At Lancashire Teaching Hospitals it is our priority that pregnant people have a support partner throughout pregnancy and birth. It is also important that we do all we can to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19 and keep everyone who use our services and our staff safe.
We know that 1 in 3 people with Covid-19 do not have symptoms. In order to maintain a safe environment, lateral flow self-testing is advised to ensure that we can prevent the spread of the virus.
All pregnant women and people, including their support partners are asked to arrange their own lateral flow test 24 hours before they come to attend any early pregnancy or antenatal appointment, ultrasound scan or consultation both in the hospital and community settings as well as when visiting neonatal unit.
It is important that you know this ask is not mandatory and will not affect your access to use any of the services, however, we really do hope that you will support our efforts in protecting everyone who use and provide all services at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals.
At the time of appointment you and your support partner will be be asked the Covid-19 screening questions and for proof of a recent negative test result. Irrespective of the test result, the level of our care will not be affected, but it will allow us to work together to see what the best course of action is to continue providing your care. This may mean we postpone appointments if possible, however, if the appointment is not able to be delayed, we will work with you and your support partner to look at the best way to approach providing your care.
It is asked that all lateral flow test results are reported via the online reporting system. This will generate an email and a text message confirmation of the result. This result provides proof of a recent negative test and this should be brought to each appointment.
FAQ - What else do you need to know?
Lateral flow tests should only be used if you do not have symptoms. If you do have symptoms of COVID-19, you must have a PCR test at your local test site or pharmacy test kits.
If you have to come into hospital for a more urgent or unexpected appointments the usual screening questions will be undertaken prior to attendance to the setting and an ID now rapid test may be undertaken.
If a test result is positive
We understand that a positive test result for COVID-19 is worrying at any time including in pregnancy. If you or anyone in your household tests positive:
- Everyone in the household must self-isolate immediately.
- The person who tests positive must get a PCR test to confirm the result (a PCR test is a different type of COVID-19 test).
- Contact the department you are due to attend and speak with a midwife. The midwife will make a plan with you regarding whether you should attend the planned appointment or whether it is safer to postpone.
It is important that you contact the maternity assessment suite (Triage) on 01772 524495 if you test positive and you are concerned about the wellbeing of your baby’s movement or if you feel unwell at any time. Do not delay calling us as we will make arrangements for you to be seen.
Antenatal appointments are important for the safety and wellbeing of you and your baby, so as long as your lateral flow is negative you should proceed with the planned appointment.
