Hospitals - North London

[LSB]

Hello - I've been living in Amsterdam for the last year and was expecting to give birth here (due July - first one!) Now in an unexpected turn of events we're moving back to London at the end of March/beginning of April. All rather stressful - but I was wondering if anyone has any views on hospitals. We'll probably be moving back to Islington/Highbury/Tufnell Park area (haven't found anywhere yet) and the hospitals I've heard mentioned for that area are the Whittington and UCLH. If anyone has any views on either/both/which is better I'd be really grateful. Thanks!

I've heard pretty good reviews of both hospitals, although it depends on what your expectations are. Both are big, busy inner-city hospitals, so staff will be stretched and it may not be the most personal of 'services', iyswim.

I like both hospitals. UCLH had a midwifery led unit which is fantastic (Bloomsbury Birthing Centre). They are moving across to new premises in July.

Neither hospital looks pretty. Whittington has an NHS Acupuncturist (or few) on its books. Postnatal care in both pretty pants (much like most London hospitals).

There's also the royal free in hampstead sort of area.

I've heard good things about the whittington.

Thanks for the tips. L

I'm booked into the Whittington, and the antenatal care has been great all of the way through (now 38 wks). They use a community team of midwives, so you see the same midwife generally at all of your checkups (and I've never had to wait really, unlike what I've heard about UCH). I've also been up to labour ward a couple of times and care by doctors and midwives has been absolutely fine - all very kind and professional. But, UCH does have the birthing centre, which the Whittington doesn't have.
I suggest having a look round both when you come and you'll get a better idea of what to expect.

I had both mine at UCH by elective c-section, everything about UCH is busy;check ups, wards, midwives, everything is stretched to its limits BUT my care was excellent and the individuals concerned lovely. I had problematical pregnancies and felt I wanted the expertise of a major teaching hospital

Hope you have a smooth move back to London.

I am seen at the Royal Free and am very happy with their care. I get seen at a local clinic and in hospital.

Just to let you know, I don't think there is any patient parking at the Whittington. Not sure about street parking - which might be permit-parking only between certain hours. Maybe have a look at the hospital website.

had ds at whittington. They were fab with me. I agree it does not look pretty but just had a refurb. Had midwife or student midwife all the time i was in labour. After care was good for me but only because i managed to blag a side room on another ward. No real complaints apart from i was not really given any advice on how to give bath. Bf etc. Hope this helps. Welcome by the way. Please let us know if i can send you any details on houses etc

Thanks for all the tips - that's all been really helpful to hear, now just got to get through the move!

Hi LSB,

try this web site www.babyfy.com they have all the information you need about any hospital in the country.

www.babyfy.com/index.php/default/hospital/

Personally, I had mine privately in St. John and Lizzie, which is highly recommended, however, about to have no.3 in October and I am seriously considering the Edgware Birth Centre.

Best,

Char

ds was born in whittington, it was all ok but ward was quite full so we ended up on a general gynae ward where I was the only woman in labour (other women just having general check ups etc) puffing and panting behind a curtain. midwives were lovely though.

Night on maternity ward was sleepless but I was so loved up over ds that I wouldn't have slept anyway! dd was born outside london, comparing the two whittington was absolutely fine. antenatal pretty good too. good luck!

should point out we made it to labour ward for the delivery ...

just a warning about the babyfy site. have just looked at the hospital i work at and the basic info about the maternity unit is wrong, so i'd check what it says about the hospital you are looking at