Can I chose to give birth in a different county?

[KatieJaneB]

Hi everyone, I live on the edge of Worcestershire but I am actually closer to Cheltenham hospital. Will I have to chose a Worcestershire hospital or can I choose Cheltenham in Gloucestershire?
We are also planning on moving towards the end of the year and will be in Gloucestershire. I would prefer to not have to change things when I move.

Yes, round here you can.

I gave birth in the Gloucestershire hospital last year (great experience) and I have a c section booked there in a weeks time. Inn no think the Cheltenham birth unit is still currently closed (could be wrong)

Yes, I gave birth in Bristol but I live in BANES. A friend gave birth at the same hospital and lives in North Somerset.

When I lived in the UK. I was on the border of Nottingham and Derby and I could choose either hospital.

I gave birth in St Thomas’ London a few years ago, and there were women at the antenatal lessons who lived in Brighton, but had chosen to give birth in London!

You can birth where you want. They will class it as out of area care of you are crossing borders and will have a care pathway for it. You might need to talk to a consultant midwife to get it started.

When are you due OP? Cheltenham birth unit is closed until October, and even then, they’re only taking a review to see if they can reopen. Lack of staff.

Hi, not until mid-Feb. I have seen my midwife and she has put it down as my choice. Hopefully, it will be open again by then!