Private room in nhs hospitals

[BunnyB39]

Hi all! Am hoping some of you can help me... Am expecting my fifth baby in feb and am due to have an elective c section. I am trying to find hospitals within about 45 mins from where I live (Watford) that offer the option of an nhs delivery, but also a private room ( that is pre-bookable) for after delivery. I understand that lots of hospitals have amenity rooms, but these are not pre- bookable. I know that Watford General have private rooms in the Knutsford Suite, but sadly my consultant there is being a bit of a @&££?! And that it the reason for my search for another hospital similar amenities. If any of you could help, I'd appreciate it! TIA ??

[fertilityFTW]

If you're having an ELCS they do prefer for you to be on the ward for at least the first night as they can keep a closer eye on you, in the rooms you tend to be out of sight and a little out of mind and you will need monitoring after surgery (I was grateful for it as I was helped with picking up the baby to BF etc. and someone or other was around all night in case I needed anything, even just reassurance). The following night it was easy enough to score a room, as I had asked them to keep me in mind for one the day before and they popped me in there as soon as I was able to walk and get to the loo on my own.
Doesn't directly answer your question but may be a consideration.

[FavaBeanPyramidScheme]

I had a pre-booked private room on a private ward after an NHS ELCS - no mention of needing to be on an open ward for the first night.

I can't help with the location though as it was in Oxford.

[Pico2]

Could you change consultant rather than have to travel miles?

[BunnyB39]

I tried that, but the other consultants at my hospital defer to my original one and have said their hands are tied!

[Pico2]

That's crap. Could you ask PALS if you have any right to change consultant?

[Missmidden]

No help, but I can confirm that you can't pre book one at the Luton an dDunstable, which is probably within range. I had an ELCS there in July and tried to pre book but no luck. I actually ended up with a private room, however, after they discovered I was an MRSA carrier so they could barrier nurse me. The whole post natal experience was just as ghastly in the private room than it was last time round on the ward, sadly IME!

[curiousgeorgie]

Pretty useless to you as it was in Epsom, but I paid for a private room after both my C Sections there..

[BunnyB39]

Not looking too hopeful. You'd think as I trained as a student midwife at Watford, I'd qualify for some special treatment, but no such luck...!

[catnip85]

Bunny, if you find somewhere nearby that offers private rooms to book let me know- that was one of the questions I was going to ask on my visit to Watford! Might be worth asking at stoke Mandeville as I think that's the next closest...