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.

BAME

If you are pregnant and you identify as a Black, Asian or another Minoritised Ethnicity, we want you to know that we are here to support you. Please see this leaflet.

Whooping Vaccination – at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital

We are providing a catch-up opportunity for women who may have missed their whooping cough vaccination.

You can drop-in to the L&D Monday to Thursday 9am to 3pm, or if you would prefer to attend at a quieter time, you can call during this time to arrange an appointment. For those earlier in pregnancy, we will try to accommodate you after your 20-week scan.

Call 01582 491166 and ask for extension 2312.