Epsom or Guildford (RSCH)?

[rubyinthedust]

I had an ectopic pregnancy in November and was treated at Guildford (Royal Surrey County) Hospital by a very good consultant. Since then, through some miracle, I have become pregnant again and am currently 11.5 weeks. I have been booked in to Epsom Hospital as it is closest to home.

On Friday I had to go back in to Guildford as there were complications after my ectopic (none of these were caused by anything the consultant or the obstetrics department did) and I saw this consultant again. She asked whether I would transfer to Guildford as she would very much like to take care of me for this pregnancy - not that she has any reason to believe that this one will go wrong (I've had scans already and everything is normal).

I don't really know what I should do, I have no reason to believe that the care at Epsom would be inferior and it is more convenient and quicker to get to - Epsom is 15 minutes away, Guildford is about 25 minutes away but I need to get on the M25 and the A3 to get there and therefore it could easily be an hour or more at peak times!

On the other hand, from what I've understood Epsom is a very small ward and is mainly mid-wife led whereas Guildford is bigger and better-equipped to deal with problem cases, which makes me think that maybe Guildford would be a better choice as you never know what could happen.

I know I've still got a while to make a decision, but I would welcome your thoughts!

Im having my first at Epsom. My nearest hospital is actually st helier,but I work at Epsom so it's more convenient. I like the fact it is smaller and seems more personal than a massive hospital. If anything major does go wrong they will transfer you to st helier, but I have absolutely no doubt that they are well equipped to deal with every eventuality.

Have you spoken to any midwives at Epsom for advice? It's a tough choice and both have pro's and con's. A look round epsom delivery suite may help you make your mind up too?

I'd go for ease of distance. I'm having dc2 at Kingston in 9 days, it's 10mins away, Epsom 20mins so hardly much in it but that is what swayed my decision in the end.

Guildford is good (IMO) but not that good that I'd travel the M25 and A3 while in labour to get there (although I'm guessing that you could cut through the back way if the M25 was blocked).

I'd definitely check out Epsom. It's not just the labour bit, but if you do stay in overnight your DH will be sent home, the next day when he eventually wakes up you will want him back in again asap, usually with a list of supplies/food and for general support. If he is stuck in traffic it will be a bit rubbish.

Just to add to this. I had my daughter in Epsom on Monday, utterly brilliant team of midwives. The delivery suite is lovely and being my first I was very nervous. All my fears were eased when I walked into the delivery suite to be greeted by completely calm professional midwives. I would not rule it out.