PARTNERS will be allowed to attend 20-week scan appointments at Poole Hospital's maternity department from today.

Rules have been adjusted for the first time since the start of lockdown.

Pregnant women will still have to attend all other scan appointments on their own.

And there will be no post-natal visits.

One birth partner can be there throughout labour and birth.

Strict regulations were imposed in hospitals across the UK in March in a bid to stem the spread of coronavirus and keep hospital patients safe.

A spokesman for the hospital said: "Your partner must be from the same household as you or be in your 'social bubble' as per government guidelines. Please ensure that you and your partner wear a face covering whilst in the hospital.

"Over the coming weeks we will be phasing in revised visiting arrangements to other areas of maternity. We thank you for your continued patience and support."