Heartbroken partners hit out at Sheffield hospital over strict maternity rules
The strict safety measures enforced on Jessop’s Wing to curb the spread of Covid-19 may be necessary, but many expectant parents said they could have been relaxed especially for support partners.
This came in light of a complaint by a Sheffield dad-to-be who was left heartbroken for not being able to hear his unborn child's heartbeats as he was not allowed access to routine scans with his wife.
A man, who left a comment on The Star's Facebook page said he had to face a similar situation when his partner was pregnant with their first child.
He wrote: "My partner gave birth on the 7th of December, I wasn't allowed to any of the scans or appointments.
"I only was 'fortunate' to hear my daughters heart beat after my partner had a seizure and they allowed me in the room while they were checking the baby's heartbeat.
"After the birth, I was only allowed to see my partner and my daughter for 40 minutes. This was my first child and I was robbed of so many firsts and special moments with my partner.
Another reader said he and his partner had to go to a private hospital as he had to miss every single routine scan.
"Until she's born in February, I will have only heard her heartbeat twice. Heartbreaking really!"
Despite the strict safety measures in place, a woman said she was provided with necessary help and the hospital staff were nothing but amazing.
"I had my baby in August, I was induced because of no growth. I had routine scans throughout my pregnancy and when I went to see the consultant I was able to ring my husband and have him in speaker so he could ask any questions and hear what was being said.
"The midwives were so lovely and helpful, he was able to come and see me for an hour and while I was in labour. I had him in the phone the whole time and the midwives made sure my phone was close at all times so he could hear me and as soon as I was in labour,” she said.
Following the criticism, the maternity wing said they would ease the restrictions in stages into the New Year.