Private Room following NHS Birth

[MERMAIDKB]

Is it possible to have a private room after giving birth. If so, are they provided on a first come first serve basis or can one be guaranteed if pay in advance and what sort of cost are we talking about?

If you mean a side room they can't be guarenteed. It is first come first served and if you do get one you could still be moved out of it if someone else needs it more.

Yes I had one when DS1 was born (DH worked at the hospital but we could have booked one). I didn't bother for DD or DS2 as I found it very isolating, on my own with a new baby, despite being noisy on the ward staff were more visable and there were other mums around.

You can't book; on the day you can ask if there's one available. I think they're usually around £75.

But different hospitals have different facilities for this so it's best to check with wherever you plan to give birth

I think different hospitals have different policies.

Thank you everyone :-)

My hospital has "amenity rooms" which are available on a first come first served basis at a cost of £225 per night. They have TV and an ensuite toilet/shower room. My parents treated me when I had dd as I was only staying in for one night and I have to say it was very nice to (a) get some sleep and (b) have a bathroom free right there when you need it (one bathroom for 8 leaking/bleeding women on eachvery full wards apparently not pleasant).

I had one after giving birth to DS...but I did transfer in from a home birth and they seemed very keen to accomodate us because of that...they actually offered us the family room first (well they offered DH it & he turned it down ). They were fairly empty that night but were completely full a few days later so I think it is just luck of the draw. No harm in asking if you want one.

At watford general you can pre book and pay for a private room but if there are fully private patients booked in then you have to give up your room. I was informed that this rarely happens and had never heard of anyone not getting their pre booked room, until it came to me that is and there was nothing available but they refunded me immediately.