AIBU to switch maternity hospital late on?

[LovesFood1987]

All my antenatal care has been at one hospital but I've just read their CQC report and it's been downgraded to "Requires improvement". Pretty major stuff eg the baby crash trolly was missing equipment, crash alarm was broken, staff didn't identify massive risks to women promptly (eg sepsis) etc.

AIBU to switch to another hospital for the birth (elective c section)?

Hi OP-midwife here. How many weeks are you? Its perfectly possible to switch hospitals. The new hospital will need to 'book' your pregnancy again, like you did at the start so they have a record of you, and will likely need to have a copy of your blood tests. Some hospitals insist on taking the full complement, others just want to know your iron level and blood group (they'll need two copies on file so depending on how late in your pregnancy you are they may want to have another set of bloods a few days later in case you need blood products).

If you're having an elective then they'll possibly ask you to have an appointment with an obstetric consultant at the new hospital to finalise a plan, and plan your pre-op/appointment with the anaesthetic team.

Apart from that it shouldnt be an issue, just would be much the same if you were moving out of area last minute.

Hiya,

Thanks very much for your reply and the info. I'm only 22 weeks atm 🙂 I know all maternity units are struggling with staff but the findings of the report are quite scary 😬

I've been advised c section because I've had previous cervix issues/surgery that has caused scarring plus a previous emergency c section so planned c section seems the safest way to go 🙂

Thanks again, I really appreciate it

22 weeks isn’t late at all the switch hospitals. Totally reasonable 😊 good luck op x

Ah then you've got plenty of time, but I would still get the ball rolling ASAP so you get an idea/feel of the new hospital. I am 38 weeks and went to an alternative hospital to where I worked as there was one closer to home. I have since swapped back to the hospital I work at because I was also unhappy with the care I received at my more local hospital so it can be done.