Maternity services open – don’t be scared to use them
09/11/2020
Pregnant women told: “we are committed to keeping you as safe as possible when under our care – and it’s really important that you continue to come to your appointments”
Mums-to-be are being reminded all the services provided by Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are up and running for them 24/7 during the pandemic.
The Trust says they have made a number of changes recently to how they provide care to women during pregnancy to keep both patients and their staff safe. That includes carrying out some appointments remotely, including over the phone or via video.
However, their maternity service is still open when needed for births, urgent care, and clinical advice. The Trust says that some face-to-face appointments with a midwife or doctor are essential, and it is important to attend.
Catherine Greenwood, Consultant Obstetrician and Clinical Director for Maternity at the Trust, said: “Having a baby can be an anxious time when there isn’t a global pandemic, so we completely understand why pregnant women may be worried.
“Some might feel afraid to leave their home to attend appointments, or to come to hospital because they’re afraid they’ll get COVID-19. I’d really like to reassure them that we are committed to keeping you as safe as possible when under our care – and it’s really important that you continue to come to your appointments.
“We said this at the beginning of the pandemic, and it is still true as we are in a second lockdown – we are here for you, day and night.”
For any women who are worried about not attending their appointment because they’re self-isolating the Trust says they will offer new appointments for when it ends. In the meantime anyone with an urgent problem can speak to a midwife or doctor at their Maternity Assessment Unit.
The usual high-risk antenatal clinics are continuing at the Horton General Hospital, and also at the John Radcliffe, with the ultrasound departments at both hospitals still running and the team of midwives available to see women regularly during their pregnancy.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
