Maternity ward at The Pembury Hospital vs. East surrey hospital

[Shrupz]

Hi there, I’m currently trying to decide between the maternity ward at The Pembury Hospital (part of Tunbridge Wells hospital) or East Surrey hospital - for a planned C Section. Has anyone used both for their births to compare? Would love to hear reviews of both?
thanks :)

Only been to Pembury but one advantage there is it's private rooms not on a ward after birth if that is something you would prefer.

Planned section at Pembury 3 months ago, was great,

Emergency C-section at east Surrey but during covid. There was staffing issues as expected but not their fault. They did a smashing job considering

I had a horrible time at east Surrey in December. There was one midwife/nurse to about 15/20 beds. They tried their absolute best, I spent the majority of my labour alone with no options of birthing preferences (water birth etc) due to shortages. I honestly think I just had the short straw.

My friend had the polar opposite experience there was thoroughly looked after.

If I were to give birth again I would pick another hospital.

Just to add, if you do go to east Surrey you can pay for a private room in advance. It was £200 or something. I would have definitely done so if one was available! My DH tried but it was completely packed to the brim when I was there. We had no idea you could pre-book them

I had an elective section at Pembury with my second DC. My first was an emergency section in a central London Hospital.

My experience at Pembury was brilliant. Having a private room made such a difference to my recovery - far easier to get some rest and establish breast feeding. I was well supported post natally. Total opposite of my hideous time at King's.

My sister had her 3 DC at East Surrey - I don't recall her having a particularly bad time with any of them.

The post natal ward at east Surrey was a particularly unpleasant experience both times I was there (both c sections). There are private rooms, which you can pay for, but only if they are not being used for those who need them for medical reasons. So you might not be able to access them. And they aren't en-suite.

It's a large busy ward, lots of beds. I found some of the staff to be lacking empathy and care, I think they let partners stay overnight on the open ward, so you will have various men sleeping on chairs in each bay. Some women love this idea, for me I would rather discharge myself against medical advice than put up with that.

If Pembury has private rooms then I'd leap at the chance for that.

Both of mine were at East Surrey and the midwives were lovely. I booked a side room with my second so it was a fair bit quieter than the post natal ward. They have a midwife led area now with water birth options etc but also very close to the main maternity ward in case of complications

I had my eldest at the old Pembury Hospital, had my youngest at the new TWH (on same site as old Pembury). TWH has single rooms (with ensuite bathrooms). I found getting sleep/R+R a damned site easier in a single room. XH was able to stay over with me then (he didn't though, he fucked off and got drunk with his friends but hey ho). I can't comment on East Surrey as I've never been there.

Thanks so much for all the comments :)
I'm currently 31 weeks pregnant and have been at east surrey so far and have no complaints. But I do think we will transfer to the pembury. Only because of the private ensuite rooms. I'm having a planned c so I know will need to spend longer in post natal and I'm not liking the sound of the busy shared ward at east surrey.
These comments have really helped!
Thanks everyone :)

You've made the right decision. Best of luck 🍀

@Shrupz I'm 35 + 5 and have transferred from Hastings conquest to Pembury. For a few reasons, but mainly because of the private room!

I also transferred quite late in pregnancy and I would urge you to fill out the self referral form asap as I believe they won't accept you after 34 weeks.

Hiya! Yes I have already done the self referral and received an email from them saying they look forward to meeting me. So hopefully all is fine. Just waiting for a phone call to be scheduled. But thank you so much for your message. You said there were several reasons, anything I should be aware of? Sorry I don't want to pry but anything that would make me feel more sure about my decision would help :)

Pembury is my
Local hosp and where I had mini blondes tho vaginal not cs

Own private rooms - make all the diff esp when need a wee and can go and know baby will be ok and not have to take

Tv on wall and a recliner chair

Not c sections but I’ve had two babies at Pembury- can’t fault it.