The information on this page was last updated on 23/05/23
We ask that all visitors do these three things:
- Do not come if you’re unwell or have been unwell in the last 2 days
- Policy on masks and face coverings: The Scottish Government has advised that staff, patients and members of the public will no longer be required to wear a face covering or mask at all times whilst in any health or social care setting from 16th May 2023. Individual patients and members of the public may continue to choose to wear a face covering attending hospital or other health premises. They should be supported to do so.
- Wash your hands regularly
Antenatal appointments
- A supportive person may accompany a pregnant person to all antenatal appointments. Please note, this applies to appointments delivered within NHS Lothian managed premises; some GP practices may have different local arrangements in place. Your community midwife will be able to provide you with relevant access arrangements for your appointment.
- We would ask that children do not attend outpatient appointments and scans.
Labour and Birth
- Restrictions around the number of birth partners have been removed.
- Those undergoing an operative birth (e.g. c-section) may be accompanied by one birth partner.
Inpatient Wards
- Birth partners may visit maternity inpatients from 0900-2200. Other visitors may visit from 1300-2000.
Community Home Visits
- The Scottish Government has advised that staff, patients and members of the public will no longer be required to wear a face covering or mask at all times from 16th May 2023. Individual patients and members of the public may continue to choose to wear a face covering during community visits. They should be supported to do so.
Neonatal Care
- In the Neonatal Unit, parents are welcome to be with their baby at all times. Other relatives and friends can visit between 1400-1500 or 1700-1800. Only 2 visitors should be at the cotside at any one time. You will be given further information about visiting from staff in the department.
If a particular ward is managing a Covid-19 outbreak, essential visiting may be reintroduced on a temporary basis.
Covid-19: Guidance for those who have tested positive or are self-isolating
- Visitors must not have symptoms of COVID-19 and must not attend if they are self-isolating for suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Pregnant women should identify an alternative birth partner should their partner tests positive or if they have been asked to self-isolate.
- If a pregnant woman has suspected or confirmed COVID-19, a birth partner who is not self-isolating may attend and will be provided with the appropriate PPE equivalent to that worn by staff, during childbirth and will be advised to self-isolate following the birth.
Should a woman sadly experience a pregnancy loss, partners or birth partners will be able to provide support throughout that hospital stay.
We recognise that some women will require additional support through their pregnancy journey and we will assess individual requirements to ensure that each woman has an appropriate level of support. For further information, please speak to your community midwife.
Please help us keep everyone safe by following these simple rules:
Please do:
- Wear a face covering on entering the hospital and keep it on throughout your visit.
- Use hand sanitiser- On entry to the hospital and when entering & leaving the patient’s room
- Observe 2 meters physical distancing from staff and other visitors where possible.
- Please stay in the allocated visiting area or at the bedside of the person you are visiting.
- Please do not be offended if we ask you to wait outside for a short time when waiting areas are busy or leave an area for a short time.
Please do not:
- Visit if you are unwell. This includes if you have any symptoms of ANY respiratory infection (for example cough, flu like symptoms, temperature, loss of tase or smell) or diarrhoea or vomiting.
- Visit if you suspected or confirmed COVID-19 or if you have been advised to self-isolate for any reason.
- Move around the ward; visit other patients in the hospital.
- Touch your face or face covering/mask once in place.
- Share mobile phones or devices with the patient unnecessarily – if they are shared, the phone should be cleaned between each use
- Eat or share food whilst visiting.
We are doing our utmost to ensure women, patients and families are as safe and supported as possible and staff are kept as safe as possible. If you have any questions, please discuss these with your midwife.
