Pregnant women in Hartlepool urged to take covid tests as restrictions on accompanying partners are lifted

Midwives at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation trust are backing Government calls for everyone to take two tests a week to keep on top of the virus.

It follows the recent lifting of restrictions on partners accompanying pregnant women to all scans antenatal appointments.

Self-administered Lateral Flow Tests are provided free from the Government and give fast results for the virus.

Steph El-Malak, head of midwifery services at the North Tees and Hartlepool Trust, said: “It’s been heartbreaking to know that our mums have had to attend so many appointments alone, unable to share their joy with a partner.

"Now things are getting better we can allow one partner to come to all the antenatal appointments, as well as scans.

“We’re asking all our mums and the partner attending the appointments, scans and birth to get the lateral flow kits and take the tests twice a week.

"Even if they have been vaccinated, there is still a chance they could unknowingly pass on the virus to someone else.

“We’ve done everything we can to avoid breakouts of the virus among our staff as we have so many women relying on us.”

Mums-to-be are advised to take a test within 24 hours before an appointment. Any pregnant woman under the Trust’s care who self-tests positive should report it on the Government app and call the Trust on (01642) 324239 or 382718 for further advice.

Partners or support persons should isolate as per government guidance if they test positive.

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