Given choice of hospitals for initial consultation (SW London) - how do I choose?

[Treats]

Hi everyone

Having been ttc #1 for a year, DH and I had our first appointment to discuss our 'infertility' with the GP today. He's going to refer me to a gynaecologist to talk about testing and next steps, which is great news.

The trouble is that he's given me the choice of three hospitals and I have to decide which one I want to go to. I really don't know how to decide.

The hospitals are St George's in Tooting, Chelsea and Westminster, or St Thomas'. Does anyone have any experiences of gynaecologist appointments in any of these hospitals that they could share with me?

I'm not thinking about IVF/ICSI/IUI at this stage although obviously it might come to that. Equally, I'm not so worried right now about their actual maternity facilities. Obviously I hope it WILL come to that, but I guess I can always choose a different hospital.

If anyone has any experience of an inital gynaecologist's appointment to share, and any advice on what to look for when making my decision, I'd be really grateful to hear it.

Thanks in advance everyone.

Hi Treats,

I had IUI at the Assisted Conception Unit in Guy's & St Thomas's (based at Guy's) about five years ago. The team there were fantastic and I am immensely grateful to them as I have a four-year-old son as a result.

I don't remember being asked to choose between hospitals though.

I would factor in the practical aspects as well - in terms of how convenient they are (it really is a bind to take lots of time off work and travel midwinter etc if there was an alternative more convenient) and also find out what the waiting list times are - if you can call the relevant secretaries and find out.

Having to wait 12 months for example to see the one you "chose" might not be worth it at this stage. I had to wait a long time as I asked to see a particular person and with hindsight I can see that actually I didnt need to see that person as I was a "standard" case and treated by a member of their team and could have seen any of them for the treatment I needed.

Good luck.

Good point, anyoneelse, I think they are all good hospitals so location should probably be a key factor in any decision.

Hi guys

That's really helpful - thank you so much. Tbh I was thinking of going for St Thomas' anyway, purely from a convenience point of view, as it's easy for me to get to from both work and home, so what you've said has backed that up.

But I'm pleased to hear about your IUI experience as well swampster - really glad it was a success for you.

Thanks again