Coronavirus Update for Maternity Services from 14th March, 2022
The safety of all of our mums, babies and our staff will always be our main priority.
Maternity Visiting
From Monday 14th March 2022, we are pleased to reintroduce limited visiting on our Maternity Unit.
Visitors MUST NOT attend the hospital if they have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19.
Visiting arrangements:
- Two birth partners may attend Delivery Suite
- One nominated adult may attend the pre/post-natal ward between 9am – 9pm
- One nominated adult may attend antenatal appointments and scans, both in the hospital and in the community.
Ward 2E, Pre and Postnatal Ward
- Visiting times: 1.30pm to 4.00pm and 6.00pm to 7.00pm
Maximum of two visitors per bedside, including the nominated adult.
We ask that all visitors continue to follow our strict safety measures and:
- Wear a mask
- Clean your hands
- Maintain social distancing
Maternity Triage
If you are worried about the health of you or your baby during pregnancy, you can call our Maternity Triage team on:
Tel: 0151 290 4489 for advice and support.
If you think your baby's movements have reduced, then you must call the number above. You can also visit the following website for more information: www.kickscount.org.uk
Admissions
If you need admitting to our pre or post-natal wards you will be tested for COVID-19, even if you do not currently have any symptoms. If you test positive for the virus, you will be cared for in a separate area to those without the virus and will continue to receive the highest standards of care. Social distancing will be maintained at all times throughout the unit.
Appointments
Maternity care is essential and has been developed over many years with improving success to reduce complications in mothers and babies. The risks of not attending care include harm to you, your baby or both of you, even in the context of coronavirus. It is important that you continue to attend your scheduled routine care when you are well.
If you or someone who lives in your household has got symptoms of COVID-19, please contact us through maternity triage on Tel: 0151 290 4489 so that we can review your plan of care and take appropriate safety measures.
We may offer you a phone or video consultation to replace your upcoming appointment, but we will discuss this with you first.
COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy
The COVID-19 vaccination has been proven safe and effective in protecting women and their baby during pregnancy and beyond.
It is advised that all pregnant and breastfeeding women have the vaccination as soon as possible.
Click here for frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 Vaccination during pregnancy.
To book your COVID-19 vaccination, visit: nhs.uk/covidvaccine or visit your local vaccination centre.
Care at home after the birth
If you or a member of your household have any symptoms of COVID-19 while still receiving postnatal care in the community it is important that you contact us before we visit.
You and your baby will receive a visit at home on day 5 where we will offer your baby the Newborn Blood Spot Screening and to weigh your baby.
Please prepare for this visit by considering the following:
Plan which room you will take the midwife into, and where possible we ask that it is just you and your baby to help with social distancing. If you would like someone with you, please make sure the room is as spacious as possible. We also ask that our midwife has access to a sink so that she can wash her hands.
Antenatal classes and tours
Unfortunately due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, antenatal classes, tours and drop-in sessions are cancelled.
Please watch a tour of our maternity unit below.
Smoking and COVID-19
Click here to read advice for parents around smoking and COVID-19
Family wellbeing
- Click here to view a handy guide on - Building Bonds and Good Mental Health for you & your Baby during COVID-19
- Click here to view our ICON poster 'Babies cry, you can cope' to help those who may need extra support whilst staying at home
Domestic abuse
You do not have to wait for an emergency situation to find help. If domestic abuse is happening to you, it's important to tell someone and remember you're not alone.
One in four women experience domestic abuse or domestic violence at some point in their lives.
Pregnancy is known to be a trigger for domestic abuse and abuse may get worse during pregnancy or after the baby is born.
During the COVID-19 pandemic there is support and help available to you from your Midwife, Obstetrician, GP or Health Visitor.
Below are the links to further information and there is a 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline Tel: 0808 2000 247
Cover your tracks online http://safe2speak.co.uk/cover-your-tracks/
Email - helpline@womensaid.org.uk
Useful website links and resources
- Domestic abuse in pregnancy
- Domestic Abuse Against Pregnant Women
- The First Step Knowsley - Tel: 0151 548 3333
- St Helens Domestic Abuse Support - Tel: 01744 743 200
- Black Mum Magic Project
You should call 999 if you're in immediate danger.
More Information
For more information and advice please visit the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) website.
