Anyone had success transferring to a private hospital for a post natal stay (eg Lindo or UCH)

[LillianFullStop]

I asked about this 3 years ago and the Lindo said they could do it but you could not book or guarantee a room as they would always prioritise private patients and UCH said you could book a room but would be bumped for a private patient if one booked.

Has anyone actually had any success with transferring to either of these hospitals or another private post natal ward?

Not done it, but what happens if you book at St Mary's under the NHS and then move to the Lindo afterwards?

Then you are still in the same hospital at least

St Mary's birth centre is nice though, and they were just rated outstanding by the CQC for maternity

The birth centre would be ideal @Wowzel but I'm classed as high risk (over 40 and previous birth trauma) and may even go with ELCS. I haven't had a tour but from the pictures I've seen they look lovely!

RE: St Mary's and Lindo I guess the risk is I could request a room after I have given birth but depending on private patients/availability one may not be available

I just gave birth at Queen charlottes and moved over to the private wards for post natal recovery. Well worth it if you can afford it. We asked the midwife to contact the ward as soon as we were in the delivery room & again in the recovery ward, however we couldn’t go straight there as they didn’t have enough staff on. I was moved up to the normal post natal ward at about 12 in the day and kept asking the midwife on duty if I could be moved and by about 530 or so I was moved over. I hadn’t done a tour just looked at it online but I knew for my own sanity I wanted my own room and bathroom. You can have as many visitors as you like throughout the day, food wise you & your partner are fed throughout the day & the staff were so attentive. If your partner wants to stay there is a seat that folds out into a bed (my husband didn’t I send him home for some sleep) and they also can take the baby down to the nursery overnight for you for you to get some sleep which I personally did.

That sounds like the ideal situation @Glenpatrick ! I don't mind a few hours waiting especially if it's during the day as long as I can have a peaceful rest in a private room.

I think it will be worth the cost especially if it will be a fraction of the cost paying for a full private birth (hospital + obstetrician + anaesthetist).