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Restricted visiting for maternity services

Posted By velazy85

"Restricted visiting for maternity services"

About: Armadale Hospital / Birth Suite (and Antenatal Assessment Unit) Armadale Hospital / Maud Bellas Maternity Ward & Neonatal Nursery

(as the patient),

I had my birth planning session at Armadale outpatient clinics after the 3 day snap lockdown. My partner on arrival was asked to leave. Our baby is due in several weeks and it scares me to think with current restrictions that my partner will only be allowed in for "active labour" and then will be asked to leave after an hour.

I have anxiety and a history of depression. This will have (including outpatient appointments) follow on effects for the mental health of myself and my partner.

We all wear masks. We are all in the community and having private gatherings. We live in the same household. Covid or not we need our birthing partner for the entirety of our maternity care. This is a life-changing event with major mental health implications if not handled the right way.

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Responses

Response from Diane Barr, Executive Director, Armadale Kalamunda Group 2 years ago
Diane Barr
Executive Director,
Armadale Kalamunda Group

Submitted on 11/05/2021 at 3:36 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 3:44 PM

picture of Diane Barr

Dear velazy85,

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback following your recent antenatal outpatient appointment.

Firstly, I would like to extend my sincere apologies for the miscommunication you and your partner experienced on this particular occasion. I can confirm that your partner should not have been advised to leave the appointment and that even during the COVID lockdown recently, there was no time restrictions on partners in the birthing suite.

Although COVID-19 has changed at times how we welcome patients and visitors to our hospital, it would appear that there was a misunderstanding by staff in this instance. Your feedback has highlighted the importance of ensuring the correct information is promoted and understood.

I can assure you that our service recognises that becoming a parent is one of the most significant events in a person’s life and appreciate how important it is for women to have their support network available to them. I am sorry for any distress or confusion that this caused to you or your partner.

We would like the opportunity to discuss your experience further with you. Should you wish for this to occur please contact the Consumer Engagement Office on (08) 9391 1153 to arrange this.

Kind regards

Di Barr

Executive Director

Armadale Kalamunda Group

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