Which hospital? John Radcliffe, Swindon or Reading?

[ChrisL39]

I wonder if anyone could give me advice - I've moved since my last baby and am between areas so can choose from 3 hospitals - John Radcliffe, Swindon or Reading..I was initially opting for JR as I've heard it's a great teaching hospital and they give you a 36 week scan which the other 2 don't. However having just gone there today for my 12 week scan (where all of the staff were lovely) I've realised quite how far away it (50 minutes with good traffic - Swindon is 30 mins and Reading 45mins)! And there was a 45 minute queue for the car park so thought I should explore the other options. Has anyone had experiences at any of these 3 hospitals - I'm not an option for the midwife led units. I'd be grateful for any info!

The JR is a fantastic hospital but frankly the traffic and car parking is dreadful so I would look at the other two very carefully

I gave birth at Reading and know many other women who have too.

I had a difficult delivery and cannot fault the care I received post natally while still in hospital. All the midwives were lovely. I had a private room after DS was born so cant comment on regular post natal ward.

Parking is a massive issue at the Royal Berks though too.

Had both DS there (JR) One in delivery suite and one in the midwife run Spires unit. Second experience was infinitely better.

Of my NCT group six of us went to the more clinical delivery suite had some form of unplanned medical intervention. (In my case episiotomy and ventouse). The two who went to The Spires has nothing except a few stitches (This was also my experience with DS2)

In my experience, and in local folklore, they delivery suite are quick to have doctors interventions regardless of how the midwives feel it’s going. They are known as being a bit scissor happy!

Having said that, if the shit hits the fan, you couldn’t hope for better care.

Had both of mine at Swindon. There is a fabulous midwife led unit in the same building as the other bit so easy to transfer if needed ( i didn't so can't comment on the other bit) i had a lovely pool in a rooom with couches and slings and balls and things. really super care and a private room afterwards, really couldn't fault it. oh actually the food was dreadful but perhaps that's a universal thing

No idea about giving birth at Reading but the car parking is ridiculously bad.

I've had one dc in reading and two dc in Swindon. The facilities at Swindon were much better and whilst the parking wasn't always easy it was virtually impossible to park in reading.

Swindon every time for me.