Trying to decide between Queen Charlotte's and Ealing maternity unit

[AFG]

I have to decide whether to have my second child at QC or Ealing Hospital. Ealing has a shocking reputation whilst QC is supposed to be the best, particularly for potentially more difficult pregnancies (I'm 39 with a blood clotting disorder.)

However, when I had a miscarriage a few months ago I had great service from Ealing Early Pregnancy Unit, and the doctor I spoke to there said that Ealing was really improving, and was also less "complacent" than QC. I also have an OK report on Ealing from a friend who's had all 3 of hers at Ealing. Ealing is also a lot more convenient for me in terms of location.

My experience at QC with my first child was horrible- they missed the fact I was breach, induced me, left me alone for ages and then did an emergency C section so rushed that I was left with scarring and secondary infertility (Ashermans) which had to be surgically corrected.

Any experiences or thoughts from people who have been to either would be really welcome, as I'm making decisions based on a best and worst case scenarios which might not be reflective of the overall service. Many thanks.

Why don't you arrange with your midwife to have a tour of the unit. this is easy to arrange before you decide where to book. even if no midwife attends your GP you can see a midwife at other places. Ealing midwives have clinics in Mattock lane, Elthorne park hanwell, and Laurel Gardens hanwell. Call 02089675569 which is the community miwdives answer phone. Leave your name and contact details and they will get back to you. Hope this helps.

I agree that having a tour would be a good idea, also you might find this website helpful

Hth

I have gone for QueenC, purely cos I had DC1 there and they have dealt with my gynae issues. I got good care and I got my epidural!

However the local and after care came from the Ealing team, who were also very nice. Ealing gets a bad rep (so I hear) due to the vast amount of foreign women that done attend the pre-natal appts. In many cases they just rock up in labour, dont speak any English, and the team have no knowledge of their issues hence it gets a buit hairy. My gynae told me this.

So had I not got QC, I'd have gone for Ealing no worries

I was very happy with Ealing for my DD and wanted to have my second there but had moved and used Hillingdon, which, although I had a nice outcome I think they were short staffed and more disorganised than Ealing.

Also I thought antenatal care at Ealing was much better too - although you do sometimes have a long wait at the clinics.

Not used Ealing but both of my births at QC (the old one) were shocking ! New baby born at St. Peters and it was wonderful. Good Luck