Exeter (RD&E) or Taunton (Musgrove Park) hospital for childbirth?

[Becky7592]

Hi everyone

I am due to give birth this September and have the choice of Exeter hospital (RD&E) or Taunton (Musgrove Park) (hopefully one of their midwifery units but my pregnancy is potentially going to be complicated so I may be limited to the labour ward).

I was hoping for some honest reviews about recent experiences in either hospital (labour ward or midwifery unit) to help me decide which hospital to choose.

Many thanks

Hello, I had a baby at Exeter in the last year. Spent a lot of time on antenatal then gave birth on labour ward then spent a week on postnatal. Had an excellent experience. Is there anything specific you want to know about? I was on the labour ward for the birth. I've had two babies at Exeter (both labour ward) and have felt safe and cared for and listened to both times.

I’ve had two babies at Exeter, one last month and one in 2021. Can’t complain - care was very good. Both planned c sections.

my sis in law had her baby at Musgrove last year via emergency c section. She didn’t have any complaints as such but she did feel that she wasn’t properly informed of all her choices.

I had a baby in Exeter during covid and had a good experience. Where do you live? I would go to the hospital that is closer to you.

I had both my DC (8 & 4) at Musgrove. The Labour rooms were fine. I missed out on an epidural with DC1 due to no anaesthetists available. Had a C-Section with DC2 & can't fault the care during for both births.
After the maternity ward was noisy & felt understaffed. Staffed seemed rushed & a few things were missed with DC1 which shouldn't have been.
The toast after birth was amazing 😄
However, it's been a few years since I was there - things may have improved or not, or got worse. But agree with others in that you really need to go with the closest.
A friend who lived in Tiverton was given the option of either & went for Exeter.

Hi everyone

Thank you so much for responding. I live smack bang in the middle of both so neither hospital is closer. I guess Exeter would be slightly more convenient and there are a number of different routes I could take if the motorway etc was closed.

I've heard a few "horror stories" about Exeter but I guess you get that everywhere...