maternity wards at Sussex/Haywards Heath - where to go?!

[rachelstephens]

Hi everyone

I am in the early stages of my second pregnancy but have only recently moved down here so have not used the Brighton maternity services before.

My doc says I have to choose now if i am going to have the baby in Brighton or HH. I have heard some mixed things about the Sussex but I know from last time that a lot jsut depends on how busy the ward is and how many midwives are on duty.

I feel that emergencies and catastrophies can happen in any hospital but I don't know if either of the hospitals has a particularly bad reputation. we live in brighton so i am uncomfortable about having to drive to HH, but last time we had a 15 minute drive to the nearest hospital anyway.

i don't want a homebirth, don't want an independent midwife or a doula - i just want a decent maternity ward who will do what it can to help me! any views on the hospitals would be great. thanks, rachel

I had both my dds at the Royal Sussex County Hospital and it was fine. However, this was nearly 12 and nearly 10 years ago, so can't really comment on the current situation. I wouldn't have liked to have had to drive up to Haywards Heath though when in labour. Far too far away imo.

I had a baby at the Sussex 10 months ago - it was absolutely fine. Mindyou I was only there 3 minutes before ds2 arrived and I paid for an amenity room. But everything was good for me.

I have had 2dc (5 and 2 years ago)at the PRH in Haywards Heath and shortly to have 3rd there. I've been very happy with the care there, although not had one at Brighton to compare. Anecdotally I have a couple of friends who were not happy with Brighton...

PRH is quite a small, intimate and friendly hospital - which personally I preferred (have had same delivery room both times, am going for hat-trick this time...) The Royal Sussex is vastly bigger. If there are major complications you will prob. end up there as the neo-natal unit is more specialised.

However, I live midway distance-wise between the 2, with PRH prob. the quickest drive so the decision was easy. Parking is a nightmare at Royal Sussex...

Ummm, do you want a view of the sea or the downs from your bed?!

DS (5.5) was born at home but I went in to RSCH to have the retained placenta removed and spent a night in a single room. The RSCH team are lovely and they encouraged and supported me in my choice of an active birth for DD (18m) - the pool is great - but the aftercare is pretty rubbish to be honest. I spent the night on the ward with her. Try and go for an amemity bed/single room if you can, I'd say the £40 is well worth it. Ds incidentally was only born at home because he came so quickly, but even with a slower start, I don't think I'd have fancied a trip to HH in labour from Hove, but if you dont mind a little journey could Crowborough be an option?

I had DS at sussex county 3 years ago... they couldnt have been more amazing. had complication with retained placenta but they were fantastic and after care was brilliant.

i asked to stay in an extra couple of nights because i was on my own and anxious and they let me stay and were fantastic.

exactly the right amount of letting you do things/being there when you need it.

have tears in my eyes now remembering the wonderful midwife rachel.

thanks everyone for your replies, i really appreciate that.

i feel a bit happier about the sussex now so will consider that as more of an option. the aftercare with my last birth was appalling and sadly i think it is in a lot of places. we were just forgotten about and didn't see the midwife again until discharge, we didn't even get offered a cup of tea until 3 hours after the birth let alone a piece of toast for me!

cheers everyone! rachel