A "ROUND the clock" visitation policy at Glasgow’s largest hospital has been hit with complaints.

Staff and patients have hit out as birth partners have been allowed to spend the night in maternity wards at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

A whistleblower contacted the Glasgow Times after the “open visitation” was introduced last month.

The midwife, who asked not to be named, said new mums have complained about the controversial policy due to feeling uncomfortable being surrounded by male birth partners who have set up camp in bays to support family and friends after delivery.

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The changes mark a significant shift in visitation policy throughout the pandemic. Just last year, the same wards only accepted visits for one hour in the afternoon and another in the evening, with each name of the chosen guest being provided to midwives prior to arrival.

At the time, new dads complained they were being kept from bonding with their newborns and helping their wives and partners as they recover from giving birth.

While the changes may be welcomed by some new parents who are keen to spend time, others have said it has caused concerns about privacy.

It’s understood the policy is at the discretion of the head midwife, who may opt to alter visitation times depending on the needs of staff and patients.

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When contacted directly, midwives said 10am to 10pm was the advised visiting time for family and friends, however, more flexibility was available for birth partners to assist women following labour.

A spokesperson said: “Within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, we encourage and support people to stay connected to those who matter most in their lives while they are in hospital through person centred visiting, and as such we have no set visiting times.

“In line with national strategies, we welcome and encourage the involvement of birth partners at all stages of a woman's time staying in the maternity unit, including staying with women after they have given birth.

“However, we always aim to respect women's needs and act on an individual basis to ensure safety, privacy and dignity at all times. Because of this – and because of specific challenges in terms of space and other issues at some of our sites – we are taking a managed approach to this policy to ensure it is implemented appropriately at each of our maternity units.

"We are working collaboratively with our staff, and through feedback from those who use our service, to inform and shape our actions.

“If any woman has any issues with privacy, dignity or safety, we would encourage them to speak to a member of staff so that we can work to address their concerns.”