Nottingham City or (New) Royal Derby?

[oriordankt]

Dear all,

I'm hoping that you can help me. I have the choice to give birth at either Nottingham City or Royal Derby (aka City Hospital). All of the three women that I know of that have given birth at Derby have horrible reports but I don't know anyone that went to Nottingham and am now worried. This is my first baby and we are at 22 weeks.

Thanks in advance,
Katie

Hi,

I have given birth twice at City. Last time just 6 weeks ago. I've also had friends who have given birth at Derby, including 3 in the last month.

I had very good care at City. First time round (2 years ago) I was induced, had normal delivery and moved up to the patient hotel with hubby and DD1 for one night before discharge. Midwives and doctors excellent. Breastfeeding support fine. I got the amount of attention I wanted.

This time round I went into labour naturally, had normal birth on labour ward and unfortunately had 3rd degree tear due to little one having hand up at her face so needed an epidural for stitching.

Again, happy with the care and this time spent a night on Bonington ward (think patient hotel isn't open when staff shortage). Tbh, pretty much left alone as they knew this was my second but that is what I wanted. I was doing ok with breastfeeding and midwives keen that I get home as quick as possible which reflected my wishes.

Both occasions on labour ward I could have used the pool but in both cases my labour was too quick. Used g & a and tens and midwives supportive of active labour.

My friends who have used Derby have been happy with the care they received. I don't know the details but one had a waterbirth last week, the other (with twins) had good care and a successful natural birth. Both were "repeat" visitors as they have toddlers already.

Only negative I would say about City is that it is very hard to get parked. Not a problem when you go into labour as you can drop off but when I went for scans I had to park on surrounding streets and walk up.

HTH.

Thank you very much for that. It's all so worrying but that helped. :)

Katie

I had dd 5 weeks ago at Derby, I had to be induced which was a bit of a nightmare as the place was heaving but my midwife was great and the postnatal ward was fine too so if I ever go for dc2 I'll be there again.

I have heard good things about City too though.

Have you considered the birthing centre up at Matlock as an alternative?

I had. But my other half (who I've never heard worry about anything)... is worried if something goes wrong we will be far from the hospital.

Hi!
and congratulations:)

Ive has 3 at Derby and am currently pregnant with No 4 which is likely to see me returning to the Royal. I have no experience of Nottingham at all but can say that I had little or no complaints at the Derby Royal. It has much improved since I had DC1 there 16 years ago and the labour room this last time round was really lovely, clean, own bathroom and it was nice that they dimmed the lights for me(it was such a calm experience) Midwife was with me all the way through despite it being incredibly busy.

My only niggle was that they decided to admit me with DC3 (2 years ago) due to BP remaining high even after birth as they wanted to do regular monitoring - I got to the ward about 11pm and didnt see a midwife or anyone until around 9am the next morning when bp was taken and still sky high - I felt fine!

This time round I am consultant led care (25 weeks)and have been at the hospital twice a week for the last 3 weeks for checks.( v.high BP) The midwives in the assessment unit are lovely and hearing them deal with other mums who come in with immediate worries such as early waters breaking or other issues is very reasssuring.

I think FWIW, because giving birth is such a personal experience, lots of things can impact on your view of it - the personality of the midwife, your emotions, your partners reaction, even the time of day (or night).No two women's experience will be the same. It could be useful to ask if you can take a tour of each -I know they used to do these after you were about 30 weeks and see how you feel about the environment, the journey from home, particularly in rush hour and the 'vibe' of the staff around. Good Luck :)

Katie, where have you had your scans so far?

I know you can't do a tour at City anymore but there is a virtual tour online: www.nuh.nhs.uk/citymaternity/VirtualTour.aspx

I agree with Willow, it is such a personal experience and I think with your first it is rather frightening not being able to visualise where you will be. That's why it is a shame you can't do a tour at City. I honestly thought a labour ward would be full of screaming women and blood everywhere but both times I went in it was quiet and calm.

Let us know what you pick!

I wouldnt let my dog give birth at Derby after my experience with ds1.

I had my 2nd dc at QMC in Notts...is that an option for you? The ante natal care was excellent. Went home after 8 hours so no info on the post natal wards.

katie

With regards to the birth centre at Matlock, you would only be about 12-14 minutes away from a hospital (which would be Chesterfield) in the back of an ambulance. It's not ideal to have to transfer, but it really isn't that far as you think if you did need to go. Go have a look around Darley if it helps.

I live near Derby. Haven't used Derby Royal personally as I heard bad reports about it. I don't know anything about Nottingham hospitals I'm afraid.

I also recommend Darley Birth Centre near Matlock. I started off giving birth there but had to transfer to Chesterfield for more monitoring than they can do in Darley as there was meconium when my waters went. The transfer was fine, honest. They are very careful and because you get 1-1 care, the midwives are quick to pick up on any problems and transfer you if necessary. Darley is also lovely for post-natal care. You have a good chance of getting your own room (or share with max 1 other) and it's a perfect place to recover, rather than the busy post-natal ward in hospital. Am planning to go there for my second one in November all being well.

If you did go there and have to be transferred to Chesterfield for any reason, Chesterfield's labour ward has just been done up and is all brand new, 4 rooms have birth pools and all delivery rooms are en suite (unlike the postnatal ward unfortunately). You can transfer back out of Chesterfield to Darley for post-natal care in a quieter and more helpful environment (which is what I did) There are videos of Chesterfield and Darley on youtube if you want a look. I'm not sure where you live but I'd definitely consider these two if I was you.

I had a bad experience at Derby, mainly due to chronic understaffing - e.g. I was induced and then didn't see a midwife for 7 hours, no obs, no nothing. Pretty poor bf support too.

I have heard v. positive things about Chesterfield. You might want to consider Darlet birthing centre for postnatal care if you would rather give birth in hospital. You can be transferred to Darley from Derby or Chesterfield after you have given birth, and it can be a much nicer place than a busy hospital to spend your first couple of days as a mum.

I had my DD at Nottingham city last year. I had to be induced because of borderline high BP and cholestasis, and I must say the care I received was excellent. The midwives were all lovely, especially the one who delivered DD. I felt really supported, she was absolutely brilliant.

I also got my own room on the post natal ward, got loads of help with breastfeeding. I don't think I would have changed anything, and would definitely go there again (if I have any more babies!!)

The only bad thing was the food. Urrrrgh. I was offered chicken pasta (which looked like sick) with mash or chips. You definitely need supplies bringing in!!