Chosing Hospital: Portland, Elizabeth or ST Thomas

[Marlenehmw]

Dear all,

We are new to (central) London and will have our first baby here. We are lucky that we can choose a privite hospital but don't know which one.
We heard 3 good hospitals:

-1- Portland
-2- St. John & St. Elizabeth and
-3- Guy's and ST Thomas

Could somebody please advise.

Many thanks.
R&M

There's a long thread about this already this week - with some very strong opinions!

Take a look at it:
Childbirth : Lindo or Portland? Anyone have and opinion?

That thread just turned into a heated NHS vs Private debate.

I went to John's & Elizabeths for #2.

Your choice of private hospital depends on your priorities.

1- whether you want hi-tech, managed birth or natural non-interventionist approach. Access/attitute to waterbirths, etc.

2- your attitude to risk: e.g. level of neo-natal intensive care facilities you want on-site

3- whether their choice of soft-furnishings meets your taste (only joking! but having non-hospital-like double beds and encouraging partners/siblings to stay can be a nice touch!)

I can't praise John's & Lizzie's enough, but I was low-risk and happy with lack of SCBU/NICU.

I'm no earth mother and didn't 'do' all this new age stuff (demanded immediate epidual with #1!) and certainly had no intention of having a natural birth.

But had the most wonderful waterbirth: baby arrived to room lit only by tealights from what I can remember...very calm. We were left to cuddle in a dimly lit room for an hour afterwards; very attentive midwives on hand at all times; fantastic support with breast-feeding (which I completely failed to master 1st time). It transformed my relationship with my baby and can't wait to do it again.

Hello, this is my first time on this site, ive read through loads of messages (hence why im up at 01.29!) Im sure im going to get some much needed really helpful advice.

Its my first baby im only 9 weeks pregnant and I have to make THAT decision on where to have my baby. Due to medical reasons I must have a c section. Im hearing very conflicting stories about each of the hospitals im considering... UCH, Wittington and Homerton. I would say UCH is my first choice but have been told the after care is terrible? A friend told me the midwife begged her to fill out a complaints form whilst she was in labour as they were so understaffed!!!

Has anyone had a positive experience at UCH after a C section?

Thanks M xx

I had my 1st at UCH, but it was nearly 3 years ago. Back then, the wards were crowded with beds and the bathrooms dirty due to the number of people using them. Staff excellent in general, but over-stretched. They did have an excellent 'transitional care' unit - babies not sick enough for SCBU (e.g. just needing a few days of IV antibiotics or light therapy) but allowing mom to stay in hospital with them with support of 24/7 neo-natal nurses.
May all have changed, and not sure when the move to the new building is due?
I'd start a new thread because people search the thread titles. You'll find someone with more recent/relevant experience. Good luck.

I had both dds at st Thomas' and would highly recommend it. The facilities were brand new in 2002/2003 and the staff excellent especially if you need any special care [which we did with dd1]. Is there any reason why you want private rather than nhs?

What about the private maternity at the Chelsea and Westminster? They have lots of the same consultants as the Portland and the ward is directly next to the neo-natal intesive care unit. Plus there is a dull adult intensive care unit ther if anything were to happen to you.
Worth considering?