The Portland Hospital

[Lovesprideandprejudice]

Apologies for posting here for traffic but my DC has a minor issue that may require a minor op with a general anaesthetic. We are considering using the Portland hospital. Has anyone got positive or otherwise comments to make? I’d be grateful for any advice.
Thank you.

What's wrong with the NHS?

My DC was an outpatient there about 14 years ago. No complaints, have used NHS hospital for DC too, not any difference in care, facilities etc between the two, however if I could afford to go private I probably would due to stretched NHS and eating times

Eating? I meant waiting times

If my child was having surgery I would want instant access to a crash team, icu etc. You do not have this at a private hospital, they are not generally set up for emergencies. Stick to the NHS for operations.

DIL was there for birth of DGS and had unexpected complications, necessitating emergency treatment. I couldn’t speak highly enough of them.

What brummiesue said

I agree with @brummiesue

Private hospitals are great until something goes wrong. Are you really going to chance it with your child. I totally agree with @brummiesue

With a private hospital you are paying to jump a wait list, a private room and better food. It doesn't mean the surgery is more likely to be successful or carry fewer risks.

I gave birth at the Portland to a 30 week baby and they were brilliant. The difference is you get to choose the surgeon and the aftercare is much better. We had DS's adenoids out on the NHS and the consultant put tubes in his ears for no reason (he didn't have ear infections!), offered zero explanation and our follow-up appointment was cancelled 4x yikes. Go private.

Thank you for your kind comments. The NHS isn’t an option in this instance. I believe the Portland does have ICU as I would consider alternatives. Thank you again.

DS had an undescended testicle brought down there when he was 9 months old. They were amazing.

Lots of private hospitals have icus but they are not staffed unless a planned op is scheduled then they will only staff for that patient.

My friend had a baby there and it was a very negative experience. The baby was injured during birth (the midwife dropped her), but no record was made of this; when the baby was found to have a broken bone a few weeks later, my friend and her dh were blamed and social services got involved. It took several months of extreme stress before their names were cleared.

My friend has gone NHS for her two subsequent deliveries.

Go for it if you have the money. Plus it is one less patient for the NHS

Omg @PrittSticky

Gosh I know it’s not the point of the thread but I’m dying to know - why isn’t the NHS am option?
I’ve lived in a very sheltered world. Are you not from the UK op? It’s the only reason I can think.

But then what happens if, god forbid, something happens and you need the support of a crash team? Does the NHS turn round and say no?
I hope not.

I had 2 babies there and then DS1 had two foot operations there this term (ops that he could have had on the nhs, but with the waiting list times it would have been mid-GCSE).

I find them excellent, the staff are experienced, kind and used to dealing with children. DS saw a play therapist before his operation. We felt exceptionally well looked after.

The hospital was clean, modern with single rooms.
They have an ICU as well.

My experience there was very good. I think in the U.K. there are lots of myths about private hospitals.

I had to go to a private hospital to have my 3 year old's grommets done because the NHS wouldn't do it.

Personally i dont think it's that good. I think the nursing staff are pretty useless on paeds and from experience they spend most of their day chatting.
It's extremely difficult to find a hospital which will treat children for some operations privately nowadays even if your insurance is paying as hospitals requirements for paediatric cover has changed leaving much less option in the london area.
I would personally look for an alternative. My DN was also injured by negligent treatment at the portland so it would put me off this choise enormously.

Paediatric surgery is one of the few areas of healthcare I wouldn’t really consider privately unless NHS funding wasn’t available or there was a long waiting list for something routine (eg for allergy appointments etc). If you can say what the procedure/issue is, others might be able to help with more relevant experience.

I actually had a baby at The Portland but I would seriously look at what would happen if it all went horribly wrong.
This is where the NHS shines.
I'd not use the Portland-what about St Mary's?
You want to be some where with all the emergency support.
Can you provide a bit more info?
How old is child?
What is op?

My only experience was over twenty yeasts ago. Was excellent. ( twins born there )

I gave birth there and had all my antenatal care there too. It was wonderful, exactly as I had hoped and worth every penny for me.