Stoke Mandeville versus Watford General

[KiwiEms]

Hello,

I have to choose between Stoke Mandeville and Watford General for the delivery of my baby.

Please could anyone who has given birth at either one of these two hospitals in the last year let me know their opinions on the care, cleanliness, facilities etc.

Thank you!

Hi
I gave birth in Stoke in july last year and gave birth 4 years ago there also.
I found the care good and they really helped me get bf started. You do have to make sure you show you are determined though.
Not sure about the cleanliness. Was a small bit of blood by the door of my ward for several days, gross. Also had to change sheets self (was in for 5 days). Food Ok but make sure you have a proper lunch as is always just a sandwich at dinner. You don't want to be constipated when you've just had a baby... ouch!
Was quite pleased with it, though think it gets very busy at times. Almost gave birth in the post natal bit (was induced) as no birth rooms available - not sure how often that is the case.

I have no experience...yet..but am going to the JR at Oxford (God willing) rather than Stoke. My sister went to Stoke and was left alone and scared for a long time, she was meant to be cared for by the senior midwife who was so busy with paperwork and being called to give her opinion at other births that my sister was left with the very inexperienced student. I do not know what the aftercare was like, but I believe she recovered very well from her 3rd degree tear, so they obviously fixed her up well.

My friend went to Watford and was scheduled for an ELCS as her DD was transverse. Having got having a ELCS into her mind and not thinking about labour at all, she panicked a little when her baby turned perfectly for delivery, so they went with the ELCS anyway. She was poorly with blood loss afterwards (which would have happened either way) and she was cared for well apart from one individual mw who had a pop at her for having a CS, but I think that bat was the exception rather than the norm. My friend would recommend Watford, my sister would not recommend Stoke.

Hi there,
I have had my two children at Watford.
First was an induction on the delivery suite. The midwives were brilliant - really helpful and supportive. The rooms did not have ensuite showers though and I had to trudge down the corridor for a shower. Seemed clean enough in there though. Not convinced the advice I was given on the post natal ward was up to much though but you may not have to actually spend time here if all goes well and you can just go home.

Had my second in the ABC unit and had a waterbirth. The midwife was so fabulous (Jo Arundel in case you are lucky enough to get her!)In this unit you get a private room with shower and toilet ensuite. There is also a room at the end of the corridor with relaxation stuff in it - I didn't use it as I was not there long enough but I remember from the tour that it looked nice! I only stayed for the 6 hours after this baby so not sure whether you can have the room all night or if they transfer you to the postnatal ward - I guess it depends on numbers?

Best of luck with the birth - hope all goes well.

only experience we have with Stoke Mandeville was in paediatric unit. DD had very high unexplained fever at just a few months. They were marvellous - we got a little side room of the main paediatric room for both myself and dd and staff checked all the time. They were brilliant after nightmare UCH London experience. Also, I believe that they have done it all up. So in case you are unlucky enough to need paediatric help I think Stoke is very good. Not only during days, but also in weekends (when we were admitted) and nights (there were proper qualified doctors around unless in UCH).

I had my DS 3 months ago at Stoke M. Actually I was supposed to have him at Wycombe midwife centre but had to transfer by ambulance after the labour failed to progress. Went straight to private room with ensuite (don't think I even went in there but DH used it!). Midwives were all lovely (went through a couple of shift changes) and having a student midwife means you don't get left on your own at all. Ended up having forcep delivery in theatre and everyone was very nice and professional.

Had to stay 2 nights on the ward which wasn't that great. Didn't like the food (but maybe all hospital food is bad!) and I don't think the breastfeeding help was good (I'm formula feeding as a result). There was lots of people on the wards so maybe they were just incredibly busy.

Can I ask where you live to get the option of Stoke or Watford? I didn't think you could choose between different counties? Would be good to know so if I ever do it all again I could try Watford ABC - my sister had her last DD there and says it was great!

Hi, I have no personal experience of having a baby in Watford but I used to work on labour ward there and the midwives there are brilliant! I would have mine there but I actually live quite some distance away so am looking for somewhere closer now. Good luck!

The attentiveness of the midwives at Stoke made me love it - they were so KIND. Labour ward itself not hugely impressive and food really bad - having just given birth I was honestly provided with a cup of coffee and an out-of-date roast beef sandwich (my DH still laughs at the thought of my heartbroken expression!!) but the people were great. Got an epidural within 10 mins of requesting one...bliss. My experiences were in 2008 though.

I had my DD at Stoke 5 yrs ago and really did not enjoy it, in fact self discharged as soon as I was able. I am an ex nurse and found level of care and cleanliness poor to say least. It may have changed since then. We have close neighbours and friends who have recently used Watford and have very positive things about it esp the ABC unit, I had some antenatal care there recently which was fine but they did seem very busy. Sorry if that is not much help.

Had DD at the midwife led part of Watford General (the ABC) and had a positive experience. Straightforward birth. Water pools there if you want them and midwives keen on suggesting you use them if you want (they got as far as running the pool for me but I decided not to get in in the end as I didn't want to be parted from my TENS!). Midwives fine - left me to it for part of labour, but that was because I was absolutely fine and didn't need them. Was in a private room the whole time from arrival to departure (7 hours after the birth and 10 hours after arriving at the ABC).

I now live in Watford (didn't when I had DD) and I would certainly go back there for any subsequent DCs.

Had several other friends from antenatal classes who used both the ABC and the main labour wards in Watford and everyone had a positive experience of the care there.

stoke is brilliant had two children there and the staff were lovely, attentative, supportive. My LO had a heart murmer and the consultant came straight away would definately recommend it