Kingston v St George's - Recent experiences?

[crazymiracle]

Hi All, I am newly PG and also new to mumsnet! So pardon me if I dont use the right acronyms.

My PG came as a surprise as just this cycle I was told that I had blocked tubes! I am therefore still in a bit of a shock and after a number of trips to the EPU at St George's - everything seems to be fine and we might actually be having a baby!

Its just come as a big surprise to me that I need to choose my hospital where I want to give birth so soon. I live in Wimbledon and therefore have the option of St George's at Tooting or Kingston Hospital (or maybe other few)!

I read a few threads comparing these hospitals and have had mixed messages about both. Wondering if anyone has any recent experiences - late 2009/ 2010 at either of these hospitals and if you could please help!

Thanks so much.

hi congratulations on your pg!

I have given birth twice in st georges. The second time, which was 6 weeks ago, was much better. I ended up having a emcs again and it was a nice experience. i came in in labour screaming and swearing and the midwives were nothing but nice to me! the post natal care was much better too although it's not great but i don't think any hospital has great post natal care. I would recommend st georges but one thing to bear in mind is that when you are in that pain all you want is to get to the hospital asap so i would also go with the one that is nearest to you! the last thing you want is to be stuck in traffic having contractions!!!

good luck!

i would suggest Kingston or rather a homebirth? the homebirth teams are really really good on both sides! Good luck!

I'm in Wimbledon too - and went to St Helier - brand new unit, really really new birth centre, great care before, during and after. Worth a look.

Be warned too - if you want Kingston, book early to avoid disappointment. They're a smaller unit and get full very quickly. A local friend contacted them at 8 wks PG and it was already too late...

HTH

db
xx

Thanks a ton for the quick responses. Very useful.

Soniaweir, I have read some really bad reviews about the hygiene at St Goerge's. What was your experience like? I hope you and the baby are doing well.

Designerbaby, I did read elsewhere about Kingston always being very busy. St George's is much easier for me to access than Kingston - and I was thinking that I may want to choose Kingston over St. George's because of the hygiene. I hadn't thought of St Helier at all. Thanks for suggesting.

Do you know whether its possible to do a tour at these places before actually registering?

Thanks a ton again.

hi again - the hygiene was fine at st georges. The shower was rubbish but everything seemed clean and there was always cleaners around...good luck with your decision.

Have had 2 babies at St Gs. The delivery suite was refurb'd last year and was immaculate when I was in. They have good hygiene standards from what I have seen (have been an inpatient 4 times in the last 4 years). The Carmen Suite (their birthing centre) is fairy new too. The staff are also fab and very supportive. I can't comment on the labour ward as I have always stayed on delivery suite as have been in a HD room and gone home from there. I am booked in with them now as I am pg with twins. They are doing maternity tours again, why don't you go and have a nose?

Thanks guys. I've decided to go ahead with St Georges and have filled in the self referral form yesterday! Apparently, they now do tours only after registering. I can ask for one at my first appointment.

Fingers and everything else crossed!

Good luck!! When are you due?