QE2 Welwyn

[sjw21]

Has anyone recently given birth here?
If so what did you think of it?

It is our nearest hospital and we are hoping to have our child there but just wondered what experiences people have had.

Thanks

Our 2 were born there - we found it fine, but I had quick, uncomplicated labours.

I know lots of women who really don't rate it.

I know my friend found it pretty awful with her first - lots of being left on her own during labour, no food etc, especially after baby was born and they were told they needed to wait until a paediatrician and seen her before they could go (this was at 9am). By 10.30PM they decided to just go and then were told they weren't allowed cos it was night time. They threatened to go anyway and finally the Dr showed up. The only advantage of it over the Lister is that you can have a water birth there but given that that is far from gauranteed anyway I wouldn't go for it just for that reason. Also the Lister (where I had my DS1 and will be having DC2) has the brand spanking new bit opening and apparently delivered the 1st baby there last week. I don't think its fully open until the Autumn but you could easily find out the schedule. It might be that water births will be available there before then. The QEII mat. unit is being closed so I imagine it can only get worse as services are gradually wound down. The Lister is only 10 mins further up the A1.