Possibility of a Private Consultant within NHS Hospital

[Sambo35]

I am really hoping that someone can demystify this whole area for me because I am so so worried and confused.

Firstly - Is it possible to see a private consultant yet within an NHS hospital? I know I want to be within an NHS hospital in case of any emergencies but I would really like the reassurance of seeing someone privately along the way.

Secondly - I am utterly terrified about not being able to have an epidural and would love to know if anyone has experience of epidurals at Chelsea & Westminster, Kingston or St Georges

Thirdly - any recent thoughts on the above 3 hospitals??

Don't live in London sorry. However not pregnancy related I did see a gynae consultant at a private hospital then he transferred me to his NHS books so I met him in both capacities and I have to say he didn't really treat me any differently in either. He was a very good Consultant and very polite and compasionate which is always nice when they are looking down there.

I know someone who just had her baby privately at St. Thomas's. Don't have many details about the birth yet, but know it was on the regular labour ward with her consultant in attendance. Postnatal care was on the private ward.

As far as I know, unless you go to the Portland Hospital, all other private births take place in NHS hospitals anyway (in a private 'wing'), though you might have ante-natal scans and consultations somewhere else

www.privatehealth.co.uk/private-healthcare-services/private-maternity-services/

Why not just find a consultant you like at a hospital with a private maternity wing, phone their secretary and ask for a quote for delivery, or book a consultation to discuss your concerns. Simples!

I had mark johnson at the c&w - c-sec 4 weeks ago on nhs. he does private but gets booked up v v quickly.
I was high risk and my nhs care was better than what i would have received privately.
You could have nhs ante-natal but supplement with private scans. also, you can transfer to the kensington wing if there is space post-birth.

I am seeing a consultant private at the Cheslea & Westminster (Keith Duncan). They have a private wing there, but like you I was concerned with proper emergency facilities etc. What do you want to know?

On a related note, a friend of mine had her baby in C&W (NHS) in November 2009 and had what appears to be the perfect birthing experience.. she had an epidural with no problems.

Why are you so scared about not being able to have one? You might find you don't want it when the time comes?