Watford hospital vs Luton & Dunstable?

[miffy88]

I was leaning towards Watford because of the Alexandra Birthing Centre, but saw on their stats that it seems to have been closed for months.
I called and they said they can't guarantee it'll be open!

I would rather a more 'home from home' feel than a birthing suite unless I have to be transferred.

Has anyone given birth at Watford ABC lately?
My other option is L&D, but there's not much info out there about their facilities.

Have you looked into Lister as well. I've heard good things about them?

Watford birthing centre opened again on 1st November however it is only open down to staffing. Understandably the delivery suite is always their main priority to remain open over the birthing centre. So this changes day to day, it could be open for the next two weeks, closed for two days and open again if that makes sense.
(I work at Watford in a different area)

I’ll be at Watford too and didn’t realise this! Are they still doing home births do you know? Can’t believe they are so understaffed they’ve had to shut the whole birth centre, that’s shocking!

As far as I'm aware they are doing home births but there may be limitations so I would recommend speaking to your midwife to know the latest guidelines.

I think birthing centres across the country are facing the same problems due to isolation periods with Covid contacts etc.