Parental leave

Pregnancy

Every pregnancy is different, and everyone’s needs will vary. If you feel comfortable doing so, it can be helpful to let colleagues know about your pregnancy early. You should also inform your employer or trust as soon as possible so that a workplace risk assessment can be carried out and any necessary adjustments made.

Your trust should provide a copy of its maternity policy. The Medical Staffing or HR Department must be notified by the time you are 25 weeks pregnant.

Pregnant employees are entitled to paid time off for antenatal appointments. Partners are entitled to unpaid leave to attend up to two antenatal appointments, for a maximum of six and a half hours per appointment. If you are being assessed for adoption, you are entitled to reasonable paid time off for essential meetings.

As your pregnancy progresses, shift work and on-call commitments may become more challenging. This should be discussed as part of your risk assessment, including when it may be appropriate to stop undertaking on-call duties. Any changes to your working pattern should be agreed locally. Pay is usually protected where on-call duties are removed following agreement with your employer.