Can you choose which hospital to give birth in?

[Notrobusta]

I live half way between two towns with maternity hospitals. My gp is linked to one hospital but I would prefer to give birth in the other one. Does anyone know if I can choose my hospital of choice or will I be forced to go with the one linked to gp surgery.

Yes

What do you mean by 'linked to one hospital'? GPs in the UK are independent of hospitals.

I'm sure you can. I had a choice of three.

The gp surgery refer to one hospital for most services and the midwife who visits the surgery is part of the team based at the same hospital.

Yes to an extent - your midwife will give you the choice when you have your booking in. Your scan and everything will be arranged at that hospital. Only exception is if you are 'high risk' and the hospital you want is only a midwife led unit rather than a full maternity unit. But your midwife will explain all that too you.

You can choose to go anywhere you like just contact the hospital you want to go to and ask for a booking in appointment. Self refer don't wait for your GP.
I havnt seen my GP once in this pregnancy and contacted the hospital I wanted directly booked in then after 20w scan decided I wanted to go elsewhere contacted hospital 1 and asked them to move my booking to hospital 2 now I'm going to hospital 2! It's absolutely your choice!

I can. I have chosen the next town, which is also the next county.

Yes, but if you opt for a home birth and you have to go into hospital you'll be taken to the nearest.

I would very strongly suggest you go for the one that is easily to get to, unless it's dire.

Easiest

I am thinking of the one that is easiest to get to and closer to my Mum who will have my older children so it will be easier for them to visit. It is also the hospital that I had both my other children at so I know it. I lived in the town ( Exeter) at he time mind you so easy choice to make.

Yes. I live within the boundaries of town H, but the hospital in town B is much, much closer and easier to drive to. My GP refers people to hospital H and that is also where the midwife team is based. But I had both my children in hospital B, no problem.