RVI or QE Gateshead?

[AmIclutchingpearls]

Hi ladies

I am expecting my 2nd child and have a choice to make between RVI Newcastle of QE Gateshead and wondered if anyone would be willing to share experiences please?

I had my first at RVI but had an induction then C-section due to pre-eclampsia most likely brought on by stress which I'm hoping to avoid this time due to different circumstances, closet monitoring and likely a planned C-Section.

RVI was brilliant except postnatal recovery was on a very busy and noisy ward with partner restricted to visiting hours. I left before I was physically ready due to sheer exhaustion from not getting any sleep. I have heard QE have the possibility of private rooms for postnatal but not sure if RVI also have these for planned sections.

Any words of advice or experiences please?

RVI without a doubt. Better hospital. Worth it for a noisy ward.

Posted too soon. Wanted to add that I chose Cramlington for my first birth simply because they have private en suite rooms - I had lots of complications and ultimately had to be transferred to the RVI. Make your hospital decision on the best care available, I wish I had.

I have a planned section this week for my second, at the RVI. Unfortunately no private rooms.

Thank you so much for your reply, I have booked at the RVI - hope all went well for your planned section!

There are private rooms at the RVI (birthing suite) where partners can stay overnight too. They're only used for when there are no complications. And obviously there's a finite amount so depends if one is available when you go in.

Rvi do have a birth suite with private rooms. Must book in advance and only if you are low risk and go into labour on my own between 37-42 I believe. But I’d go for the Rvi it’s the main hospital for births but as you say the noise on the wards is so bad especially when your baby is asleep and nobody else’s wants to sleep and your exhausted!! Sometimes I do think it’s better to get home asap