St Mary's, UCLH or Guy's and Thomas

[salali]

Hi everybody,

I wanted to ask about your maternity experiences with hospitals in West London. I'm trying to make a decision on which hospital to register with but the best reviews come straight from people. Any advice is much appreciated.

My options are in the title but I'm very keen to know any further options you'd recommend.

I had a poor experience at UCLH in 2019. Needed an emergency c section due to non progression but had to wait longer than I should have because of lack of theatre availability, my daughter was born very poorly as a result and had to spend time in nicu. It has a really good reputation but I feel it's overstretched, it seems to serve a big population with tight resources. Or it was then anyway.

Which is closest?

I had a choice of 2 hospitals. One is 10 mins away, the other 30 mins. With my daughter I'd have been giving birth in the car park if I was at the further one.

Not helpful for you, but I genuinely think it's hard to choose between them other than on location. They are all massive london hospitals - should be good in an emergency but will be very rough and ready in terms of comfort, wards etc. and you will get good and bad anecdotes from people about all of them. I do think it comes down to luck on the day!

A medic told me St Thomas's gets the best funding cos it's literally opposite the Houses of Parliament. Dunno how true that is, but given the self-interest of MPs these days it wouldn't surprise me!

Go for your nearest