Princess Alexandra Hospital or Broomfield Hospital?

[kittycatlover]

I am 13 weeks pregnant and in the process of moving from London to Essex. I had DS at UCLH and am currently having my antenatal care there for this pregnancy but will need to choose between PAH or Broomfield to give birth this when we move. Does anyone have any recent experience of either? I've read a few stories of a lack of midwives at PAH which resulted in a mortality and various things being missed.

My DS was premature (born at 35 wks) so I am nervous about having another pre-term baby and therefore also keen to go where there is a good neonatal unit and would be interested to hear from anyone who was in this situation and how they were looked after. I have been referred to the pre-term birth clinic at UCLH but not sure if either of these hospitals has anything similar.

My niece was born at 30+3 at PAH and her care was amazing.

She is now a stroppy 2 year old thanks to the team.

We really couldn't fault them.

I am currently 20+6 and having my baby there with no hesitation.

I am 32 weeks and due to give birth at Broomfield. I have heard nothing but good things from numerous friends who have given birth at Broomfield. The maternity unit is brand new and likened to going to stay in a hotel. All delivery rooms are en suite and the care is fantastic.

Certainly my experience of the antenatal clinic - which is next door to the maternity unit - has been a very good one.

Broomfield for me as well, good parking, beautiful and clean maternity area and very nice indeed.

However, my FIL is staying in there at the moment has has just got noro virus, which my husband has caught. I am staying well away from them both.
This im sure is VERY common in many hospitals.

I gave birth at Broomfield last year and I thought it was excellent, clean, efficient nd good staff.

Where do you live? Where are you closer to? If one is a lot closer I may opt for the closer one, I recall my journey to the hospital while in labour with ds as being a particularly uncomfortable time!!

I had my ds in Kent (excellent care from the midwives) and have opted for Broomfield this time (due end of August) due to hearing only good things about it. So far the care I have had from the midwives has been excellent and they are punctual (which I think is really important).

Thanks for all your replies. It's good to hear positive feedback from both. I think PAH is closer and would probably be a lot easier for us to get to.

nearlymumofone - I take your point about the journey whilst in labour. When I had my ds the drive through London took in every single speed bump imaginable! Not the most comfortable half hour journey I've experienced.

Impatientwino - good to hear the care of your niece born prematurely at PAH was excellent. Did she spend time in the neonatal unit? We had a horrible incident at UCLH in the NICU and the thought of having to go back there makes me feel physically sick.

I had my son at PAH in 2010 and had a good experience there - I was using the midwife led birth centre and my midwife was perfect. The post natal ward is a little worn and tired (i had to move there due to last minute complications otherwise would have stayed on the post natal ward at the birth centre) but still, I think that's probably the same with most hospitals really. I think all hospitals will get negative and positive comments, I would also say its better to go for the one that's closer to you cos it will make it easier when the time comes (and also easier if say, they send u home for a bit cos they don't think your in established labour or something like that)