Updated: July 2026

Patient visiting is under constant review and is based on patient and staff feedback.

Introduction to Overnight Visiting

We welcome overnight visiting in the Maternity Unit at WWL NHS Foundation Trust for one birth partner. This offer has been introduced in response to feedback from women who have experienced a difficult birth or emergency procedures.

We understand that having support overnight can make a meaningful difference -providing practical help with care, encouraging family bonding, and helping to ease anxiety for new mothers.

We encourage birth partners who stay overnight to remain actively involved in supporting care and wellbeing, recognising that ward environments are not designed for visitor rest.

Please note that the named birth partner should remain the same throughout the overnight stay and cannot be changed or swapped.

Staying overnight may affect your rest, so you may find it more beneficial to go home and return when you are rested.

If you are feeling overtired or have any existing health conditions, we strongly encourage you to consider whether an overnight stay is the best option.

Please note that we are unable to provide additional comfort facilities such as beds, showers, or food and drink. A standard chair will be available at the bedside; we are working towards have reclining chairs available.

To help ensure the safety and wellbeing of all mothers and babies, we ask that all overnight visitors follow hospital guidance, including Infection prevention and control and Fire safety procedures’

Our current Maternity Visiting Policy is as follows:

One named birth partner can visit at any time to support whilst admitted on the Maternity ward, Delivery suite, Induction Bay, Day assessment unit and Maternity triage. This will be supported by agreement to our guidance for birth partner overnight visiting,
When attending the hospital one support person can attend Maternity triage and Delivery suite with you; when it is confirmed that you are in active labour a second support person can be invited to attend with you if you wish. They will remain with you throughout your birth until your transfer to the postnatal ward, at which point your second support person will be required to leave the hospital, and your main support person may stay.
New grandparents can attend the Delivery suite for a short visit prior to transfer to the Maternity ward if you wish, this will be a maximum of 2 at a time as well as one birth support (maximum of 3 in total)
Patients undergoing an elective caesarean section will be admitted to the Maternity ward and can bring one support person with them.
Patients’ children and two further visitors can visit, if desired, between 2pm - 8pm on the Maternity ward (maximum of three in total)

One Support Person can attend all antenatal hospital and community appointments including any pregnancy scans. We continue to ask that children do not attend routine antenatal appointments where possible but understand on occasion children may need to attend.
We fully recognise that there are times when women will require additional family support/ visits which can be discussed and agreed on an individual basis with your Midwife.

Partners and visitors will be asked not to attend:

Please avoid visiting if you are unwell (e.g. cold, flu, vomiting, or diarrhoea). If you are unsure, please speak to the midwife in charge.
Visitors who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be asked to leave.

Birth Partner Overnight Visiting Information and Guidance

We kindly ask that you take a few moments to read the information below if you are considering staying overnight on the Maternity Unit.

We welcome overnight visiting in response to feedback from women who have experienced complex births or emergency procedures. We recognise that having a trusted birth partner present overnight can provide reassurance, emotional support, and practical help with care and early bonding.

We encourage birth partners who stay overnight to remain actively involved in supporting care and wellbeing, recognising that ward environments are not designed for visitor rest.

The same named birth partner must remain throughout the overnight stay and cannot be changed.

Staying overnight may impact your own rest and wellbeing. You may find it more beneficial to go home and return when you are rested. If you are overtired or have any health concerns, please consider whether staying overnight is the best option.

Please note that we are unable to provide additional facilities for visitors such as beds, showers, or food and drink. A standard chair will be available at the bedside; we are working towards providing reclining chairs in the future.

To maintain a safe, calm, and respectful environment, we ask that all overnight visitors follow the guidance below.

Thank you for your support and cooperation.

Guidance for Birth Partner Overnight Visiting

We are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all patients, visitors, and staff. Where behaviour falls outside of these expectations, staff may ask visitors to leave. In some circumstances, additional support from security may be required, and serious incidents may be referred to the police.

Health and Safety

Please do not attend if you are unwell (e.g. cold, flu, vomiting, or diarrhoea). If unsure, speak to the midwife in charge.
Visitors who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be asked to leave.
Children are not permitted to stay overnight.

Ward Conduct and Safety

Please remain close to your partner’s bedside wherever possible.
Be mindful that not all women will have visitors and may feel uncomfortable with unfamiliar people nearby.
Where clinically appropriate, staff may request that curtains remain open to allow observation and timely care.
If the fire alarm sounds, follow staff instructions immediately.

Baby Safety

Babies must remain within the ward area at all times.
After feeding, changing, or cuddling, please return your baby to the cot.
Avoid walking around the ward while holding your baby.
Do not sleep with your baby in your arms or in the bed.

Personal Conduct

Visitors must remain fully dressed at all times (pyjamas or underwear alone are not suitable).
If undertaking skin-to-skin contact, clothing should be replaced afterwards.
Non-slip footwear should be worn (no bare feet or socks only).
Visitors must not use hospital beds, including empty beds.
We recommend that valuables are left at home or secured in the bedside cabinet.
Please keep personal belongings to a minimum and ensure the bedside area remains tidy and accessible for staff.

Noise and Environment

Please help maintain a calm environment by keeping noise to a minimum.
Avoid phone, video, or FaceTime calls between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM.

Movement and Facilities

If you anticipate needing to leave frequently (for example, to smoke), an overnight stay may not be suitable.
A visitor toilet is available on the second floor; there are no visitor facilities on the ward.
Please keep movement around the hospital to a minimum overnight.

Ward Access

Access to the ward is controlled via a swipe system. Staff will prioritise patient care, so there may occasionally be a short delay when entering or leaving.

Visitors are generally unable to leave and re-enter between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM, except for essential reasons such as using toilet facilities or obtaining refreshments.

Identification

If you remain on the ward overnight, you will be issued with a coloured name band to help staff identify you.

Questions, Concerns and Feedback

If you have any concerns during your stay:

During the day, please speak to the Midwife in Charge, Ward Manager, or Matron.
Out of hours, you can ask to speak with the Midwife in Charge or Delivery Suite Coordinator.

We welcome feedback about your experience. Please speak to a member of staff to access a Friends and Family feedback card.

If you have any questions about this guidance, please speak to a member of staff.