Visiting and Birth Partner Information
Page last updated: Monday 20 April 2026
We want your experience with our maternity services to be safe, supportive and inclusive. This page provides information about attending appointments, birth partners and visiting arrangements.
If you or anyone planning to attend feels unwell, please contact the relevant department before attending so we can advise or rearrange your appointment.
Antenatal Appointments and Scans (Hospital)
You may attend your hospital antenatal appointments with your partner.
Children may attend if necessary, however waiting areas can be busy and space is limited. Please also be aware that some appointments may include sensitive discussions or personal examinations.
Ultrasound scans
One person may accompany you during an ultrasound, however children are not permitted. This is to allow sonographers to carry out detailed clinical assessments safely and without distraction.
Antenatal Appointments (Community Settings)
Community antenatal appointments take place in children’s centres and health centres.
You may attend with your partner and young children if required, however please be aware that some appointments may include sensitive discussions or personal examinations.
If you would prefer an appointment on a specific day or time, please speak to the community office.
Labour and Birth Partners
You can have two birth partners with you during labour and birth.
Your chosen birth partners should remain the same throughout your stay and should not be swapped with other visitors.
Your birth partners play an important role in supporting you, and we encourage you to plan this in advance.
Maternity Ward Visiting (Antenatal and Postnatal)
Rooms on the maternity ward are single rooms to support privacy and family time.
- One birth partner may stay with you at all times
- Partners are required to follow ward guidance, including remaining on the ward overnight (no re-entry after 10pm unless visiting a baby on the neonatal unit)
Visiting times:
- Patient’s own children: 08:00 – 22:00
- Other visitors: 12:30 – 15:30 and 17:30 – 19:30
Please note:
- Only your own children may visit
- Other children are not permitted on the ward
Visitors should not attend if they are unwell.
Accessibility and Additional Support
We are committed to making our services accessible to everyone.
If you have any additional needs, please let us know in advance. This may include:
- Interpreter or translation services
- Support for hearing, visual or mobility needs
- Additional support for appointments or visiting
Please contact your midwife or the relevant department so we can make appropriate arrangements.
Contact Details
If you need advice, need to rearrange an appointment, or are unsure about attending, please contact:
- Antenatal Clinic: 01244 365106
- Maternity Assessment and Triage Unit: 01244 365806
- Postnatal Ward: 01244 365178
- Community Office: 01244 365166