Royal Surrey

[Luce77]

After much confusion it now looks as if I will be having a c-section at the Royal Surrey in Guildford in January instead of the John Radcliffe in Oxford - very long story!

I'm worried about this as I've only heard bad experiences from people who have given birth at the Royal Surrey hospital but I know and trust the consultant who will be carrying the c-section out as he has operated on me twice in the year before I became pregnant which is why I've agreed to go there.

I have private healthcare who are going to pay for my consultant but I was just wondering whether the Royal Surrey has private rooms? Can you book them and would BUPA pay? Any experiences of this would be much appreciated.

Thanks very much from a very nervous first time mum-to-be!

I had 2 c-sections at the Royal Surrey, 5 years and 3 years ago, and on the whole my experience was very good. The hospital was very busy both times, and the food was terrible, but apart from that I can't fault the medical care I received.

The Royal Surrey has private rooms (they have a special word for them which I can't remember - amenity rooms I think?) but you can't pre-book them. It is first come first served and you just have to ask if any are available when you are in. I got one first time, but when having my second baby I had to wait 2 days before one was free. You pay extra, I think it was £105 per night 3 years ago, but personally I thought it was well worth it to get a good night's sleep!

Who is your consultant?

I had a C section at the Royal surrey and it was fine (busy but fine). The midwives are over worked but generally great. The food wasn't too bad, and they do give Mums big portions, but at least there is a 24 hr Tescos next door, for emergency supplies.
The amenity rooms are great if you can get one (I did with the C section).

I really wouldn't worry (and in the unlikely event something goes wrong you can get into London very quickly). From some things I've heard about the John Radcliffe it is certainly not worse than there, and security is good.

I was transferred from homebirth to Royal Surrey and the midwife was brilliant, got baby out in no time. It wasn't too busy when I was there as it was a Sunday morning. Come Monday morning the ward started filling up with the "section ladies" as they tend to be scheduled for the beginning of the week. Until 38 weeks though I was looking at a section so looked into the amenity rooms and BUPA. BUPA at the time paid some or all of the private room cost providing the section is medically necessary. Worth sorting it out with them now.

Due to have DC2 next week. I think amenity rooms are £130 per night according to their maternity services booklet.

Thank you so much for your help! I will contact BUPA to suss them out about private rooms. Great to hear some good experiences at Royal Surrey - thank you.