An online visitor booking system is now available for one birthing partner to book a slot to visit their loved one on Wards 24 (antenatal) and Ward 25 (postnatal) at University Hospital, Coventry.

To access the system and book your slot from Tuesday 25 August 2020 onwards, please visit: https://uhcw-visitors.co.uk

The system, funded by UHCW Charity, will allow you to book visiting slots from midday until 4pm seven days a week.

To book a visiting slot:

• Click on the booking system link.
• Select the site you’d like to visit.
• Select the Ward you’d like to visit – either Ward 24 (antenatal) or Ward 25 (postnatal) for birthing partners.
• Select a date and time for your visit.
• Enter your contact details.
• Agree to a disclaimer confirming that you have no symptoms of COVID-19.
• Once your booking is confirmed you will receive a confirmation text message.

Gaynor Armstrong, Group Director of Midwifery, said: “We understand how hard the visiting restrictions have been for family and friends of patients, and our team has been working extremely hard behind the scenes to allow visitors safely back into our hospital.

“The introduction of the visitor booking system is really positive news and it will enable us to ensure the safety of our patients, visitors and staff whilst reintroducing birthing partners.

“Following the launch of the system in the Maternity department we’re looking at introducing it into other areas of the Trust.

“We’d also like to say a huge thank you to everyone that has supported us during this difficult time.”

During your visit you will be expected to comply with social distancing rules and you will need to wear a face covering at all times.

As previously, chosen birth partners are able to stay on site throughout labour and birth for Labour Ward Triage and the Labour Ward.

Visiting on compassionate grounds remains the same and must be agreed with the Ward Manager or Nurse in Charge.

Please be advised that no visiting is currently permitted for the Antenatal Clinic or the Fetal Wellbeing Unit due to the restricted physical space within the waiting area and clinical rooms which means we are unable to maintain safe social distancing.

One partner is able to attend week 12 and 20 maternity scans and partners are still unable to attend growth scans at this moment in time.

Visiting restrictions at our hospitals are kept under continuous review. Thank you for your continued support in helping us to keep patients, visitors and staff safe.