PREGNANT women are now allowed to have one person join them for ultrasound scans at the John Radcliffe and Horton General Hospitals.

Following the relaxing of shielding guidelines Oxford University Hospitals, which runs both, has announced the rule change.

The trust said to ensure it can 'maintain a safe service', only one support person is allowed for the entire appointment and no children can be present.

It added the advice remained that anyone attending hospital must not have any Covid symptoms.

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Scans will be rearranged if a woman is not well.

Ali Cuthbertson, director of midwifery at the trust, said: "We know how much it means to women to have their partners present and so we are really pleased that following changes in national guidance we are now able to welcome them back.

"In order to keep everyone safe, children will not be able to be present, and each woman will only be able to bring one person with her.”

She added: "I would also like to take this opportunity to remind women that if they have an urgent problem, you can speak to a midwife or doctor day or night at our Maternity Assessment Unit."