Portland hospital or Westminster unit at St. Thomas’?

[EdgySquid]

Hello, FTM to be looking for recent experiences on either of the above two hospitals. My obstetrician delivers at both and I am struggling to decide.

Initially thought I’d definitely go with Westminster unit as it’s attached to an NHS hospital but I’ve spoken with 3 obstetricians and they all say the Portland is superior…

I am not bothered about having a nice room/food/nursery. I want to go to the place with the best midwives and monitoring. I’ve been to the Portland open day and spoken with a few of their midwives and am going there for a tour which really gives a feel. Westminster won’t even let me tour which feels a bit obstructive by comparison…

does anyone have any recent experiences? At the moment all being well I’m going for a vaginal birth hence the importance of the midwives to me.

thanks in advance!

I gave birth at St Thomas's in early 2020 right before covid. This was via NHS. the post birth care was so awful i asked to be moved to the westminster wing and OMG how it was night and day. the rooms are lovely, your birthing partner will get a whole bed, the food is lovely, the toilets are stocked and the care was incredible. St Thomas's in an incredible hospital, i think i just got a bad batch of midwives the night i gave birth, but the experience got turned around very quickly.

Fast forward 4 years, i am now pregnant again. I have had all my Pre-natal care at Queen Charlottes and honestly it has been the messiest thing i have ever encountered. I havent seen a single midwife twice. No one really knows you... the care has been fine dont get me wrong but it is not the same as the NHS care i got at St Thomas's. I went and saw their Private wing at Sir Stanley Clayton, and to be honest for the £750 you pay (for the small rooms) or the £950 you pay for the big rooms, you dont really feel like you are in a "private" area. I have recently found out that my baby is breech and so we can have our C Section privately at Portland. Which is what i have no opted for.. I am very excited to see it tomorrow!!! but i have heard incredible things about it. my consultant seems amazing and It has just taken away so much of the anxiety i had with QC.