Important Information: The use of face coverings and gloves when coming to into hospital

People infected with COVID-19 can have very mild or no respiratory symptoms (asymptomatic) and can transmit the virus to others without being aware of it.
 
Following recommendations from the World Health organisation, and in line with UK government guidance, on Monday 15 June 2020 new measures were introduced at KGH to keep visitors, patients and staff safe; the need to wear a face covering at all times inside our hospital. To find out more.  
 
On Monday 19th July 2021, some restrictions changed in England however the hospital still requires visitors and staff to wear face coverings. 

Please remove your gloves - Good hand hygiene is one of the keys to defeating Coronavirus

  • If you are wearing gloves when attending our clinics you will be asked to remove them
  • We will ask that you wash your hands with soap or sanitiser
  • You may sanitise your hands and reapply your gloves before you leave

Smoking in Pregnancy

Stopping smoking in pregnancy is the best thing you can do for the your health and that your baby.

Smoking in pregnancy increases your risk of suffering from a miscarriage, delivering a stillborn baby, experiencing a neonatal death or sudden infant death (SIDs). Babies are also more likely to be born prematurely or growth restricted. This is because the poisons cigarettes deliver, go through the placenta and reduces the baby's access to oxygen. This includes, among other toxins, a poisonous gas called Carbon Monoxide. Every time you smoke a cigarette, or are exposed to passive smoke, carbon monoxide passes through the placenta, reduces the oxygen to your baby and makes their heart beat faster.
 
The earlier you can stop smoking in your pregnancy, the smaller these risks are. We know that with the right support, quitting is four times more likely. Your midwife will therefore offer you a referral to our stop smoking specialist pregnancy team at your booking appointment. The service is free, personal and can provide you with Nicotine Replacement Therapy.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is dangerous to you and your baby and is found in cigarettes but is also present in faulty boilers and car exhaust fumes.
 
We are lucky enough to have monitors that assess carbon monoxide exposure. This assessment was paused during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, however following on from national advice, we are able to offer this service again as part of routine maternity care. This testing is offered to all women, regardless of smoking status. You can read more information on  why carbon monoxide screening matters .