PARTNERS or loved ones will be able to accompanied expectant mums to scans under new rules.

The East Suffolk and North Essex Trust, which runs Colchester Hospital, had introduced a number of restrictions around maternity services during the pandemic.

Some of these measures are now being lifted.

From July 6 one adult from the same household can attend 12 and 20 week scans with a pregnant woman at Colchester and Clacton hospitals.

In line with national guidance, both the pregnant woman and whoever she brings with her will be required to wear a face covering during the appointment.

Limited visiting has been re-introduced on maternity wards at Colchester hospital.

One visitor a day can now see a woman who has been on either antenatal or postnatal wards for more than 48 hours.

The visit can be for 45 minutes and should be the same person each time.

Staggered visiting times are running from 10am to 9pm, seven days a week.

When you visit you must:

  • Have booked a time to visit the ward. Please stick to the agreed timings
  • Wear a face covering (please supply your own) when coming into hospital. This can be as simple as a scarf or bandana tied behind your head.
  • Observe social distancing at all times and wash/sanitise your hands regularly
  • Do not linger in shops or communal areas
  • Do not visit if you if you have Covid-19 symptoms, including: High temperature, a new continuous cough, loss or change in sense of smell, loss or change in sense of taste

Anna Shasha, director of midwifery at the trust, said: “The safety and wellbeing of our patients and staff is our number one priority.

“We would like to reassure our women that we will make other changes in maternity services as quickly and safely as we can.

“No two maternity units are the same. We have to carefully assess our own sites and facilities, including the size of rooms we use, for example, to make sure we can stick to the two metre rule.

“For now, some of our restrictions have to remain in place to keep everyone safe.”