Covid-19

Scans

We are pleased to be able to allow you to bring one person with you to your scans (with the exception of presentation scans).

For any scan queries please contact: uhsussex.imagingsecretaries.

Antenatal clinic appointments

One person can attend all obstetric appointments with you (these are appointments with a Doctor at Sussex House or at PRH).

DAU (Day assessment unit) appointments with a Midwife or outpatient appointments such as a GTT (Glucose tolerance test), Anti-D appointment or pre-op or other blood tests: please attend alone.

Please note:

• The person accompanying you must be well, not have COVID-19, be in quarantine or be self-isolating due to NHS Test and Trace guidance.
• They will be required to maintain social distancing and wear a mask throughout their time in the clinic/scan department.
• If it becomes overly busy, please be prepared for the support person to be asked to wait upstairs to maintain safe social distancing measures.

Unfortunately NO children are allowed to scan appointments.

We really appreciate your support and co-operation at this time.

We are allowing limited and controlled visiting, in line with Government guidance.

This will be under constant review as we move forward. Please refer to the  visiting patients page for the latest information regarding visiting guidelines.

Please read the following and know that these measures are there to ensure the safety of all to help prevent spread of COVID-19 and adhere to isolation and social distancing guidance:

• Up to two birthing supporters - who are not symptomatic and must show a negative lateral flow test. It is advisable to plan ahead and have an alternative plan if your birthing partner tests positive for Covid-19.
• Your birth supporters will be provided with a green wristband on admission- this will not be interchangeable
• Birth supporters will only be permitted to leave the ward once in 24 hours period- for essential supplies if needed
• Other than your allocated birth supporters NO visitors will be permitted onto either ward area, please ensure your family/friends are aware.
• If you are having a Caesarean section, only ONE birth supporter may be able to enter theatre. If the situation is considered to be high risk then your birth supporter will be asked to leave.

Please note that birth supporters will be asked for proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid flow test on admission to maternity hospital wards, including MAU and Triage.

Please read our leaflet: guidance on swabbing for the pregnant woman or person. 

We are pleased to advise that our homebirth service has resumed with the full support of SECAMB.

The Heads of Midwifery for the region  worked hard on trying to get the service reinstated, as soon as they could, in a safe way for both women/people and midwives.

Thank you all for your understanding during the suspension of the service.

We are currently running live online classes for parents-to-be, please see our parent education page for further information, dates and to book for a class.

Covid-19 has complicated things for everyone, but for pregnant people and new parents this can be an especially stressful time.

Resources for how to cope with Covid-19 related stress

• Great advice from MIND
• Self-help for anxiety
• The NHS Every Mind Matters pages on Covid-19 - 10 tips
• The Mental Health Foundation advice on looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak
• Community Roots Mental Health & Wellbeing Support, help for navigating and accessing services in Brighton and Hove
• Helpful advice from Kimberley Wilson (on instagram)
• Invaluable advice from Russ Harris with helpful exercises
• Great advice about how to support children with anxieties about Covid-19 from the Flourishing Families Clinic at Sussex Partnership (NHS) Trust.
• Covid-related resources for partners from the Fatherhood Institute

As always, if you need medical help, and it’s not an emergency, please contact your GP, or 111 for advice.

If you feel you are not able to keep yourself safe, and are thinking about acting on suicidal thoughts or feelings, or you are thinking of harming others:

• You can go to any hospital A&E department and ask for help
• You can call 999 and ask for an emergency service if you need to

The following sources of support are also available:

• Samaritans 116 123 (free number) or 01273 772277
• Saneline 0300 304 7000, 4.30pm-10.30pm daily
• Grassroots Suicide Prevention
• The Sussex Mental Health Line 0300 5000 101, 5pm-9am on week nights, and on a 24 hours basis during weekends and Bank Holidays
• The Brighton and Hove the Mental Health Rapid Response Service  is able to offer support: 0300 304 0078 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week including bank holidays, if you live in the Brighton and Hove area).