Ante-natal ward at Queen Charlotte's

[Questioneverythingtwice]

does anyone have any recent experience of staying on the ante-natal ward at Queen Charlotte's? Overnight especially? What is it like? How long can your partner stay with you? If you have a doula or a female birth partner are they allowed to stay longer? I think the ward is also known as the Edith Dare ward but I'm not sure.
Many thanks for any help with this, doctors want me to stay there but I'm afraid to trust myself to them. The hospital seems so busy right now that it appears that the only people getting any help are in emergency situations. I'm just a little over 40 weeks.

I was there 3 years ago so it may have got better - then, overheated, crowded and noisy. Night staff were contract and had no interest in helping out - made three separate requests ( breast feeding help, holding baby when went to loo, change of sheets when baby was sick) all of which were either ignored or argued against. Partners not allowed in eves - can't remember from what time. Would make alternative arrangements if you have an option.

Visiting hours only for anyone including partners. Not much staff to help out in evenings but you might get lucky with some good students. I saw more of a couple of very friendly helpful student midwives then anyone else. Also had a private room, would not have been happy in a shared ward.

Several friends have used the birthing centre and the rules there are different as they are more flexible with visitors and the staff seem to be more available to you. So if you can...then the birthing centre seems to be the way to go.

Unless of course you can afford the Stanley Clayton Private wing. Then you will be singing. No lack of staff there!!

Thanks for your help telling me your experiences. Unfortunately it sounds like just what I was afraid of: being alone and frightened with unhelpful nurses in the middle of the night. I think I'll stay at home...