Increased frequency of Lateral Flow tests for Maternity and Neonatal Vistors
Increasing rates of COVID infections in younger age groups means that from 6 August, we will require evidence of a negative test result within the last 24 hours
Everyone attending our hospitals, including visitors, is still required to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing and hand hygiene requirements, as well as complying with the requests of our staff to do so.
The implementation of Lateral Flow testing in Maternity in May allowed us to open up some restrictions for visiting and access to maternity services at our hospitals.
Until now, we have been asking birth supporters accompanying someone in labour, as well as visitors to our Maternity Ward and Neonatal Unit to conduct testing every three to four days and provide evidence of a negative test within 72 hours.
However, increasing rates of COVID infections in younger age groups means that from 6 August, we will require evidence of test results within the last 24 hours. This means that supporters will need to provide evidence of a negative result when people visit the Maternity Ward and Neonatal Unit.
You will need to order rapid swab tests from the NHS website or pick up from your local pharmacy before reporting the results:
These measures are intended to keep people safe, especially since COVID infection can pose a greater threat in pregnancy.
The relevant website pages will be updated with this information on 6 August.