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WQ.13/2025
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES BY DEPUTY L.K.F. STEPHENSON OF ST. MARY, ST. OUEN AND ST. PETER QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 27th JANUARY 2025
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 3rd FEBRUARY 2025
Question
"Will the Minister state the current policy regarding partners staying at the maternity unit before, during and following the birth of a child and advise whether the option for partners to stay overnight with the mother and child/children after birth (as some NHS trusts now accommodate) is being considered or factored into the plans and designs for the new hospital, and if not, why not?"
Answer
The current policy regarding partners staying at the maternity unit allows for partners to be present during labour and birth, as well as for an appropriate period afterward to support the mother and bond with their newborn baby. However, overnight stays are not currently accommodated due to space constraints, with only four single rooms and three four-bedded bays available. Privacy considerations and the need to maintain a restful environment for all patients on the maternity unit are also key factors.
The option for partners to stay overnight after birth is being actively reviewed as part of the planning and design process for the new hospital, which will feature all single-occupancy rooms. We recognize the importance of supporting families during this crucial time and are exploring ways to incorporate appropriate facilities, such as sleeper chairs, to enable partners to stay with the mother and baby if they wish to do so.