Expectant Tayside mothers will be able to give birth at home from next week as local maternity services are eased following more than two months of lockdown.
NHS Tayside is able to offer home-births as an option once again after the service was shelved as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus: Birth partners can no longer visit antenatal and postnatal wards at NHS Tayside
From Monday, June 15 women will able to chose whether to have their child at Ninewells Hospital’s Midwifery Unit or Labour Suite, or to remain at their property.
However some coronavirus measures remain in place, with only one birthing partner allowed during labour.
All women will be assessed for Covid-19, and properties checked, prior to home-births.
Home births to recommence in Tayside
As we move into the next phase of the easing of lockdown Maternity Services across Tayside will now be offering women the option to give birth at home from the week beginning Monday 15th June https://t.co/56Bxk02YJp
— NHS Tayside (@NHSTayside) June 8, 2020
The health board said labour and birthing services at the maternity units in Perth Royal Infirmary and Arbroath Infirmary remain temporarily suspended.
NHS Tayside lead midwife Lesley Sharkey, said, “We are delighted to be able to offer home birthing as an option to women and their families once again.
“The safety of women and their babies is our main priority and we will ensure that we will be adhering to all government guidance surrounding Covid-19.
“This is the first stage of maternity services within Tayside returning to normal. We are continuing to review our other suspended services on a regular basis.
“We would like to thank the public for their support and understanding regarding the recent changes made to maternity services in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Our midwives are continuing to work hard and are absolutely committed to continuing to provide a high quality patient-centred maternity service.
“We would encourage women and their families if they have any further questions regarding home birthing to speak to their midwife.”
