Rules around visiting maternity wards are being tightened at one Kent hospital in a bid to tackle the threat posed by the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

Anyone joining pregnant women being admitted to Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford must now provide evidence of a negative lateral flow test before being allowed in.

The hospital trust says the "difficult decision" comes into effect from today (Wednesday).

People attending with an expectant mother must return or show evidence of the negative test on admission or prior to being transferred to the maternity wards.

Fathers or birthing partners attending with a woman in labour or emergencies will have to take a test before being allowed into the hospital.

In a statement, the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust said this would happen "as soon as possible and ideally prior" to being transferred to the ward.

All birth partners must return daily negative lateral flow tests through their hospital stay and only one named person is allowed to join a woman in labour, the trust said.

The statement added: "This birth partner is welcomed to stay in the antenatal ward during induction of labour or once a woman is in labour.

"Birth partners are also supported over the 24-hour period to stay on delivery suite. This must be the same person throughout the hospital stay."

It means siblings of newborns or any other visitors will not be allowed to attend hospital during the birth under the new rules.

The trust said: "Flexible visiting will be supported in exceptional circumstances only.

"Birth partners will be expected to wear a mask at all times on hospital premises, unless there is a medical indication not to do so. Regular hand hygiene is encouraged.

"A symptom checker will be carried out on women and partners daily, this will include documenting lateral flow test results for partners.

"These restrictions will be reviewed weekly against the local and regional situation."

The trust says the new restrictions will be in place "until further notice".

For more information and the latest updates on visiting head to the trust website(www.dgt.nhs.uk/.../a-z-services/maternity-services)