UCLH can’t fit me in for elective CS at 39w – experiences of Royal Free / Royal London / Central Middlesex?u

[PeachFishcake]

Hi all,

Thanks in advance for advice. I’m 39 weeks pregnant with gestational diabetes and baby is measuring on the larger side. I’ve been advised that by this point an elective c-section is the safest option for me.
All my care so far has been at UCLH, but unfortunately they can’t fit me in for an elective CS this week. They’ve suggested transferring me to either the Royal Free (possibly Royal London) or Central Middlesex instead.
I haven’t been to any of these hospitals before and, to be honest, I have quite a low risk appetite at the moment as I’ve had some fairly recent hospital-based trauma. The thought of switching hospitals so late on is making me anxious, even though I know it’s not uncommon.
I’d be really grateful to hear from anyone who’s had an elective (or even emergency) c-section or maternity care recently at:

• Royal Free
• Royal London
• Central Middlesex

Particularly interested in how calm/organised things felt, communication, and general experience of the maternity teams. I could also insist they see me at UCLH but the way the c section appointment person has been sounds like I am a huge inconvenience to them and wont get seen this week and likely my elective will become an emergency. Thank you so much in advance — feeling a bit overwhelmed and just trying to make the safest choice for me and baby.

Thanks,
N

Which one is best for you logistically? You may be in for a few days (hopefully not) so
I would consider that.

Which do you live nearest too? There is virtually no parking at RFH.

@PeachFishcake I feel for you, what a stress at this point! As well as op’s suggestion of thinking about travel logistics I would add: check out the visitor policy (should be online) esp in terms of partners staying overnight etc. Different hospitals have different policies so you might find one fits your preferences better.

Royal London.

Only because it’s the large proper teaching hospital. My children were born there but I can’t tell you how it’ll be as that was before the building work.

My hospitals of preference are UCLH and Royal London/Barts in general.

We used cabs to get there and back as we don’t drive so parking wasn’t an issue.

I found the Royal Free post natal ward very noisy, but my c section baby is in university now, so not a recent experience. I second thinking about logistics first, one plus to the Royal Free is the nice cafes nearby so visitors can bring food.