Temporary changes to community midwifery arrangements

Temporary changes to the way community midwifery services are operating have been introduced as part of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s work to reduce the risk of infection from COVID-19.

Community midwifery teams over the next few weeks will be moving from existing locations in our communities and from some community hospitals into alternative temporary locations.

Home-from-home midwifery units will also temporarily close for the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak.

All Community Midwifery teams will be located as close as possible to their previous locations, and community midwives will be contacting women in their care to notify them of any changes to appointments.

Women do not need to contact their community midwives for more information, and will be called personally to inform them of any changes to the location of their appointments.

The Health Board will provide an update in the coming days with further details of where teams have temporarily moved.

As it stands, the community midwifery team based in Holywell have moved location, and will temporarily be based at Holywell Leisure Centre.

Dolgellau community midwives have moved to the Dolfeurig Centre.

Community Midwives in Colwyn Bay are now temporarily based at Eirias Park.

The Health Board will not be offering its usual home birthing service at its Midwifery Led Units in Dolgellau and Ysbyty Bryn Beryl, Pwllheli until further notice. However, the Along-Side Midwife Led Units in each of the maternity units remain open, with women able to go home soon after their birth if they and their baby are well.

Fiona Giraud, Director of Midwifery and Women’s Services, said “We know this is a particularly worrying time for women.

“These temporary changes are part of our work to do everything we can to prevent infections and keep pregnant women safe.

“Most postnatal checks are now being carried out by phone, but new mums will still be able to bring their baby to a community clinic for newborn screening to take place.”

New and expectant mums are reminded to follow the UK Government’s guidance on not meeting or allowing visitors from people outside of their household.