Two birthing partners will be welcome at both Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust’s delivery suites from next week.

From Monday 4 April  two people can accompany pregnant women at The Manor Hospital and New Cross Hospital for births, once they’re in active labour.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions were introduced in 2020 meaning only one birthing partner could attend as both Trusts worked to keep service users and staff as safe as possible.

Despite the recent changes regarding access to lateral flow tests (LFT), we strongly encourage visitors to continue testing ahead of attending the hospital and other Trust sites. Visitors unable to access an LFT ahead of their visit will still be able to access lateral flow tests on-site at this time (via the Welcome Hub). Any changes to this will be communicated.

Face masks are still required at all times, along with good hand hygiene to minimise the risk of infection.  This is to protect unwell patients within the hospitals contracting COVID-19.

Jo Wright, Deputy Divisional Director of Midwifery, Gynaecology and Sexual health at Walsall Healthcare, said: “We understand how difficult COVID-19 restrictions have been for our pregnant women and their families and thank them for everything they have done to help keep our maternity services as safe as possible for all.

“As restrictions ease throughout the country, and in line with national guidance, we are thrilled that we can welcome back two birthing partners for women in labour.”

If you have any of the recognised symptoms of COVID-19, which are a raised temperature, new continuous cough or loss of/change of taste or smell, please do not come into the hospitals.

In addition, if you have any norovirus symptoms of sickness and diarrhoea you should also keep away to minimise infection risk.