Royal Sussex Hospital or ???

[Becs77]

Hi everyone,

I'm 10 weeks pg and next week have to decide where to have my bub. The thing is i'm new to the area (lived here about 6 months) so not really sure how the local hospitals rate. I've looked at government reports etc on web but never quite sure how reliable they are and would prefer to hear real life advice! I am also considering the birthing centre in Crowborough...not sure if it's too far from where I live in Hove (Would be a good 40 minutes away..)

Would really appreciate some advice from any mothers who've had good/bad experiences at either....

Thank you!! x

Hi Becs77,
I live in Brighton and had my two children at the Royal Sussex (but they are 10 and 7 so I'm afraid my 'review' won't be very current!).
I absolutely loved the treatment I got there and am 6 weeks pregnant now and will definitely be going back there for number 3's arrival.
First two births were very straightforward - 10 year old son was 2 weeks overdue so I had to go in to be induced and it was all very calm and fine and I delivered with just gas and air. 7 year old daughter was 10 days overdue - I did go in to hospital and was then sent home due to lack of activity which was slightly riling - but in the end all went great and again I just had gas and air.
The staff were wonderful and were not 'in your face' and 'on your case' all the time but this doesn't mean they were thin on the ground or noticeable by their absence!! ... They came as and when requested etc and regularly checked me over and were fantastic when the grand finales were happening!!
You can go on a 'tour' at the Royal Sussex Maternity Unit(well you used to be able to)- it might be worth ringing to see if these still happen.
Best of luck and keep in touch!!
XXX

I had ds there 2 and a half years ago. I didn't have a great experience but it was one that I can imagine happening fairly easily at any busy hospital. I have friends who have ahdgood and bad experiences there. Key thing is it is the biggest hospital in the area so hectic but also has all the specialists etc you would want. It may not be happening now but when I was due to give birth I had to get all info about surrounding hospitals anyway as Brighton would sometimes close becuase full.
One thing you might want to consider is Worthing hospital, depending on traffic it may be quicker for you to get to than Brighton and its a bit smaller so maybe a bit less frantic - I have a couple of friends who have had v good experiences there.
Crowborough looks lovely (I think partners can stay which was a big draw for me) but it is a long way away on bad roads and puts more pressure on the 'when to go in' question. Had a friend who was told she had arrived too early and sent home, then labour progressed quite quickly and she ended up at the Sussex - where she was v happy.
Hope I've helped a bit.