women to some appointments whilst also ensuring the safety of staff and other people using maternity services.

Testing will also allow SaTH to work more quickly towards the full reinstatement of visiting to maternity services bosses say.

One support partner will be welcome within the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford, the Royal Shrewsbury

Hospital, Oswestry Maternity Unit, Bridgnorth Midwife Led Unit , Ludlow Midwife Led Unitand Whitchurch Community Hospital for the expectant woman's booking appointment then again at the 16, 25, 28, 31, 34, 36, 38, 40 and 41 week appoinments.

A spokesman for SATH said: "Regrettably, support partners cannot currently attend antenatal appointments at GP surgeries, however we are working with GP colleagues and will update on any changes as soon as possible."

One support partner is permitted to attend all pregnancy ultrasound scans but attendance for support partners at Day Assessment Unit and Triage is not yet possible.

One birth partner will be able to attend the delivery suite and one visitor will be able attend antenatal and postnatal wards if booked in advance for an hour during specified times.

Support partners are not currently able to attend postnatal appointments.

"We are constantly reviewing these restrictions and are working hard to relax them, where possible, as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have additional needs or require additional support at any appointments, please speak

to your midwife."

To find your closest lateral flow testing site and for more information on lateral flow home testing in Telford and Wrekin, visit rapidtest.telford.gov.uk. To find your closest lateral flow testing site and for more information on lateral flow home testing in Shropshire, visit shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/rapid-testing-in-shropshire.

For women who reside in Wales and access Shropshire for maternity appointments or ultrasound scans, contact your local COVID-19 testing centre for advice on lateral flow testing availability near you.

If you carry out a lateral flow test at home, you will need to formally report the results via gov.uk/report-covid19-result and follow the instructions provided.