The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust is now allowing one support partner for all women attending antenatal appointments and ultrasound scans at hospitals in the county including Ludlow.

This began from Monday, April 19.

With the support of Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council, maternity services users and their chosen support partner can access a Lateral Flow Test prior to attending antenatal and ultrasound scan appointments.

The introduction of this testing will enable a chosen support person to accompany women to some appointments whilst also ensuring the safety of staff and other people using maternity services.

Testing will also allow the trust to work more quickly towards the full reinstatement of visiting to maternity services.

Support partners cannot currently attend antenatal appointments at GP surgeries; however, we are working with GP colleagues and will update on any changes as soon as possible.