Within this information, we may use the terms "woman" and "women". However, we recognise that not only people who identify as women may want to access this content. Your care should be personalised, inclusive and sensitive to your needs, whatever your gender identity.
COVID-19 guidance
Please do not attend the hospital if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
Please follow these measures to help keep virus transmission low:
- Wear masks at all times in the ward and clinic areas
- Use hand washing/sanitising facilities in the building and on the ward
- Follow personal protective equipment (PPE) guidance, as instructed by staff
General guidance for visitors to maternity
This guidance is subject to change as COVID-19 restrictions are tightened or relaxed.
Please note that the designated birth partner referred to in the following guidance must be the same person for each visit.
Heartlands Hospital antenatal clinic
Please be aware that the antenatal clinic at Heartlands Hospital is located in the Heartlands Treatment Centre (HTC).
Directions
- Enter via the main entrance of Heartlands Hospital
- Go up to the first level past Marks & Spencer on the right and Pharmacy on the left
- Go through the double doors, then through another set of doors on your right, which leads into Heartlands Treatment Centre
- Carry on through two more sets of doors and take a left to Area A, which has purple chairs in the waiting area
Antenatal Clinic and Maternity Triage Assessment Unit
One partner can attend all appointments.
Ultrasound scans
One partner can attend all scan appointments. However, we regret that children may not accompany expectant mothers to these appointments.
Delivery Suite and midwifery-led units
One support partner is welcome 24 hours a day. This support partner can be swapped once a day, however we ask that you do not swap between 10:00 and 06:00.
A second support partner can be with you when you are in established labour.
Due to safety, please note that children will not be able to visit on our main delivery suite.
Induction of labour
Women are asked to attend the hospital at the appointed time in the morning for the induction of labour process to begin, with one designated birth partner who may remain with you until 20:00 if labour has not commenced.
Antenatal inpatient and postnatal ward visiting
One support partner is welcome 24 hours a day. This support partner can be swapped once a day, however we ask that you do not swap between 22:00 and 06:00.
Two additional named adult visitors (at any one time) will be welcome to visit at any of the following times:
| Afternoon | 14:00 – 16:00 |
|---|---|
| Evening | 18:00 – 20:00 |
Brothers and sisters of the new baby are welcome to visit between 14:00 and 16:00, and between 18:00 and 20:00 on wards.
Please note that children must be accompanied at all times whilst on the ward and not left in the care of the patient themselves.
Please be mindful of the comfort of other patients and families whilst on the ward, such as limiting noise levels and electronic device use.
Please note, all support partners and visitors are required to provide their name on arrival for security and fire safety requirements.
We ask that support partners bring their own drinks and food, wear appropriate clothing and are well rested. We encourage support partners to help with the patient’s comfort and wellbeing, infant feeding and baby care throughout their stay on the ward.
Should you wish to meet visitors outside of the Maternity unit, for example in the hospital restaurant, please discuss this with your midwife.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping to keep our women and babies safe.
Last reviewed: 24 June 2025