My friends birthing hospital dilemma (Havering area)

[ClareL]

My friend is due to give birth in a couple of weeks and she has been given two possible choice of hospitals Kings or Queens? She is allowed to visit the maternity unit at Kings but not Queens. I was wondering if anybody had given birth in either of these hospitals - what did you think of the maternity unit?

it might be better if you post in the pregnany section as this is the birth announcments

I haven't given birth in either as I just made it before Harold Wood closes. 3 of my friends have just given birth at King Georges and were happy with everything. I think people have bad ideas about King Georges but in reality the maternity unit is quite good. Queens on the other hand, all I have heard is bad reports. Dh's neice is also training to be a midwife and she would recommend ing Georges over Queens any day. I hope this helps

Definitely helps - thank you. My friend has the impression that maybe Queens doesn't have a full maternity unit - only an overspill. Seems weird that you can't visit.

I have been told that you have to phone Queens when you are in labour and see if they can fit you in (they are mainly for problem pgs I think) but tbh from what I have heard there is no problem with King Georges

my friend had to go to kings although queens is our local hospital so i'm not sure why you cant go there shame harold wood closed thats where i had my ds

I gave birth at Basildon hospital - and I did have to phone before I went but I think that was mainly so they have a chance to get your records ready etc. before you turn up. She has heard that Queen's won't accept if they have no beds - but how can they turn you away!!!

can't comment about maternity but everything i've heard about queens is that it is terrible even that it should be pulled down & start again.
That little gem of a statement comes from a DR at Queens!

i gave birth in jan @ queens n i must say how bad it was...firstly i was told to wait in hospital after my waters had brojke cos i was on a risk list n i shuld ave been checked every so hrs but that never happened...i waited an hr b4 i got pethidine when i asked for it an hr before n i said i was pushing but cos i was asleep becuase of the drug i had the nurse said i weasnt n when she came bk i was nearly dilated n she told me to stop pushing cos they culdnt deliver in labour suite where i was allday...all in all it was a nightmare...my best birth was @ harold wood, it was lovely n so was the staff

Don't go to Queens!