Queens, Broomfield or Basildon - which hospital?

[DeliciouslyHella]

I'm currently expecting DC2 and am moving to Brentwood (Essex) next month. From my understanding, I should be able to access maternity services at any of the above hospitals.

Any advice on making a choice? People I've spoken to have had good experiences at each. In terms of distance, they're all much a muchness.

[NuffSaidSam]

I would avoid Queens at all costs based on things I've seen in the news rather than personal experience. Don't know that much about the other two though.

[OldBooks]

SIL had a good experience at Broomfield. Agree avoid Queens at all costs

[Scarydinosaurs]

Basildon will be the quickest drive due to traffic, if that makes a difference to you.

[Blondie1984]

Definitely not Queens. Personally I would go to Broomfield

[SingToMeInFrench]

Brookfield maternity failed their inspection last year? Basildon is rated outstanding currently.

Gave birth at Broomfield 4 yrs ago, great experience- but have moved and now under Basildon. Due to have a homebirth, but have been admitted to Basildon maternity a few times and they have been wonderful.

[Scarydinosaurs]

I am on my third 'complicated' pregnancy at Basildon. They are wonderful, but my best advice is never ever call. Go in. It's a pain, but anytime I've needed something urgently sorting I've never had calls returned, and have learnt if I go in and see the midwives they sort it straight away and they're brilliant.

[DeliciouslyHella]

Thank you everyone, you've definitely given me food for thought. I've heard very good things about both Basildon and Queens from people I know who've had babies there in the last year or so.

I'm still not convinced there's much difference in distance though... the A127 is a cruel mistress!

[PerspicaciaTick]

I'd go with Basildon every time. In fact I did, twice and was personally very happy with my care.
Very good maternity services - the hospital overall is rated Good by the CQC and the maternity service themselves are rated Outstanding. It was the first maternity dept. in England to get the Outstanding rating and it was at the forefront of achieving the Unicef Baby Friendly accreditation.

[Scarydinosaurs]

Deliciously- I've done many trips to Basildon and Chelmsford at different times of the day- Basildon every time! There are the back routes from Brentwood and you can cut out the A127. My last labour was 40 min, speed is important for me

[60sname]

I had a great experience at Broomfield a year or so ago, though it definitely helped that it was a quiet day and an easy birth.

[JessB15]

Hello there,

I'n due in September this year and have been looking around hoping to hear of of other mums experiences with delivering at Basildon hospital recently? How did it go for you?

Thanks!

[DeliciouslyHella]

I decided in the end to go with Basildon, based partially on the recommendations from here.

I've got to say, I've been really impressed with them. I've had a high risk pregnancy and have been treated well since transferring my care. Am going in to be induced on Monday and will update about my experience once it's all done.

[MrsPicklesonSmythe]

I know you e made your decision but for anyone else deciding I'm not sure why people have said definitely not Queens. My experience there was absolutely fine. Everything was clean and I was well cared for. I have no hesitation in going back for this one.

[JessB15]

Wish you the best @deliciouslyhella! x

[ShortThing94]

I'm currently under Basildon for my first child and I've had no issues whatsoever.

@JessB15 when are you due in Sept? So am I

[JessB15]

Do hope it all went well for deliciouslyhella at Basildon.

@ShortThing94, I'm due on 20/9 and have an appointment to schedule my second csection much to the dislike of my consultant. Regrettably, there is lack of concern that a vbac may not be the safer option for me based on previous medical advise so I'd rather avoid an instrumental delivery/episiotomy.

[DeliciouslyHella]

Everything went really well at Basildon and DD is 3 weeks old today.

In the end, DD got very distressed during the induction and I ended up having a 'crash' EMCS under GA. Despite things not going to plan, I couldn't be happier with the care I received. All of the midwives were incredible, as were the doctors.

I was also really nervous about having to go onto the postnatal ward as I'd had a bad experience at another hospital. It was great. The care on Cedar Ward was fabulous and I felt so calm the whole time.

[Sami1234]

I heard about many incidents that took place at queens years ago before I got pregnant with ds1. Since being under special measure they have gone from bottom to top . I decided to have my baby there and I am sooo glad I did - the service they delivered was outstanding! And I usually have high expectations. Could not fault them - they were so amazing from start to finish. Now for my second baby there's no question about it I'll be having it at queens too. So please don't listen to the other comments on here warning you against queens.