labour ward visit BRIGHTON

[claremu]

My boyfriend was going to visit the ward at the Royal Sussex to check it out in case we had to go in, but they don't do tours anymore, instead they apparently have a DVD which you can only borrow if you go to the NHS 'parent craft' classes (which we won't be)...
has anyone watched this DVD? All my partner needs to know is some practical stuff really...

I haven't seen the DVD but had both my babies there and have been back many times to support other mums having their babies. So, what do you want to know?

Had one of my DDs there (2 yrs ago) so might be able to help. Haven't seen DVD either though I'm afraid.

had ds there a year ago, haven't seen the dvd but happy to help too.
The most important thing I'd say straight off is that you should practice your route up to the delivery ward - if you go in through the main entrance it takes FOREVER. Best to go up past A&E to the base of the (THomas Kemp - I think?) tower and get in the lift there straight up to level 13 (or 14.. can't remember!) There is a car drop off point there (or apparently it is ok to leave your car (with keys) with the porters at A&E and they will park it for you.. obviously they'll only do this if it is an emergency so not one to try if you go there in early labour..)
let me know if anything else I can tell you..

I saw the DVD the other day. They won't lend it to you. You watch it at the end of the antenatal class. It was the only reason I went to the class and was worth it, on balance. We're going for a homebirth but may well end up at the Royal Sussex, so was keen to see what it looked like. Seemed nice and clean and modern, all quite reassuring. Plus other people have given us v good reports about the staff there, so over all think Royal Sussex looks a good bet if that's where we end up.

Can't understand why they don't just put the DVD online tho. Would take a web company 5 minutes, and would save worried parents the effort of sitting through a whole antenatal class just to watch vid. Dur.

Thanks for that - (sorry for delay in getting back to everyone )
I'm familiar with the hospital layout and A&E so thats helpful info re best way to get in. The route will be easy as its straight along the sea front.
Basically I'm 'doing' hypnobirthig/ gentle birthing, so the idea is that my partner is responsible for running the whole thing and aside from us agreeing on our preferences, it's his job to deal with unforseen circumstances etc.
The hypnobirthing advised a visit to the ward so that you are familiar how it works and what to expect should you birth there, as she did.
This would mean that my partner would know what to expect in terms of lay out, facilities/ services etc.
Having said all this I suppose it's fairly straightforward and that once you get there the midwife will tell you what you need to know?

I've always gone through Thomas Kemp tower - but I've been either dropped off or early enough to park in the car park.

The ward - you get your own room. Fantastic views. Both times I had a private toilet just outside. Both times had access to mats/birthing balls etc on request. Tea machine in the hall - but no snack machines so bring your own. Bath afterwards in a bathroom at the end of the ward (shared, but obviousy not while i was in it!) . Ward laid out in a doughnut shape, with labour rooms round the edge and doctors/midwives offices etc in the middle. There's a birth pool - but I never wanted to use one so can't comment.

Postnatal ward a bit more basic. You can ask for an amenity room, but I've always ended up in a ward with 5 other (nice!) ladies. Toilets could be better - as could service for food etc. Bring some money to buy a card for the TV in case you can't sleep.

Lots of waiting around on the day of discharge! They discharge in batches with a little talk on what to watch out for, but it means you have to wait for all the other mums leaving that day to be signed off by the paed,