St Marys after bad experience at Chelsea and Westminster

[EugenieM]

Hi,

I had an traumatic birth (induction, double contractions, Emergency C Section and then lost half my blood, cathetor wrongly put into baby's hand, bled all over my chest etc etc) at C and Westminster. I dont really want to return there.

Does anyone have any feedback on St Marys esp. for C Section (as I might elect or end up having one) and also for after birth care.

Also, can you completely choose the hospital you want? As I've heard good things about UCH but we're out of their area.

Thanks so much!!

Blimey Eugenie can see why you don't want to go back to C&W! Have no personal experience of St Mary's but word of mouth says it's good (also has a private wing if you fancy / can afford / have insurance, but with all the backup of a large NHS joint).
Had my DD at UCH (old buiding) and am heading back for DC2 in 2 weeks time - from what I know you can self-refer now that they have Foundation status. Or ask yr GP to refer you there. Don't think you have to be in their area so it's worth a shot.

Consensus on UCH seems to be good for antenatal and labour / birth, dead busy on post natal wards so get yourself home quickly if you can / feel well.

Best of luck.

Sorry to hear about that but have many friends who had a total shocker at Mary's so have been much happier with C&W next time round... you sound really unlucky but have heard rotten things about mary's. However, our kids are 3-4 now and no more recent experience as nobody wanted to go back... sorry... obviously I don't speak for the Lindo.

I have one direct friend and two acquaintances who in the past year have had quite traumatic births at Chelsea Westminster. It is within walking distance from my home but I have refused to deliver there considering what I know.

I don't know about St. Mary's NHS wing but the Lindo is supposed to be wonderful and I have decided to deliver there. I am partly covered by my insurance.

EugenieM - what about Queen Charlotte's in Hammersmith? Lots of my nct group had their babies there and most were v positive about it. I had mine at C&W - like you, I wouldn't want to go back!