Temporary maternity helpline at Peterborough hospital as coronavirus social distancing plea gets a lot of love

As a result the hospital is asking parents-to-be to instead call 01733 677256.

It said: “We will provide an update as soon as we have one. Thank you.”

Meanwhile, the hospital is using the power of social media to encourage people not to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Staff in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, some of whom are holding newborns, have posed for a photo with posters reading: “We are staying at work for you,” “please stay at home for us,” “so we can protect your babies.”

A message accompanying the photo on the hospital’s Facebook page states: “Even the little babies on our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit want to remind you to stay at home and help us reduce the spread of Covid-19.

“Stay at home. Protect our NHS. Save lives.”

The post has been warmly received with nearly 600 shares, while it has been ‘liked’ or ‘loved’ by 1,600 people.