The Government released guidance on visitors on 5th June and again on 8th September advising how NHS Trusts could once again enable birth partners to be present. Many NHS Trusts adopted this guidance and are already providing this full range of support. Unfortunately, many more NHS Trusts are still placing restrictions that have the potential to traumatise women (and partners) and leave them without support or advocates during one of the most difficult experiences of their lives.
The stories of women undergoing tens of hours of labour alone, are hugely upsetting. As are the messages I have received from constituents with their partners locked out and prevented from providing support to those they love.
It is vital that NHS Trusts lift these restrictions, and that is why I am supporting Alicia Kearns MP's Maternity campaign and have added my name to the list of signatories.
I am doing what I can to help push this locally.