Anyone experienced my local hospital; William Harvey

[K8eee]

I'm going to be giving birth (I hope, aslong as my baby doesn't arrive whilst at home!) at the William Harvey hospital in Kent. Has anyone got any experiences they'd like to share with me? I've tried to look online but can't find anything review wise (if that is at all possible?!)

Hi

Its not my local hospital but I was transferred there to deliver my twins who were sub 32 weekers as they have a level 4 NICU unit. They were brilliant, cannot fault anything about them, my care was outstanding as was that of DTs.

Thanks sleb pretty reassuring. My only concern at the moment is the lack of parking hopefully I go into labour early morning or in the middle of the night just so we can park! Also, can you remember where the delivery suite is? Is it round by neo natal? Glad you had a good experience though, is really reassuring! When were you two dc born if you don't mind me asking?

It's my local hospital too. Planning on asking a few nurse friends once we've told them we are expecting!

Oooo could you let me know Jen! How far along are you? Congratulations!!!

12 week scan next week you?

Ah wow so exciting, first one? I'll be 31 weeks on Sunday

I gave birth at the WH almost 5 weeks ago. The birth itself was fine. I was booked in to the Singleton unit but it was closed when we phoned in. I was only in the delivery suite for 3 hours before DD arrived. She was delivered by a student midwife who was great and really helped me through with no pain relief. However, I don't want to worry you but my postnatal care was terrible. Transferred down to the MLU for a day and night then another night on the Folkestone ward. The inconsistency in care meant no one knew why we were even there (trouble establishing bf) so we ended up going home (finally) 3 days later and formula fed for the night. Luckily community midwife helped me bf next day and all is well now. I would recommend you don't stay in after for very long unless you really need to!
Few tips: the food is diabolical so take plenty with you. The one upside to the WH is DP can stay with you for the entire time. You can only park in the car park for 24 hour slots. Leave the car park and come straight back in after each 24 hour. Take cool clothing, it's bloody boiling in there!
Hope that helps! If you have any questions just ask Good luck!

Delivery suite is right in the centre at the back of the square walkway (walking that was fun) if you know what I mean?

Oh and if you go in in the middle of the night, the main entrance is closed. Walk along to the door to the right of A&E.

Sorry for multiple posts!

I wish I had gone there - MW's I had came from Whitstable and for some reason transferred me to QEQM instead for my birth (it is closer to Whit but not where I live!). My friend had a lovely calm water birth there and no stitches - she hadn't wanted one and had joked about taking every drug going! I wanted a water birth at home and ended up with EMCS (after a 3 day labour, one of which was after being transferred there and pumped full of oxytocin to no avail) and very poor after care (plus they lost my records). If I were to do it again I would definitely ask for Ashford as everyone I know who gave birth there loved it.

*Sorry, badly written post - my friend with the water birth was at WH. They have far better facilities

Thank you Em! If you remember any other helpful advice would much appreciate it! But will try and keep note of all those that you've said. What snacks are advisable to take in? So is it in the green department? I know that's where neo natal and ultrasound are; well I went there for my 20 week scan and for my 12 week I was up by the bloods room by outpatients.

Thank you as well Lion. Is really good to hear good things about it. My old local hospital when I lived in another town along the south coast was renowned for being pretty awful

No problem! will rack my brains for more tips.
I think it's in the yellow dept. Green is maternity day care I believe. Keep walking past and turn left at the end of the corridor.
Snacks wise: chocolate ;) cereal bars, fruit, etc. Luckily tesco is right round the corner!

Oh yeah course it is! I can always send dh on a trek to tesco if need be ah brilliant thank you!