giving birth at the Kensington Wing...Dr ZOE PENN - any experience?

[Star111]

I have just recently found out I am pregnant :)
and I would like to consider taking private care at the Kensington Wing...in particular Dr Zoe Penn seems to have quite a lot of experience and we would like to book in the consultation with her....
ADVICE PLEASE if you can!!!!

Star 4+6

[kitstwins]

Had my baby at the Kensington Wing and it was amazing - very good care and support after a difficult delivery and NICU. Not cheap though. I had an EMCS and a week's stay due to complications and the whole thing (pregnancy, scans, delivery) probably came in at around £17k when you add it all up. We got around £4k back on insurance but it's worth being aware that the costs they give you are the bare minimum. If I'd had the vaginal delivery that I was aiming for then it probably would have been closer to £12k.

I also saw Zoe Penn during my pregnancy when my consultant was away - I loved her manner. She was very warm, relaxed and informative. She was my other top choice (I went for my consultant on a friend's recommendation) and I would have been 100% happy had she delivered my baby/taken over my care.

If you are going to book, book now. They get booked up incredibly quickly. I rang up at 4+2 to get my consultant and got him. A week or two later and I think his remaining 'slots' had all gone.

Feel free to ask any more questions.

[Star111]

thank you!!!!

I was actually addressed to Mark Johnson by some friends who are expecting twins in the new year but he's going to be on holiday around the time of delivery.....

I am now trying to book in with Zoe... her PA is back in the office today and she's gonna call me later to book an appointment.....

So excited!!!
Star 5+2

[okiecokie]

Hi Congratulations on your pregnancy! I was under the care of Zoe Penn for my second child. I liked her but then it turned out I was put under the care of Mark Johnson in my last week or so and he ended up delivering me. To be honest I prefered Prof Johnson and I wished he had been my consultant all the way through. There was nothing wrong with Zoe I just felt Prof Johnson was more thorough. I know you say he is not available but I did not end up being delieverd by the consultant I was with (and this can easily happen) so he still could be a consierdation? I know they work very closely together and cover each other. Maybe try and see them both for an initial chat and see who you prefer?

[Star111]

thanks okiecokie!
I'll have my first scan with Mina Savvidou this week (exciting!) and she is also part of the high risk team of Mark Johnson (together with Zoe Penn). At least I will have a chat with her as well!

Regarding Mark - the fact that he will be on holiday from July 12th for 3 weeks is kind of putting me off (my due date is 6th July)..... Zoe will also be away for 3-4 days (from the 5th-8th July!!!! how lucky eh!) but in that case maybe Mark will be there as well and anyway it will just be for a few days not 3 weeks.

And as you said there is no guarantee that the consultant who looked after you for the whole pregnancy will actually be there at the time of delivery.... so I think I will go with Zoe in the end.

It would be great to hear some more feedback about her though! I have my first consultation with her next Tuesday!!

[UsedToBeAContender]

I had Zoe for my deliveries and Mark had to step in when Zoe was away for one of them. I cannot speak highly enough of him or her, they are both marvellous!

[Star111]

wow!! that's great to hear!!
thank you :-)

[lilyrose1984]

I had both my children at the kensington wing, my daughter in may 2009, and my son just last Thursday. First time I opted for a female obstetrician who I won't name, but felt quite let down by my experience with her... There was nothing wrong with her approach, but I never felt particularly comfortable with her. However other people I know think she's great, so that is just my personal opinion.

This time round, I booked with Zoe Penn, and I couldn't have been happier. She was absolutely amazing. From my first visit I knew I was in good hands. She answered all my questions and was always on the other end of the phone to talk to as she gives you her mobile number so you can contact her with any queries, and answers texts very quickly.

I had a difficult birth (c section under general anaesthetic) and she was just brilliant, calm, reassuring (even holding my hand and giving me tissues when I was upset prior to surgery) and just lovely.

Once I was back in my room, she saw me every day spending a good amount of time chatting and discussing any concerns.

Today I needed to be checked over by a dr as I had a temperature etc, and she immediately asked me to come in to the Kensington wing and gave me a check up, again, very reassuring.

She is also very personable, although obviously her main concern is your pregnancy and the baby's well being, she is not above having a quick chat about day to say stuff-again, this may not suit everyone but I liked the fact she wasn't just about getting the medical checks over as quickly as possible and then getting you out!

Her PA, Marlene, is also brilliant, and very efficient.

I would absolutely recommend Zoe penn 100%. If we have a third child I will be booking with her the minute I get the positive result!

Hope that helps, good luck.

[Star111]

congratulations on your new baby!!! and thanks so much for finding the time to answer my message!!

It's been really helpful and detailed, thanks so so much again!!!

Wish you lots of happiness!

[lilyrose1984]

You're welcome. Good luck, let me know if you do book with her and how you get on!