Middleton welcomes updated pregnancy scan guidance for Altnagelvin

Mr Middleton said: “I had recently raised concerns that some birth partners were being granted greater access than others simply because of where they live.

“I welcome the updated guidance issued this afternoon from the Western Trust. From Monday 20th July, partners will be able to attend the Dating scan, 20 week Anomaly Scan, and Fetal Medicine Scan.

“This will be welcome news for many parents who want to be able to undertake these important moments together.”

Due to the continued risks associated with Covid19, the Western Trust said it had to continue with restrictions for attending Maternity Services during this initial period but have now added a further update to this position, to come into effect from Monday 20 July 2020.

“From Monday, for Scan Appointments, one nominated partner may accompany a woman attending for the dating scan, 20 week Anomaly Scan and Fetal Medicine Scan. Trust teams will continue to work closely with all women and ensure their safety at all times during this period,” The Trust said in a statement shared by Mr Middleton.

It also stated: “Due to planning to deal with the COVID-19 Surge, the Trust had to move services in areas to deal with the pandemic and our teams have been working diligently to reset services and allow for visiting and attendance of partners to attend scans in Maternity Services.

“In Altnagelvin Area Hospital, the Trust have this week now relocated the Ante Natal Service back to Clinic 1 and, following preparations within the clinic to cater for social distancing and having identified an additional space for partners to use as a waiting area, have restructured the scheduling to allow partners to attend dating scans in addition to what was previously in place.

“The Ante Natal Clinic temporarily based in Omagh, as part of the restructure to deal with COVID-19 in South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen, will also permit partners to attend the dating scan. Again this is in addition to the previously named scans, from Monday 20 July 2020. To do this, the Trust will implement procedures to allow partners to use the reception waiting area in Omagh Hospital & Primary Care Complex for this purpose. Planning continues by the Trust to move this Ante Natal Service back to South West Acute Hospital but must emphasise this will take time in the present circumstances to complete the works to enable this and an update will be provided in early August on this progress.

“The Trust continues to work hard to reset and rebuild our services in a very challenging environment and will continue to provide updates on this as we progress.

“Please note now the updated guidelines which must be adhered to during this time and again thank you for working with us during these challenging times.”

Patient and Visitor Restrictions to Maternity Services

Scan appointments - One nominated partner may accompany a woman attending for the following scan appointments: Dating scan, 20 week Anomaly Scan, and Fetal Medicine Scan.

Visiting - Ante Natal – One nominated visitor may stay for I hour on admission, including women being admitted for IOL. One nominated partner can visit for 1 hour between 7.30pm and 8.30pm

Post Natal – One nominated person can visit for 1 hour between 2.00pm and 3.00pm or 7.30pm to 8.30pm. All visitors must remain by the bedside throughout the visit and maintain 2 metre distancing between other visitors. No visitors under the age of 16 years

Labour and Birth - One birth partner may accompany a woman during active birth and labour.