Kingston, west Mid, Chelsea and Westminster hospitals

[gennibugs]

Hi all

I am in the very early stages of pregnancy. I rang my GP this morning and they've told me to just self refer to one of the above. I understand this is normal but I have no idea how to choose between the three! I've been on their websites but they all look fairly similar. The GPs also warned me to book in quick as they get very busy and I might miss my first choice, so now I am slightly worried.

I wondered if anyone has any recent experiences of maternity care and labour at these hospitals.

I've done a quick search but the posts all seem to date to a few years back and I'd like an up to day opinion if anyone has one!

TIa

Hi im affraid i live in kent so i havnt been to any of the quoted hospitals ... But lucky you that youbget a choice! i was told were i was going lol! Ring them and see if they would let you have a look around.. If you know the type of birth you want (ie water) ask to see if they can accomidate you requests! Good luck choosing

Thanks Hodds. It feels so early still to be choosing but can't get booked in until I do.

Hello, have you tried also posting this on our Local Kingston talk board?

Here's the link:

local.mumsnet.com/Talk/local_kingston_upon_thames

Good luck with your decision making

Local Editor

I'm booked at WestMid. Bloody busy, hectic hospital! Had 4 previous births there. No complaints at all from me, it's just busy. Antenatal care has been great. The postnatal ward is ok, very very hot, busy and loud could never wait to leave the place. But I've no experience of any other postnatal ward to compare it too. Best wishes n luck in which ever you choose. :)

Thanks Jodie. Sounds like they are all vey similar at the end of the day! I've heard good things about west mid overall from a few people this week - one of my friends was raving about what a positive experience she had there. Good luck with it all

I'm going to C&W this time and had my daughter there in 2013. They've just refurbished the birthing centre and I have been happy with the midwife care this pregnancy too. I chose it because it was most convenient for appointments as it's on my way to work!

Yes I wondered about the convenience as it's on my daily commute too.

I'm about to have a second baby at Kingston and have been nothing but very pleased with care throughout. However I would definitely think about which one is nearest - imagine having to get there in rush hour at 8.30am in labour...