UCLH private Fitzrovia wing - experiences?

[IVFjourney12]

Hi there

I’d be really grateful to hear of anyone’s recent experience (post the refurbishment in 2022) of giving birth in the private wing (Fitzrovia wing) of the UCLH? I can only seem to find older outdated threads so would love to hear of some more recent experiences since the wing was renovated in 2022.

Thank you.

I was down to have an elective section there is 2023. 3 days pre-section date they cancelled on me - fortunately the Portland were able to squeeze me in. UCLH’s admin throughout the antenatal period was awful and I had to keep chasing them. I appreciate this might not be what you want to hear but, honestly, I would stay well away.

@Bxb88 Oh my goodness that’s crazy! Are they allowed to do that?! Were you under a specific consultant and so the consultant also had to “shift” to The Portland?

Basically i’ve chosen my private consultant, and he works from either the UCLH or The Portland. I’m apprehensive to go to The Portland, firstly due needing to be “moved” to an NHS hospital should anything go wrong. But also because of the very high costs of the NICU should the baby need it. So UCLH is currently seeming like my only option.

So just wondering whether you chose the UCLH and was then given a consultant, or if you chose the consultant first? And they still cancelled on you?

Thanks again

i also had a consultant who could work at both UCLH and Portland. There was a problem with his UCLH contract, apparently, but they didn’t flag it to him (or me) until 3 days prior to my scheduled date. Fortunately he was able to transfer me to the Portland.

I was also intending to avoid Portland because I was concerned about their NICU especially as I am self pay. But my DS ended up there (just for observations, nothing major). they give you 3 days for free, with the option of transferring to an NHS hospital (ie UCLH) at that point if you can’t afford to stay. The NIcU seemed very well equipped with good staff.

@Bxb88 oh this is very helpful to know about the option to transfer after 3 days.

I am also self funding so my concern was the NICU costs mostly; but if there’s a transfer option after 3 days then maybe I should consider. Having said that, I presume if the baby is not “stable” then they wouldn’t be able to transfer it to UCLH.

This has given me more to think about! Thank you so much, that’s really helpful.

It’s also worth checking what level the NICU is at the Portland - not that you’ll need it but just for your peace of mind. I’m also not sure that NICU transfer to UCLH is guaranteed - i.e. if UCLH don’t have a bed they would presumably have to find a bed somewhere else. Worth asking the question.

I had our third baby at Chelsea and Westminster (NHS) and when he did need NICU for breathing issues (temporary thankfully) I was so reassured to know it was a level 3. They were briefly considering ventilating him - not sure if that can be done in a level 2. Luckily he picked up very quickly and didn’t need it. But he was on CPAP for 24 hours.

The Portland has a level 2 NICU which can care for babies born from 28 weeks gestation onwards. UCLH has a level 3 NICU so if you are really anxious or your baby is at a greater risk of complications, then consider UCLH instead.

Bear in mind that the majority of NHS hospitals don’t have a level 3 NICU. For example my local hospital (where I gave birth to DD) is only a level 1. It’s not something that most people realise or consider when selecting an NHS hospital for their maternity care.

@EarlGreywithLemon Thanks so much for this. Didn’t even realise there were different levels of NICU (my knowledge on all this is dreadful!). Will definitely check that now.
Thank you.

@Bxb88 Thanks. Just read about the differences between level 2 and 3. My worries re the baby afterwards probably outweigh all my other (many!!) worries. So perhaps in that case UCLH is the answer…

I didn’t either! What our son had is not unusual and is not generally serious - it’s called Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn. It’s basically the baby taking a bit longer to settle into breathing. But it was such a comfort to know that he was in one of the best NICUs possible, and that if they did go ahead with ventilation it would be done there, without a transfer etc. The team were fantastic and used to caring for the sickest and youngest babies (from 22 weeks!) and we felt in really safe hands.

Not something you’re likely to need, but really reassuring to know it’s down the corridor from you. And that was also fantastic - the staff wheeled me back and forth to see him at all times of day and night starting 4 hours post section.

@EarlGreywithLemon Yes you’re right, having them so close by is definitely a big positive. Particularly if my C Section (which is higher risk due to severe adhesions) isn’t so straightforward and I’m not discharged straight away. At least I’d have the comfort of being in the same hospital (should they need NICU support) and not across the other side of London from them. Think this is definitely a big factor I need to consider. Thanks again. Really helpful. X

Not at all - best of luck! Xx

It’s not guaranteed that they will keep you at UCLH for NICU anyway. I have a friend whose baby only needed level 1 or 2 care and they were transferred to the Whittington as UCLH was full of higher needs babies. It’s a tertiary referral unit though so very sick babies from hospitals without a level 3 NICU are transferred there.

Ok that’s also helpful to know. Thank you.
I think weighing all factors up, it’s looking like UCLH, as also if something were to go awry with my surgery, I’m also already in an NHS hospital…

When are you due? Let us know what you decide and how you get on. I’m currently booked at UCLH NHS but considering private. Like you though worried about costs escalating if something goes wrong.

TBF I had my IVF on the nhs with them and they were very good so I am wondering if it’s worth it at all.

Booked in at UCLH yesterday for a C Section on 30 September (my pregnancy is also IVF!). When are you due? You may be before me!

Not until the 25th November so a little bit behind you.

Ah ok, will let you know how I get on with the UCLH. Good luck with it all. X

Hello @IVFjourney12 ! I hope you don’t mind me asking but did you end up going for a private birth uclh? I’m also having a ivf baby and currently choosing a consultant there and wondered if you had any recommendations. Thanjs :)

Hi @SamVan
So I did indeed choose UCLH Fitzrovia wing, however I’ve not yet given birth (I’m booked for end of September, so just a few weeks away!). I can let you know how it is after that, but for now I’m still just hopeful it was a good choice!
Sorry I can’t be of more help just yet! X

@IVFjourney12 best of luck!! That’s coming up so soon. I hope it’s going well so far? Which consultant did you go with? My main concern is there are only 5 private rooms at uclh so I’m not sure how they guarantee we’ll have one.