Bedford Council support Conservative motion to bring maternity policies in line with other local hospitals

Councillor Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant’s motion was passed at Full Council on Wednesday 14 October. The motion called for Bedford Mayor Dave Hodgkin, and the Portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Louise Jackson to write to the Chief Executive of Bedford Hospital to express gratitude for the hard work of maternity health professionals at this difficult time and to seek the full reinstatement of birth partners being allowed to attend at all scans, antenatal appointments, induction, all stages of labour and post birth including provisions for both parents to visit premature babies post birth, as soon possible.

 

Whilst this has been an ongoing issue, there have been recent improvements with Bedford Hospital finally allowing partners during labour. However, Cllr Martin-Moran-Bryant wants the hospital to take this further and allow birth partners to be present during all scans and appointments in-order to support those who are pregnant throughout the process and bring Bedford Hospital more in line with other local maternity wards at Milton Keynes and Lister hospitals.

 

Cllr Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant commented: “I spoke to many families who have used maternity services recently and it was a privilege to be able to share their stories with fellow councillors. The impact restrictions on them was clear and I felt it was very important to give women and families a voice. I was glad to have the support of councillors in not only thanking the hard-working maternity professionals but for also calling for birth partners to be able to provide greater support for women who are pregnant during these difficult times. “

 

ENDS

 

Notes to Editors:           

               

  • Milton Keynes allow 1 well adult (birth partner) throughout the process and all assessments

https://www.mkuh.nhs.uk/news/update-on-maternity-visiting-restrictions

 

  • Lister allow named birthing partner can attend throughout the process and all assessments

https://www.enherts-tr.nhs.uk/news/coronavirus-visitor-guidance/

 

Press Contacts:

Cllr Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant, Councillor for Great Bardford

Email: phillippamartinmoran@gmail.com

Phone: 07813 939249

 

Steve Vallance, Political Researcher, Bedford Borough Conservative Group

Email: stephen.vallance@bedford.gov.uk           

Phone: 07505 142460

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