Partners can now accompany women attending pregnancy scans at Wakefield, Pontefract and Dewsbury hospitals

Since lockdown, partners have not been able to go with women for that all important first scan - but Mid-Yorks Hospitals has announced that as from Monday, September 7, women will be able to bring an additional person with them to attend their 20 week anomaly scan at Pinderfields, Pontefract and Dewsbury hospitals.

Mid Yorks Trust said that from August 24 they begain a phased approach with involved inviting partners to attend ultrasound scans.

Currently, an additional person can attend the first (10-14 week dating/nuchal obstetric ultrasound scan) at all of their hospital sites in order to share the first glimpse of their baby.

David Melia, Director of Nursing and Quality at The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "We will be utilising the Trust’s volunteer service to bring partners directly to the ultrasound scan rooms to help maintain the flow of people through the waiting areas.

"From September 7, partners will be able to attend the 20 week anomaly scan as well as the first scan (10-14 week first dating/nuchal obstetric ultrasound scan).

"We’ve worked closely with Wakefield Maternity Voices Partnership to ensure that we develop safe practice whilst listening to the views of mothers in the community to reintroduce partners into the scan environment safely.

"We understand this has been frustrating for many people who’ve not been able to have someone with them at their ultrasound scan during this pandemic and we recognise that this is an important and anxious time for people.

"The safety of the mother, baby, our patients and staff has been and always will be of paramount importance to us. It’s important that we protect everyone from the potential transmission of COVID 19.

"The reasons why it has been difficult for us to accommodate an additional person at scan appointments is due to insufficient space in the waiting areas, social distancing requirements and higher levels of disinfectant cleaning required.

"The obstetric waiting area in Pinderfields Hospital has particularly limited capacity which has been further reduced with compliance of two meter social distancing to reduce spread of infection.

"We want to thank the community for their continued support and understanding during this uncertain time. We look forward to welcoming partners back to attend 20 week scans."