Pembury & Tunbridge Wells Maternity

[Hollielouise]

Hi all - I've recently moved to Tunbridge Wells from London and am currently 6 weeks pregnant.

The recent report on Pembury maternity care is quite concerning - it's now graded inadequate and unsafe.

Has anyone recently given birth in the Tunbridge Wells/Pembury hospital or are currently under their maternity care?

H- no advice about what pembury but have you tried Crowborough birthing centre- I had my first there and it was amazing if you have a low risk pregnancy. Stayed 3 days after birth with around the clock b feeding advice, care and meals!

@Windthebloodybobbinup Thanks so much for replying - sounds like a great option. Forgot to add I have to have a c-section for medical reasons. Second birth. First in London and so all a bit unknown down here. Thank you though x

Hi @Hollielouise I'm currently at Pembury TW. I'm also consultant led/having a c section. So far the care has been really good. I'm due to give birth in about 6 weeks so can update you if you like. I did talk to the midwives and consultants about the report and felt somewhat reassured. I was also told that being consultant led meant more attention so less likely to have overlooked problems or some of the issues with long births mentioned in report. So far I'm finding it a positive experience.

I had my first back in 2022 and then my second just 2 days ago at TWH. Even though my 2nd birth was an emergency c section, the quality of care imo was actually much better than I experienced last time. The staff were on the whole much friendlier and more helpful with breastfeeding etc, the theatre staff were great and really put you at ease. There also seemed to be more continuity of care, the first time round I stayed for 5 days and didn’t see the same person twice but this time the same midwives & doctors seemed to appear. So perhaps some lessons have been learnt! I’m not planning any more babies but i’d absolutely go back if I was, the private rooms are a fab bonus too.

I gave birth there in 2020 and it was shocking. It was a 22week delivery and whilst the midwives were amazing, the consultants were shit, and made some dangerous mistakes.

Gave birth there again (c-section) in 2022. Chose to be there again as had the connection with bereavement midwives etc. 2022 was MUCH better, and there's a lot to be said for the individual rooms etc after a c-section.

I had a planned c-section there 8 months ago. I had a complicated pregnancy but was well looked after. Loved my c-section. I'd previously had another c-section there in 2016 and loved that one too.

Hi @Hollielouise , I'm a bit late to the party but thought you might still be interested to hear some more - yes the reports on the maternity unit are very worrying and rightly so - I had what should've been a fairly uncomplicated natural birth in December 2022 which turned into a butchery that's taken me 18 months to recover from BUT having had a tightly knit bump & baby group (and starting having multiple experiences with 2nd babies starting to be born), I can attest planned C-sections (and they were quite a few) all went very smoothly so if you stick to C-sections (and avoid bank holidays for aftercare...) you should be good as gold!

Hi all - I know this thread is old but I’m due to have my baby here in December and freaking out over the stories and write ups on the hospital, has anyone any other things to add about their experience or the hospital in general? Thanks!

I had my baby there in 2023. Vaginal delivery, no painkillers. On extra obs as I had a previous C-section (in another area). Just wanted to reassure you that I had a great experience and was so well looked after. All of the midwives were lovely and the consultant just popped her head in to say I would be fine and the VBAC would most likely go smoothly so I wouldn’t see her again (and I didn’t). Best of luck. Obviously if you have any bad feelings or anything- trust your gut and raise them.

@bunz123 if you're low risk I'd definitely advise you to go take a look at the birth centres,'one in Maidstone, one in Crowborough. you can book a tour at any stage of pregnancy. Such a lovely calm environment and the staff have more time, especially after the birth

Also due to give birth at TWells this year and concerned over the 2024 report, stories etc.
Considering Crowborough birth centre but as a FTM, slightly worried…
Any recent stories on Twells appreciated.