Bournemouth or Poole hospital- please help!

[farfromhome24]

Hello ladies. I’m 23 weeks and it’s our first baby. DH got offered a job in Bournemouth. I did my research and the maternity unit in Bournemouth hospital is for low risk i.e no doctors around or pain relief and if any complications arise you will be transferred to Poole hospital (8.5 miles away). I’m hoping for a natural birth with minimal interventions but I like to have a choice if something goes wrong or if I can’t cope with pain. I don’t like the idea of transferring, it terrifies me. I don’t mind the hospital/clinical environment. So my question is, Can I choose Poole hospital as the place of birthing? Will I have a choice? Do I have to live in Poole? Any advice from mums living in Bournemouth/Poole/Christchurch would be appreciated

Thanks

Yes, you have a choice. I wouldn’t want to have to do the transfer from Bournemouth to Poole in an emergency - the roads can be awful! Good luck

Thanks do I need to self refer myself?

I’m not sure how it works there, sorry. Usually you can find out on the local NHS Trust’s website.

Found it for you www.poole.nhs.uk/a-z-services/m/maternity/self-referral-service.aspx

Oh thanks! I will self refer myself as soon as I know my new address/post code and get myself registered at the local gp's. Fingers crossed it will go to plan.