Maternity (Obstetrics)

COVID-19 Changes to Maternity Services

Due to the current global health situation with COVID-19 and our increasing need to protect our patients and staff, we have implemented some changes to maternity services at both our Bedford Hospital and Luton and Dunstable University Hospital (L&D) sites. This information is being reviewed on a daily basis and therefore could be subject to change which will always be for the safety of all concerned.

Maternity staff from both hospitals have put together a video answering your most common questions in relation to the changes in local maternity services:

Project 1 from Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS FT on Vimeo.

We know that during pregnancy, your birth and beyond are crucial times when women and their families need our support the most and we take great pride and commitment to provide safe, supportive and compassionate maternity care.

Antenatal appointments

In order to ensure the health and safety of our patients and staff we unfortunately have to advise women that they need to attend ALL appointments on their own. This includes all ultrasounds appointments. Maternity staff are committed to giving you the best possible care during this incredibly difficult time and are sorry for the upset this will cause you and your families.

Postnatal wards visitors

In line with the Trust’s guidance, partners and visitors are not allowed on our postnatal wards (Orchard Ward at Bedford and  Ward 32 / Ward 33 at the L&D) until further notice. We know this will make it hard for some women and their families but we have to prioritise the safety of all at this time. Our great team of caring staff will do all they can to help you. Women will not be alone, we are here for you.

Labour

Women can have one birthing partner to help provide that much needed extra support during established labour. Birthing partners must not attend if unwell, particularly if they have symptoms such as a temperature, headache, cough, breathing difficulties, or if they are self-isolating. If your birthing partner is unwell, you may nominate someone else to be with you in labour.

Induction of labour

If you require an induction of labour, and you need to be admitted to the ward to start the induction process, your birthing partner will not be able to be with you while you are on the ward. This is to help us keep everyone who uses our services as safe as possible.  Once your labour is established or you’re transferred to the delivery suite your birthing partner can join you. The midwives looking after you will advise you when are ready for transfer to labour ward, so that your birthing partner can join you.

Elective Caesarean Section

All elective C-Sections for clinical needs are proceeding as normal on both hospital sites. Elective C-Sections by maternal requests (where there is no clinical need) are being assessed on an individual case by case basis across both hospital sites.

Maternity Leaflet COVID 19 Changes

Maternity Leaflet COVID 19 Changes – Bengali

Maternity Leaflet COVID 19 Changes – Italian

Maternity Leaflet COVID 19 Changes – Punjabi, India

Maternity Leaflet COVID 19 Changes – Polish

Maternity Leaflet COVID 19 Changes – Romanian

Maternity Leaflet COVID 19 Changes – Urdu, India

Maternity Leaflet COVID 19 Changes- Urdu, Pakistan

Maternity Leaflet COVID 19 Changes – Punjabi, Pakistan