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Original poster

Hospitals East London/Essex?

16 replies

Meganwarbs · 04/10/2020 12:26

Hi everyone, this is my first time posting so sorry if I’ve posted it in the wrong place.
So me and DH have found out we are expecting our first child, after our first round of ICSI. I’m about 4 weeks, due in June. Smile
I’m thinking about maternity units atm. Has anyone got any recommendations for hospitals in East London or Essex area? We live in Dagenham and our closest one is Queens Romford, but the reviews are absolutely horrifying. There are mixed reviews as well for Newham Hospital and Whipps Cross, which I think are the next closest. Homerton seems to have good reviews but might be a bit far away for us.
Completely new to this so any advice is welcome! Xx

OP posts:
Ghostlyfeet · 04/10/2020 12:36

I had my daughter at Harlow and couldn't fault it but my other option was Whipps Cross. I didn't go with Whipps as I had previously had a miscarriage there and weren't too impressed by their care but that's not the maternity ward. Friends have been to Whipps and had no problem. I'd avoid Romford- it has a terrible reputation

Fast90 · 04/10/2020 12:39

Slow down OP, 4 weeks is very very early to be thinking about this

peachypetite · 04/10/2020 12:40

Look at the CQC ratings for all.

rubyslippers · 04/10/2020 12:42

Harlow has an outstanding maternity service
I had both mine there a long time ago but couldn’t fault either time
Congrats on your pregnancy!!

Original poster
Meganwarbs · 04/10/2020 13:00

Thanks for your opinion. I disagree it’s too early to think about. I’m asking about it now because I’m phoning my GP next week and don’t want to get referred to a rubbish hospital.

OP posts:
peachypetite · 04/10/2020 13:00

@Meganwarbs you can usually self refer to hospitals without going via GP

Original poster
Meganwarbs · 04/10/2020 13:03

Thanks to everyone else, I think Harlow may be too far away for us which is a shame. We’re leaning more towards Newham xx

OP posts:
Original poster
Meganwarbs · 04/10/2020 13:05

[quote peachypetite]@Meganwarbs you can usually self refer to hospitals without going via GP[/quote]
Ok thanks! I’m new to all this! I might try contacting them directly xx

OP posts:
msbevvy · 04/10/2020 13:05

Homerton is definitely a better option than the others.

Newham maternity isn't great. I don't know about the maternity at Whipps Cross but I had a dreadful experience as an inpatient there.

peachypetite · 04/10/2020 13:08

Whipps has just invested a lot of money renovating the maternity section and brand new facilities

bluechameleon · 04/10/2020 13:09

I had my first at Whipps Cross and wouldn't go back. Maternity care was so-so, didn't feel listened to or supported during induction and labour, and post natal care was practically non existent (buzzers took 15 minutes to be answered, no support to breastfeed whatsoever). But he is 6 so may have improved since then.

LouisLitt1 · 04/10/2020 14:41

I recently attended a forum for pregnant women with representatives from all the east London hospitals. Out of all, Whipps had made the most changes in terms of corona and partners being involved. Eg Homerton still not letting partners to scans but at Whipps they can attend all now. They run every two weeks, as you’re very early on you could attend the next one? Organised by ELLMS. I’ve also found the best way to keep up to date is following social media pages rather than the hospital pages which take forever to update.

Hospitals East London/Essex?
toteswingingit · 05/10/2020 22:42

If I was in Dagenham I'd still be going for Queens to be honest.
They've put a lot into their maternity department over the last few years and have improved massively.

I had my first there 3 years ago and having my second imminently.

If you're dead set against queens have you thought of Basildon or Southend? No experience so not sure what they're like though.

If avoid Newham Gen like the plague but that's me personally having grown up in East Ham a d had bad experiences at that hospital.

mumtotc · 08/10/2020 16:59

A few of my friends have given birth recently in Queens and have had positive experiences. Also, Broomfield in Chelmsford has a very good maternity unit. I gave birth recently in Basildon and would not recommend at all- I have a complaint going through PALS as we speak. Their maternity unit was downgraded to inadequate in August so I'd personally implore you to avoid.

Original poster
Meganwarbs · 08/10/2020 17:59

Thanks everyone. I decided to go with Queens in the end after some research. My midwife appointment is in 2nd November and my 12 week scan is on 30th November Smile

OP posts:
Shazza1234 · 19/09/2022 22:01

Hi Megan,
Firstly congrats :)

I’m also in a very similar position as you but due in December and I’m at queens at the moment but has my first at Newham years ago and things have changed so much and now wondering if I should stay at Queens or change to Newham. Can I ask what made you opt for Queens if you don’t mind me asking? Thanks 😊

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