Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking with NHT Trusts to widen access to covid-19 testing to birthing partners of expectant mothers to allow them more access to the birthing facility and more time with the mother and new baby.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare services have been working hard to support patients and their families and carers, while still ensuring that these services are safe. The National Health Service has made arrangements to ensure that women are supported and cared for safely through pregnancy, birth and the period afterwards during this pandemic.