There’s been some easing of Covid restrictions at the Jane Crookall maternity unit - and more could be lifted early next month.

Since the lockdown, no visitors have been allowed at the Jane. Under Covid restrictions, birth partners had not been allowed onto the maternity unit until the woman was in active labour and had to leave shortly after the baby was born when the new mum goes on to the ward.

But a recent change means that one essential visitor is allowed where an expectant mother is admitted to the unit before they go into labour.

This must be by agreement with the clinical team, for a limited time each day and it must be the same person each day.

At a Covid public question and answer session, Health Minister David Ashford was asked why fathers-to-be could not wear PPE and be allowed to stay with their partner on the unit.

Mr Ashford said: ’I know this is causing great concern and great angst among many soon-to-be parents who feel they are not going to get that level of comfort that they would under normal circumstances. We recognise that and we will be constantly reviewing the position.’

Acting chief executive at the Department of Health and Social Care Kathryn Magson said: ’We do understand the potential uncertainty this may bring and people will worry about what their experience will be. We are very aware of how the expectant mum and family might feel.

’We are starting to open things up. You will start to see some changes in the next couple of weeks as we relax more broader measures. There will be a transition from where we are now to more universal procedures.

’My expectation is that at the beginning of July it will start to feel different in some settings, and other settings will follow thereafter. There are loads of things the team will do to help support families.’