Maternity services - visiting
Standard visiting information
One nominated person who can stay with you during you stay.
Siblings can visit between 8am and 8pm.
General visiting times are 1pm to 7pm on all the postnatal wards.
No more than two adults at the bedside, and no visitors under the age of 16, unless they are siblings of the newborn.
Can a partner attend antenatal clinic and triage appointments?
Yes, your partner can attend any antenatal appointments with you.
Can partners attend scans and what is the process for this?
Yes, partners can attend scans.
Can a partner attend a scan and then another person attend appointments on different occasions?
Yes. One adult is allowed to accompany you to appointments, and this can be a different person on each occasion.
Can I bring my children to my scan appointment?
We do not recommend having young children accompany you to your scan. We will only allow it in exceptional circumstances, as we do understand that it can be difficult for some families to find childcare. If you have no other choice and need to bring a young child, please ensure that you bring them in a pushchair or buggy to ensure their safety during the scan.
Are the Midwifery Led Birthing Units open?
Yes. There is a midwifery led service provision on each site.
On occasions, to ensure the safety of women and birthing people, we may need to divert resources and temporarily close the midwifery led birthing units. If this happens, you will be notified on admission and you will be cared for on the Delivery Suite.
Can you have two birthing partners, and can they swap throughout the labour?
At all sites you can have two birthing partners from the point of established labour on delivery suite. These must be the same two people throughout and they cannot swap with others.
Will gas and air (Entonox) be available for me to use?
Yes, Entonox is available for all women and birthing people at all our maternity units.
Are children allowed to visit the postnatal wards or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)?
We welcome the children of our women and birthing people to visit across our maternity services. However, please be mindful of the amount of time children spend visiting the wards as they are clinical areas.
Are partners allowed to stay overnight/outside of general visiting hours?
You can choose one nominated person who can stay with you, outside of general visiting hours. The nominated person will need to sign an agreement and be identifiable at all times. This includes during the induction period.
Do you provide food for partners or visitors?
No. Food is not provided for partners or visitors. Please they bring in their own food or make use of shops and restaurants on site.
What facilities are there for partners staying overnight?
The facilities are very limited. There will be a standard chair for partners to rest in, but no bedding or shower facilities are available during this time.
Who can visit a baby in NICU?
At all sites both parents can visit with unrestricted access.
Do you provide infant formula for my baby?
No, we do not routinely provide infant formula.
Shall I bring in Paracetamol and Ibuprofen to self-medicate after my birth?
At Broomfield, there is the option to bring in your own Paracetamol and Ibuprofen and store in a lockable cabinet next to your bed.
Southend and Basildon do not encourage you to bring in your Paracetamol and Ibuprofen to self-medicate as they do not have the safe storage facilities available.
Shall I bring in my regular medications when being admitted to hospital?
Yes. Please notify a member of staff and they will ensure they are appropriately prescribed and stored during your hospital stay.