Spooky. I was going to post the same question this evening.
My GP/MW sends everyone to the Lister, as far as I can tell. Last time I had just moved into the area and was already booked into L&D so they let me stay there, albeit rather reluctantly. It takes me about the same time to get to both, so distance isn't a factor.
The L&D were absolutely fantastic, all through the pregnancy, birth, and beyond. I had pre-eclamspsia at the end and had to go there all the time for monitoring, and always receieved excellent care. In fact, I'd known the consultant who oversaw my case for years, as I'd seen him for grim gynae stuff and fertility treatment, and felt very safe in his hands.
I was induced 2 weeks early and in hospital for over a week. I had my own room and bathroom which was fantastic. They have a mix of 4-bed wards and single rooms.
Where L&D really came into their own, IMO, was after ds was born. A few hours after the birth he became very seriously ill and all very rapidly. He had to go into a SCBU isolation unit, and it was all very touch-and-go for a while. I cannot praise the staff there highly enough for saving his life and for the quality of care they offered.
They also went out of there way to offer assistance and support with bf, at any time of day and night, which I really struggled with.
My only gripe with L&D was that some of the night staff could be very noisy indeed. I think they forgot that people were trying to sleep. But I guess all hospitals are noisy.
I don't know if I'll be able to convince the GP to let me go to L&D again. The chances are that I might have to be monitored quite closely this time (over 35, history of pre-eclampsia), so I really want to be sure I get the right hospital.