University Hospitals Dorset has from this week relaxed some of the restrictions around birth partners attending the maternity unit.

Two birth partners will be welcomed for labour care in Poole’s Haven Delivery Suite and Central Delivery Suite at St Mary’s Maternity Hospital.

Vicky Garner, matron for inpatient services, said: “We’re been working really hard in our maternity teams to provide safe care during the pandemic and we’ve really appreciated your understanding during this time.”

Other visiting restrictions remain in place and all partners / support people accompanying pregnant women to their appointments or visiting the maternity unit may attend subject to a negative lateral flow test (LFD).  It is the responsibility of the partner / support person to arrange an LFD test before attending.

In line with national guidance, all pregnant women are also required to take part in the government’s twice weekly rapid testing programme before attending the unit for outpatient, community and scan appointments.

Test results should be logged via the NHS app or website as per the instructions in the test kit, and women and their partners should bring their result confirmation with them, not the actual test itself.

Women who need to attend as an emergency should not delay coming into the unit even if they, or their support partner hasn’t had a recent Covid test. The hospital will assist you and make alternative arrangements.