Hiya,
I had DS there in July 2004. I had hoped for a waterbirth (they have two pools there) but as I had to be induced and baby refused to move that didn't happen. I was there for quite a while (Tuesday evening - Saturday afternoon) and I thought the midwives were great. Yes, I saw a different one each time a shift ended but that wasn't a problem at all. They were all lovely and very supportive and each new one came and introduced herslef at the beginning of her shift so no surprises. I even participated in a study about eating during labour so I was brought some lunch while I was at it.
As I was induced I could not go to the Home from home ward (which looks lovely, you must go and do the tour) but the rooms I was in were great too. Birthing bar, mattress for hubby, great views, private bathroom with bath.
One of the midwives helped me attach my TENS machine and when I decided I wanted an epidural it didn't take too long to get it organised either. They had it set up so I could push a button if I wanted to up my dose a bit (obviously there was a safety limit so I couldn't OD on it, ha ha).
DS still wasn't making any progress so in the end I had to have an emergency C-section. I know that's probably everyone's greatest fear but even then the staff were very helpful and supportive. They had told me it might happen a few hours prior so I had had some time to get used to the idea. When it was time for the docs to decide it wasn't scary or in a big panick. People came in and introduced themselves beforehand and we were joking while I was being wheeled into theatre (I was looking round for George Clooney but unfortunately he's not part of St Thomas' furniture).
My husband got to be with me at all times, even had to wear green surgeon's outfit while we were in theatre. he filmed it all (yuk!) and one of the specialists kept telling me what was happening. All very calm and friendly.
The postnatal ward was all right too. I was there a bit longer than most people as I'd had a C-section but I had a lovely view of Big Ben. There were 3 others in my room so not as massive and packed as you might expect. One night I was just so exhausted and DS was crying and I was not in a fit state to deal with him so one of the midwives offered to take him with her for a few hours. They had his cot out by the nurses' station so I could have some proper sleep. I felt useless but the MW was, again, really supportive and understanding.
I was also visited by a breastfeeding counsellor a few times. She showed me how to feed DS and came back later to see if I was doing okay.
All in all, I thought the staff were wonderful. Yes, they are busy and could do with a few more midwives but I think that's true for any NHS hospital. I would gladly go back there for number 2 but we have moved out of London.
Another little thing: they don't actually mind you using your mobile on the postnatal ward so I got to ring and text people from my bed. They also have a television/phone system for each bed so you can always phone people and receive calls but it's very expensive.
I hope you feel more at ease with things now. Good luck!