Nottingham City Hospital - anyone given birth there?

[laa]

I'm moving to Newark and am expecteing baby no. 3. I'm wondering if there are any mumsnetters out there who have had their babies at Nottingham City Hospital or Lincoln County. What was it like and would you recommend it? Thanks!

[Posey]

My sister had her's at City and she had a good experience, despite it being quite a complcated birth. She's also a sonographer there so of course she would say the ultrasound department is fantastic!
Can't comment on Lincoln even though its my mum's local hospital (she's a bit past needing maternity services!)

[alibo]

Hi there laa, and welcome to Newark. I have only lived here for a couple of years, and am from Manchester. I don't know any mums in Newark, only husbands friends in Nottingham. I had my ds at City Hospital Nottingham, in February, and was advised that it is much a better hospital than Lincoln. The staff on labour suite were very good, and in general the midwives on the ward were good, with the exception of the odd one, but you get that anywhere don't you.? Our ds had to spend a few days on neonatal ward, and the staff and help and support we got there was brilliant. He was quite poorly with jaundice and we were both on the post natal ward for two weeks before we could go home, after loads of bloodtests. It was an awful time as he was under continual phototherapy,and could only get him out to feed him. dh has own company in Grantham and struggled to get to see us before visiting was over, and no relatives nearby either.However most staff were very helpful and gave a lot of support with breastfeeding, and night staff would look after him some nights in the nursery so I could get some rest. Some of the rooms on postnatal ward have 8 beds, some 4, 2 or single rooms. I was in a single room right at the end of the corridor which for 2 weeks made me feel very isolated, but would have been fine if only there for a couple of days, so try and avoid this. All the mums eat together in a dining room which gave you a chance to talk to others at meal times. So all in all, despite our stressful two weeks there, I would recommend you choose City over Lincoln. Oh ,one last thing- parking is a nightmare, make sure visitors allow PLENTY of time to park before visting hours!!
ps where abouts do you live in Newark?!

[woodpops]

Hi there, I've had 2 childrens at Nottingham City Hospital and they were great. I developed pre-eclampsia with ds so spent an awful lot of time in hospital on the pre-nantal ward. DD was born at Christmas and the midwives and staff went out of their way to make it special. Luckily I came out Xmas day. The patient hotel is REALLY good and I would highly reccomend it. THe only thing that is awful is the food. It is dire. Dh used to bring me food parcels in. If you're in the patient hotel however the food is alot better.

[woodpops]

Oooops, also meant to say I did the parentcraft classes at the City Hospital as well and they were excellent. I even did them with my second child as it's a way of meeting other woman who are due the same time as you. Have to agree with alibo though, Parking is a nightmare especially at the moment as they are building right next to the maternity unit on what used to be a car park so you're even more limited with parking. Goodluck.

[SueW]

It's might be possible to park on Edward's Lane more easily than in the hospital grounds themselves. Or the roads off there to the right. Bit of a trek from the maternity unit but free!

Haven't been over there for about a year though so I'm not sure if they have introduced restrictions whilst building.

[woodpops]

The other option is to park at the Harvester restaurant in Arnold then jump on the bus. It takes you right to the hospital, I think it's only 4 stops. Then you've not got the stress of tryibg to park. Edwards lane always seems to be quite busy lately but it is another option.

[fairydust]

i had my dd at nottingham QMC and it was lovely not only did i get my own room /which most people do you also get your own phone / t.v for a small charge

as the city is the main hospital for maternity QMC is a little quiter and alot more up to date as it's a teaching / university hospital.

[bbensley]

I had my dd at the city and couldn't fault it

The parentcraft classes were good too.

The parking is an absolute nightmare tho, you need to arrive at least 40 mins b4 any appointment to find a space!