UCH v Whit for elcs

[NotSpartacus]

I have reached that part of my pregnancy where
I have to choose a hospital. I'll be having an elcs (after two emcs). The Whit is nearer to my home, and I had DD2 there in 2009. The postnatal ward was a zoo, but ante natal care was fine. UCH is shiny and newish and surgeries I have had there before have been good.
Does anyone have a view about or experience of elcs at one of these?

[tethersend]

I've had two elcs at UCH, both went very smoothly and I couldn't fault the aftercare.

[WindYourBobbinUp]

The postnatal ward at the Whitt is still a zoo. I lovingly refer to it as Jeremy Kyle's waiting room. I think all postnatal wards are pretty shit though?

[NotSpartacus]

Thanks both. You make a good point, WYBU. Now I come to think of it, the idea of ANY (London) postnatal ward is a pretty horrid one, which is unfortunate when you can't produce a baby vaginally and you know you'll end up in the hospital for at least a few days.
Had been leaning towards UCLH for various reasons, including that I can donate cord blood there, but I've read that they let men stay overnight on the ward. I sound rather prim, but I don't like the idea of random men about. I felt so vulnerable the last two times I gave birth... So that might be the decider.

[Totality22]

I had both DC at UCH (normal deliveries) and hated the postnatal ward... was in 36h first time and just 5.5h the second time.

Everyone I know personally that has had a section has been at Whittington though this isn't a massive sample as I don't know that many people who have had sections and I've never heard any massive complaints about experience / aftercare.

[WindYourBobbinUp]

They let men stay at the Whitt too which I did feel uncomfortable with as I was on my own a lot as DH couldn't stay every night. A lot of noise and arguments from inconsiderate arses. I was on the postnatal ward 8 days after my c section there. My own opinion but I felt they relied on partners rather than staff for aftercare somewhat e.g. getting water, clean sheets, medication etc. It won't apply to you hopefully but as I had a preemie our care was pretty bad, the staff didn't realise and had "no time" to read notes.
Still if I'd had a straightforward birth and gone home the next day I'd probably be saying it was great (although I'm not using them this time!)