RESTRICTIONS have been eased for women giving birth in Whiston Hospital, as one nominated birth partner is now permitted to be with them.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, restrictions have been in place for women giving birth in Whiston and St Helens Hospitals.

As time has gone on, these have been increased or decreased depending on level of Covid-19 numbers in the area.

The most recent restrictions which have been in place since Monday, January 11, stated that:

One nominated birth partner may attend with mum for:

-12 week scan

-20 week scan

-fetal medicine scans and appointments

- Induction from 9am - 9pm and they must remain on the ward at all times and if they need to leave the ward they cannot return until the next day. No overnight stays are permitted.

- During active labour - They must stay within the delivery room at all times and will not be able to accompany mum to the ward following birth.

No visitors are allows except in exceptional circumstances.

However this morning, Monday, April 12, as restrictions are once again eased across England, the rules have once again changed.

They state that one nominated birth partner can now:

- Attend all antenatal appointments and scans

- Induction from 9am - 9pm and they must remain on the ward at all times and if they need to leave the ward they cannot return until the next day. No overnight stays are permitted.

- During labour - They must stay within the delivery room at all times

- Visiting - they can visit for up to 3 hours at once from 1pm to 8pm and all visits must be booked in advance by mum via the ward staff and they must remain on ward at all times.

If they leave the ward they cannot return until the next day. No overnight stays permitted.

- It must be the same birth partner for all attendances

- No other visitors allowed

- All women and their nominated birth partner will be required to have a lateral flow Covid test on entering the unit and must wear PPE at all times.

Announcing the changes, Whiston Hospital Maternity and Special Care Unit, via Facebook, said: "Please remember, our staff work incredibly hard to make sure your experience at our Maternity Unit is as safe as possible. Restrictions are in place to protect the safety of all patients and staff across our hospitals. Thank you for your understanding."