Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Visiting
Details of the latest visiting arrangements for maternity and neonatal services can be found here.
Pregnancy and Coronavirus
We understand this is a very worrying time for you during your pregnancy. To protect you and your baby, changes have been implemented that will impact on your antenatal, labour and postnatal care.
These changes are in place nationally with the guidance being reviewed regularly based on the latest information from the Scottish Government. Your midwife will be in contact with you if there are any changes to your appointments and please make contact with them or the triage department if you have any concerns.
We would like to thank the public for their support and understanding regarding some of the changes which are ongoing in our maternity services at present. All our midwives are working very hard and are absolutely committed to continuing to provide a high quality patient-centred maternity service.
Antenatal Care
When attending appointments and in line with the latest guidance published you are asked to wear a face covering/mask whilst in waiting areas and other community settings when attending your appointments.
You can be accompanied by one nominated visitor when attending your antenatal appointment. As well as receiving a picture to take away with you, you are now able to film a short clip of your ultrasound at the end of the procedure to show to your family.
The latest advice for people shielding, including pregnant women, can be found at gov.scot.
Antenatal Classes
Our antenatal parent education is currently being delivered over IT platforms, including this website and free access to the Solihull Approach Online Antenatal Course for Pregnant Women in Scotland.
See the poster for more information and follow the link for access https://inourplace.heiapply.com/online-learning/
We can offer the use of Near Me video facilities for additional parent educational needs and we aim to continuously review and update our resources.
Triage
Our triage department remains open 24 hours a day 7 days a week and we encourage women in labour to contact them on 01324 567098. Even when isolating it’s vital you report reduced movements immediately. Click on link below:
In Labour
We recognise that pregnancy and birth are really important times for you and your family and we will support your individual birth choices with high quality, tailored care which is centred around your individual needs. Our dedicated midwives, doctors, maternity healthcare assistants and support staff are committed to giving you personalised care of the highest standard.
At the present time women in labour can be accompanied by a birth partner (as an essential visitor) and a second birth partner if requested, in the Labour Suite or Alongside Midwifery Unit (AMU), subject to the need to maintain physical distancing wherever possible. They can stay with you in the postnatal period whilst you remain in the Labour ward /AMU.
A birth partner can accompany a woman when she is being induced if it is possible to maintain a reasonable level of physical distancing from other patients. Home induction should be considered where possible
Parents of babies who require admission to the Neonatal Unit for specialised care are able to visit and care for their baby(s) throughout the day. Because we ask parents to remain in the unit, we provide lunches for parents, to optimise length of stay with their baby(s).
There are so many things to think about in the exciting run up to having a new baby and one of the most important choices you will make is about where you feel is the right place for you to give birth. When the time comes for you to have your baby, you will want to be in a place where you feel relaxed, comfortable and secure.
Your choice will be made for many reasons including your personal preferences and medical needs. You can choose where you give birth, including at home, our alongside midwifery unit or obstetric unit.
Antenatal and Postnatal Wards
Women can identify one designated visitor who will be able to visit them whilst in hospital, on the antenatal and postnatal ward. This is in addition to one birth partner (as an essential visitor).
Breast feeding
UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative has released guidance on Coronavirus and Breastfeeding.
Further Help
We understand this is a difficult time for people who are expecting or have recently had their baby. We would encourage women and their families who have any further questions regarding these changes, to contact their midwife who will be pleased to help.
The majority of our services, including all inpatient services, are based in the Women’s and Children Unit at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert. These include a women’s outpatient clinic and investigations unit, women’s day care unit, gynaecology services and labour suite.
However midwifery outpatient services are also held at Stirling Health & Care Village as well as in a number of other community locations across Forth Valley.
Information Leaflets
Downloadable Maternity information leaflets.
Coronavirus resources
Positive Pregnancy Test – What Next?
All women are offered an opportunity to book a first appointment with a midwife, who will help them plan their pregnancy care. Women should arrange an appointment with a midwife as early as possible after learning of the pregnancy. Find out what you need to do.
Useful Numbers
Maternity Triage
If you have any questions about your pregnancy or if you think that you may be in labour call triage on 01324 567 098
Wards
| Reception | 01324 567 300 |
| Ward 6 – Gynaecology | 01324 566 388 |
| Ward 7 – Labour Ward | 01324 567 240 |
| Ward 8 – Antenatal/Postnatal | 01324 567 262 |
Visiting Times
| Ward 6 Gynaecology Ward |
11am to 8pm for one named person. All other visitors – 3pm to 4pm and 7pm to 8pm. |
| Ward 7 Labour Ward |
Open visiting is not allowed during labour, only the two named birth partners will be given access to Ward 7. Two named birth partners can be with labouring woman. |
| Ward 8 Antenatal/Postnatal Ward |
9am to 10pm for one birthing partner. All other visitors – 11am to 8pm. For transitional care speak to ward staff. |
| Children’s Ward | 10am to 7pm, 2 per bed (unless resident parent or carer) |
Location
We have our own separate entrance to the left of the Forth Valley Royal Hospital main entrance which is locked overnight. If you arrive in the evening there is a night entrance door to the right. A buzzer operated door entry system will connect you directly to the Ward where staff can automatically unlock the door.