Due next week and my hospital is on lock down.

[Forevertired19]

The hospital closest to me is on lock down due to the norovirus. It started off as a few wards earlier this week but its spread incredibly quickly to every unit and ward. This potentially as I've read includes maternity.
So some areas open include maternity and triage, A&E and visitors for end of life patients.

So i have an 11 month old dd who I don't want to get ill obviously. My dp who will be with me for the birth was told last time not to use the toilet in the delivery suite. He was told to go on the ward or to the public ones near the shop (ages away) an all the wards are kept together. Including maternity after you've given birth.

I can't risk my dp getting ill, my dd getting ill and myself and ds getting ill. Especially a newborn baby as well as my milk not coming in straight away, I'm worried he will get dehydrated if he were to catch it.

Would I be able to stay at home for as long as possible and then transfer hospitals? I want to give birth in another local one and avoid the virus but I can't see a way around it. I'm tempted to have him at home but ideally I'd like to be in a hospital

It’s not Walsall manor is it? Seen today it’s closed due to norovirus.

You have the right to give birth in any hospital you like. They can't refuse you.
Obviously most women who deliver in hospital deliver in the hospital where they had their antenatal care but you can go to any hospital.

Sorry, to clarify, they can refuse you but only if they're at full capacity, not for any other reason.

So I'd be able to go to another local one? I'm having some worrying pains right now, like contractions but I'm not sure if they're braxton hicks at the moment. I really don't want to put my little boy at risk :(

Ring the next closest hospital so they can be prepared for your arrival. They won't be shocked.

Just seen your message. Yes, you can go to any hospital, unless they're at full capacity, they have to take you in.

I hope everything's OK.

You can go to a different one but if I am right and it is the manor, and the one you’re opting for is new cross don’t be surprised if they’re full. They were when I was in labour last year and it’s supposed to be way worse now. Do you have to be in a hospital or could you try the birth centre?

Our mlu is closed :( I would like Lichfield if I can

Lichfield is normally quiet so I can’t see any issues providing you’re low risk. Why don’t you give them a call tomorrow if you’re worried? One of my friends switched from Walsall to Lichfield last summer and said it was one of the best things she did.

You've given me so much relief! 😁 thank you! I wanted Lichfield for my daughter but I was told there was a huge waiting list which I couldn't get my head around. My midwife was so bad though. I'll give them a phone call tomorrow :)

I’ve not been but my friend said she was told they only so around 10 births a week on average (this was last summer) so I thought you’d be okay! Good luck!