Maternity care reorganised to protect women and babies

Changes made to reduce risk of infection

Changes are being made to the way pregnant women are cared for by midwives and the maternity service, to reduce the risk of infection from coronavirus.
 
Most antenatal appointments will be conducted in the community, rather than at Noble’s, in line with measures to prevent people attending hospital wherever possible.

This include's a woman's first appointment with the midwife, as well as subsequent routine check-ups and meetings during her pregnancy.
 
Some appointments will continue on a face-to-face basis at a GP surgery or other suitable venue, while others will be conducted by telephone.

Ultrasound scans will take place at Noble's Hospital.

Arrangements for women who need follow-up appointments and further scans will be made to suit individual circumstances.
 
The changes are in the interest of patient safety, to minimise coronavirus exposure risk during the current outbreak. 
 
Details of the plan for maternity care are available online on the Government’s dedicated coronavirus website.
 
The information aims to reassure women, their partners and families that their needs will continue to be met.
 
Post-natal checks and baby clinics have also been reorganised, with home visits being replaced with regional clinics on a hub basis.

This change aims to make best use of the district nursing and community midwifery teams, who are currently providing additional care and support to vulnerable groups in the community, as resources across the health and care system flex to meet unprecedented demand.