Changing hospitals when consultant led and having an ELCS

[VocalCat]

Does anyone know how difficult it is to switch hospitals during pregnancy? I need to have an ELCS (I’ve already had three sections so another one has been recommended by my consultant and I can’t imagine that another hospital’s consultant would disagree). If I was having a vaginal birth, I imagine that I wouldn’t even need to give notice if necessary and be able to turn up in labour but I’ll need to make sure there is enough time to change and get an ELCS booked.

Do hospitals question your reasoning for changing and have the right to say no?

Call the antenatal clinic of the hospital you want to change to and say you want to book your care with them. Ultimately you don't have to give your reasons but a brief 'not satisfied with care at X' or whatever would be appropriate. They don't have to accept you as a patient but given hospital trust maternity departments get paid per delivery they generally will!

Please don't (anyone reading this) just rock up to a new hospital in labour unless it's premature and unexpected (or your hospital is closed and has hopefully advised you where to attend). Yes they have a duty of care but it causes more problems than you can imagine. They will want booking bloods on admission and then need to follow up the results. In the unlikely event of a haemorrhage they won't have a record of your blood type and there are very limited supplies of O Neg. Arranging postnatal visits can be tricky. And it's a HUGE red flag, sadly women who are anticipating social services involvement and are at risk of having babies removed from their care often do this. So that's what your midwife will be thinking about and investigating.

Thank you for that information.

My reasoning about changing has nothing to do with social services involvement. It’s because my daughter died at the hospital and I thought I would be able to go back there, but I’ve realised I really can’t face the memories in the same labour ward and neonatal unit again.

So sorry for your loss.

It was actually perfectly clear from your OP you were simply wanting to change hospitals. Just call the one you'd find easiest and transfer your care. I would tell them why briefly because it may speed things up for you (if you're 25 weeks not important but at 36 weeks it is).

The second paragraph was more aimed at anyone else reading. I have seen others posting 'oh just turn up they'll have to look after you' without understanding all the implications. I'm very sorry if it came across poorly.