Hospital recommendations on SE London

[Lauraga]

I've recently found out that I'm pregnant and need to refer myself to antenatal. I live in Sidcup. My preferred hospital would be St Thomas' hospital, obviously I'm aware that it is 10 miles away and isn't ideal although I work very close to there. This is my first pregnancy and I feel most comfortable at St Thomas' as I've heard good things from them and are known to me.
Not sure how this would impact my community care with midwives ect.
I've been looking at a few threads in regards to the local hospitals to me - Queen Elizabeth's hospital, Princess Royal University hospital and Darent Valley hospital. I don't know much about these hospitals personally but have read a few bad reviews.
Would really appreciate some advice.
Thank you.

My care at the PRUH has been amazing so far.
You also get the option to go to Kings for your scans, which are above and beyond!

St T have been incredible so far, i would highly recommend. I live in the far end of Lambeth so it takes a while to get there from home which is a bit annoying but totally worth it and it's not far from my work so easy to nip to and most appointments are during work time.

I am also in Sidcup! I recommend Pruh to anyone local because of the Kings scans. You don’t feel like it’s NHS. In terms of actual labour at Pruh, was fine with 1st child, nothing to compare it to, I’m sure they are all pretty similar cash strapped hellholes full of staff trying to do their best with what little they have. You could have a good or bad experience at any hospital I think, luck of the draw!
Your midwife appts would/could be at Queen Mary’s which is convenient for Sidcup locals too

Also - St T is a long way away, in the week that my daughter was born I was back and forth to Pruh 4-5 times for various reasons (non of them serious issues). Travelling to Pruh was bad enough!
I found the labour ward absolutely fine, no issues. The ward after we were on was hot, cramped, unbearable. As I say though, would this be different anywhere else?

Are you in the catchment for St T? I would pick a local hospital to make things as easy as possible. I am SE London and under St T and the care has been amazing. I am there at least once a fortnight for appts (high risk pregnancy and complex medical history) and it is a real pain to get to. If you are low risk I would strongly suggest going with the closest hosp.

Thank you for your reply. I have self referred to St T and have been given my Nuchal scan date... I’ll see what they suggest.
I hope everything goes well with your pregnancy! Best of luck x

Hi!
Yes about a 45 minute commute. It would be more convenient for me to be at St T because it’s very easy for me to commute to from work. My parents in law also live locally to there so if I was to be in and out would stay there.
Thank you for the advice. I have a nuchal scan with St T next month so will see what they suggest.

Thanks Beth. It takes ages to get anywhere in London so I’m not very worried about the distance. I commute to SW everyday for work which is about a 45 minute drive with traffic. I’d rather stick with somewhere I know is good and I my and my baby would get the best care in, even if it isn’t the closest.
Wishing you all the best with the rest of your pregnancy and arrival or your baby!