Whittington VS Barnet maternity hospital

[Eve1204]

Hi, I'm currently 34 weeks pregnant and I need your advice on choosing a maternity hospital. It's difficult to find recent reviews for each hospital. I'm already registered at Barnet, but many people have mentioned Whittington and one of my husband's colleagues recommended it to him.

However, if I switch hospitals, I'll have to go through the registration process again. But I don't mind if it's worth switching. My midwife actually recommended Barnet before, so I was thinking of sticking with it. But I would appreciate your genuine reviews.

This is my first baby, and I've had a miscarriage before, so I'm feeling cautious and sensitive right now. These are all things I've heard, so I would really appreciate your advice on choosing a maternity hospital.

Thank you in advance for sharing your reviews and advice.

[Burpcloth]

Hi OP. I gave birth at Barnet having been under Whittington til 20 weeks (changed due to moving area). Great experience giving birth at Barnet - I felt staff really used their clinical judgement rather than just relying on rote rules.

I imagine you'll have considered this but I'll say it anyway - consider how close you'll be. I ended up having to go in to triage a lot at the end of my pregnancy and was so thankful to be so close. Parking at Whittington is near impossible too.

Finally the switching process was fine the other way around for me - I got an extra 20week scan which I didn't mind!

[Thankyouthankyoujellybean]

When I gave birth at the Whittington they were completely at capacity, everyone was over worked and it was 30 degrees so it was all a bit shit, but not necessarily anyone's fault. Just don't go near the Royal Free! I was readmitted thereafter DS1 failed to put on any weight and it was truly grim.

[AllieBeen]

You can check the quality care commission scores here:

https://www.cqc.org.uk/location/RKEQ4 - Whittington, maybe your best in Barnet, though I hear the head midwife is nice at Whittington.

[hellohellohello123]

Hello!
I’m in the same predicament now and was wondering if anyone had any more thoughts on this?
Im booked in for an elective C section at Whittington but wonder if I should transfer to Barnet as its less aggro with the parking etc and if I go into in labour sooner than my planned date (like I did with my first) then the seemingly calmer getting-to-the-hospital experience may be worth switching for?
any advice helpful!! Thanks

[Perexi]

I had a planned C-section at the Whittington and we were really happy with the care and support we received. It was our closest hospital and we had lot's of positive reviews from friends about it so made sense for us.

[Bells3032]

@hellohellohello123

Hello!
I’m in the same predicament now and was wondering if anyone had any more thoughts on this?
Im booked in for an elective C section at Whittington but wonder if I should transfer to Barnet as its less aggro with the parking etc and if I go into in labour sooner than my planned date (like I did with my first) then the seemingly calmer getting-to-the-hospital experience may be worth switching for?
any advice helpful!! Thanks

Parking at Barnet is an absolutely nightmare during the day (obv at night and weekends its fine). Can take over an hour to find a space

[Bells3032]

OP - I gave birth at barnet but have friends at wittington too and i think they're a bit of a much of a much really so go with whichever is nearest to you