Dads-to-be are to be allowed back into hospital to watch their partners having an ultrasound.

Partners had been banned during the coronavirus pandemic but now bosses at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford and the Queen Mary's Hospital in Sidcup have decided to ease restrictions.

From Monday a partner or birth partner can attend the 20-week ultrasound appointment. Face coverings must be worn except for those who are exempt.

A hospital spokesman said: "We have kept the restrictions under review throughout the pandemic and kept up with national guidance. Our greatest challenge is space, not only in our wards but in our outpatient areas.

"Delivering care while maintaining the two-metre distancing recommendations has been a challenge.

"But after a careful restructure of our rooms and appointment system, women and their partners can come straight to the ultrasound department and wait in the waiting room."

If the waiting room is full, patients and their partners will be asked to wait in the corridor. Children and additional relatives will still not be allowed.

* Darent Valley Hospital is holding a recruitment day for nurses on Tuesday, October 20 at the Marriott Hotel, Bexleyheath, from 10am to 4pm. Slots must be pre-booked here .

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