Referral to hospital out of area

[sameplacebutdifferent]

Hi,

I'm new here and hoping that someone might be able to advise me as to my rights.

I had my first baby at a London hospital (St THomas'). However, since then, we have moved and we are now in a different area. I am hoping to be referred back to St Thomas' for this baby, as I would really like to have this baby there too...

How likely is it that I can successfully request a transfer back to my old hospital? We are now about 20 minutes away, maybe slightly longer, by public transport.

Also, for the first birth, I transferred to the private wing for the later stages of ante natal care and for post natal care. I am hoping not to do that this time around, as money is much tighter.

Is this likely to affect the chances of me being referred?

Any advice would be really gratefully receieved. I have an appointment with my GP tomorrow and would really appreciate knowing where I stand, as last time (though totally different GP, obviously) I really felt I got pushed into some decisions, which is why I felt I had to transfer to the private section.

Thanks,

[Bramshott]

I did this (not St Thomas' but similar situation and distance). I was keen to stick with the hospital where I'd had DD1 because of continuity of care, easy access to my notes etc.

TBH, at the end of it all, after many lengthy trips to the ante-natal clinic (1 hr round trip), being told I couldn't attend my local ante-natal classes because they were only for people giving birth at our local hospital, and then DD2 arriving in the car before we had actually arrived at the hospital, I sort of wished I hadn't really!! In hindsight I think I should have seen someone at the local hospital and asked them how they would manage the continuity of care, if they could get access to my notes etc.

[Bramshott]

Sorry, should also have said that there was no problem with the GP over being referred to my original hospital - the byword is patient choice these days!

[Haribosmummy]

Thankyou for the response.

I am keen to see the same consultant as I had to to a caesarean and would like to see the same consultant as I would like to choose to have a caesarean this time.

[ohdearwhatamess]

I did this with both dcs (not St Thomas' though). I wanted to be under the same consultant I'd had for gynae stuff and fertility treatment. GP was fine with it (positively recommended it for ds2).

Only problem I found was that they did their maternity notes differently and the local mw (based at the GP's practice) moaned every time about that.

[EldonAve]

St Thomas' are restricting out of area referrals at the moment so it depends on your luck I think

My GP wouldn't even refer me as everyone is being refused but with a 4+ week delay so sometimes missing the nuchal scan

[suwoo]

I'm not in London so realise it may be different elsewhere in the country. I'm having DS3 at the same hospital I had my other 2 at which is a good 45-60 min away. We pass 3 other hospitals on the way. Its been no problem with them or the community midwives who are used to women using the other hospitals.

[Haribosmummy]

Well, it looks like EldonAve is right...

I've been told I have to wait for a letter (which will be sent via the GP ) which, as far as I can see, is almost certainly going to be a refusal.

Wish I hadn't bothered now, because the local midwives won't book me in here until I have an answer from St Thomas' and, as I'm now 19 weeks PG, it looks like I'll end up paying for an anomoly scan privately as I won't have been 'booked in' anywhere