Had a bad time at UCH last time, wonder how hard to fight to go elsewhere 2nd time round...

[BraveNewWorld]

I'm struggling to choose hospital where I'd like to have second baby... first time was very safe and straighforward (if endless!) but UCH (old building) was so overcrowded I was turfed out into corridor to sit on a chair, in public, listening to all the other women in the throes in the surrounding rooms till eventually discharged at 11.30pm, with no access to a toilet etc. Was a bit traumatised to say the least and even though I know they have moved to seemingly squeaky clean new building, reading the same old ward/unit names are making me queasy already.

Don't really fancy Whittington (am based in South Islington) and the only one I hear consistently good things about is St Thomas's. But it's quite far... too far? Worth fighting to get in? Has anyone given birth there in last few months? Or have experience of getting into a hospital outside their local area? I'm particularly keen that DH could stay a bit rather than getting turfed straight out. Toilet would be nice too

Or am I fussing over nothing - any recent experiences of new UCH? Can't believe they only have ONE more birth pool than in old building.

Advice much appreciated as I'm dawdling on the booking in as can't decide!

I recieved a booklet all about my right to choose which hospital to have this baby in, one of the choices was 35 miles away, so distance doesn't seem an issue here.

I have made the decision to book at a hospital further away because due to my job I hear all the horror stories about the closest one. Doesn't mean the one I intend to go to doesn't have horror stories, just that I don't have to spend the next 5 months hearing about them!
You have to go where you feel confident. And you are quite within your rights to request a different hospital, my MW didn't raise an eyebrow, just suggested that I wait until after my 20 week scan so I could have it done locally and wasn't treking accross the county for it!
Congratulations and good luck
jx

I had my baby at UCH in february and it was brilliant. The staff were friendly and knowledgable and did everything they could for me, two midwifes staying after their shift to check i was ok, from HCA's up to consultants and they saved my life. It was clean and I felt the care was fantastic.
Unfortunately the post natal ward was not so good, but i think this is the case with post natal care everywhere. Labour ward and antenatal departments were excellent though and If I ever have another baby I will go back, despite the post natal ward.

Thanks all, good to hear good things about the new UCH. Know that rationally I should stick with it but went for booking appt and my blood pressure (usually below average) was dangerously high. Enough said I think!

I had DS2 at the birth centre in April. It was great. Have no idea what the labour ward would be like though...

sorry should have said - birth centre had double bed so both dh and I could lie down and rest afterwards as we were up all night as DS2 born at 6.43am!

Rooms have flatscreen TV and private shower ensuites and birth pool in each room.

DH, DS2 and I stayed in the room for 14 hours after the birth (we could have stayed longer) and went home. This was my 3rd labour and only one that DH got to stay AND didn't have to sleep on floor.