Coronavirus Tests Required For Maternity Unit Visitors

Saturday, 13 February 2021 09:00

Visitors to the Princess Elizabeth Hospital will have to be tested for coronavirus.

The hospital has introduced new safety measures to its maternity ward after a number of people visited and later tested positive for COVID-19.

Partners of expectant mothers now need to have a COVID swab every four days from one week before the due date if they wish to attend the birth.

Mums and birth partners are also asked to isolate or have minimum contact with others during that time

Health & Social Care President, Deputy Al Brouard says there had been issues caused by people visiting the hospital when they are knowingly symptomatic:

"We've only got one hospital and if you do need a c-section it's right in the middle of our hospital so we're going to be absolutely rigid on this I'm afraid.

"It's sad at the time but we have to do it. We're being very cautious so we don't get any infection at the heart of the PEH were our theatres are."

One birthing partner can still currently attend labours, non-theatre births and post-natal stays in Loveridge Ward, so long as all the new guidelines are strictly followed.

Birthing partners will be screened on entering the hospital and must have an admission swab and daily swab throughout their stay.

They won't be allowed on the ward if they have any symptoms or are awaiting a test result and were previously identified as a close contact of someone who's tested positive for coronavirus.

Visitors will have to wear face masks while in the maternity unit, wearing PPE including disposable gloves.