Giving birth in Whipps cross

[Bluebell84]

hi I had my DC in 2011 and 2012 at Queens Hospital, but it has since stopped accepting Resbridge referrals (lost the contract). I really liked the service I recieved there and really wanted to give birth there this time round.

however we have been referred to Whipps Cross which is such an old hospital and reading all the bad reviews I don't want to remain here. I am 18 weeks now.

how can I change hospitals? my Gp is making it very difficult and saying it's too late to change and they cannot do anything.
and I can't go to queens, only other hospital is the royal London.

has anyone delivered at either whipps cross or royal London and if so how was your experience??

would you recommend?

in queens I had my own room, at Whipps I have to pay 120 a night :(

any advice will be lovely

I've had two babies at Whipps. First was EMCS after induction which was grim. But that could have happened anywhere.

Second was an elective and was a lovely experience.

The post natal wards are grim but you can pay for a room in the Forest suite which is much nicer.

The labour wards themselves are modern and the staff are good. It's just the post natal bit that is old fashioned.

Oh and your husband can stay with you in the Forest Suite

A family member had 3 babies there, said it was fine for labour but postnatal was a bit grim. Which is true of most London hospitals I think.

It is not too late to change, I switched hospitals at 38weeks. It involved some extra paperwork as I had to do a booking appointment at the new hospital and fill in all my notes from scratch on their template. The community midwife did the referral for me. Your GP sounds like a lazy arse.

I had a grim experience at Whipps in 2012 and reading the CQC stuff doesn't surprise me at all. There are great staff there but the system is terrible IMO. Simply not enough doctors esp if you give birth at the weekend. I am sure you can change hospitals if you really want to.

you are right about the GP...they are not helpful at all and they work at a snail's pace (no think a snail is more efficient!)

thanks for that ...will speak to my midwife today. but I am worried about going from the frying pan into the fire, what if royal London or homerton is not as good?

it's a gamble especially as Whipps is closer

I had been on the fence about Whipps from the time I booked in. The CQC report put me over the edge but my midwife pointed out that the CQC has listed the Maternity Unit as "Good". Regardless, I'm switching to UCLH (I'm 32 weeks). You don't need a referral to do this, simply email them a self referral form! I heard back quickly and have been invited to a third trimester scan/booking appointment.
Do what feels right for you!