Visiting rules at Ayrshire Maternity Unit have been changed, it was announced today.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran bosses issued the update this afternoon that also concerned birthing partners.
Rules at the Crosshouse Hospital facility have been altered over the past two years during the pandemic.
Now two designated visitors over and above a main birthing partner will be allowed to visit while in the inpatient ward. One of these visitors can be a child accompanied by an adult.
The two hour appointment system twice a day will continue.
And for labour and birth two birthing-partners are allowed on the labour ward and midwifery suite. For an elective caesarean, only one birthing partner can be in maternity theatre.
For induction of labour, women may be accompanied by one birthing partner 8am until 8pm on the inpatient ward.
A statement posted by the NHS Ayrshire & Arran Women and Children’s Service Facebook page reads: "The importance of visiting within our maternity hospital cannot be overstated, bringing comfort to women receiving visitors and to those visiting.
"To accommodate visiting, the health, safety and wellbeing of pregnant women, their babies, the staff in maternity, neonatal unit and in the community is crucial, and remains our absolute priority.
"Women using our maternity services will be able to welcome two designated visitors over and above your main birthing partner whilst in the inpatient ward one of these visitors can be a child accompanied by an adult.
"For our visiting we will continue to use an appointment system with two hour slots twice a day these will be allocated each morning for women to inform their visitors. The two designated visitors may visit together or separately and the ward can support up to two visits per day; one for each visitor if having to attend separately.
"For labour and birth we are welcoming two birthing-partners on the labour ward and midwifery suite. For an elective caesarean, only one birthing partner can be in maternity theatre
"For induction of labour, women may be accompanied by one birthing partner 8am until 8pm on the inpatient ward.
"Women attending outpatient appointments or the assessment unit at Ayrshire Maternity Unit may bring one adult to accompany them however, they may not be able to enter the treatment or investigation area with you due to space and the need to socially distance.
"All other guidance aimed at maintaining the safety of all within the hospital setting applies as set out in this guidance. This includes wearing face coverings within the hospital and clinic settings."
With regards to neonatal and paediatrics, the statement continued: "Within this highly specialised environment, visiting is encouraged at what can often be a difficult time for families anxious to take their child home.
"Within this area, a family centred approach is promoted so parents can spend valuable time with their child or baby and this can be arranged in liaison with the ward staff.
"No restrictions on time or appointments are required for parents and staff will assist you regarding the need for PPE or any other requirements to maintain the safety of rest of the babies and children in the department.
"Other visitors can arrange to attend following discussion with the nurse in charge for the neonatal unit or paediatric ward."
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