Leighton hospital?

[summershine2204]

Has anybody got any first hand experience?
I've got my appointment with the midwife on Friday and I've been told to pick a hospital I'd like to give birth at. This is my first time & ive only lived in the area for 12 months so I don't have much local knowledge!

Their EPU has been very helpful when I started bleeding however I can't find much information online apart from the general statistics.

Thanks!

I haven't had experience, but I live in Stoke and had considered Leighton from the reviews - they seem to have good comments around their maternity services x

No experience but not sure if they have a neonatal unit. Hopefully you wont need it but something to consider

I had my first in another area and moved back to Cheshire just before this pregnancy. My sisters, lots of friends and cousins have all had quite positive experiences at Leighton. I've not heard anyone say they've had a bad experience because of the hospital itself.

Their midwife led unit is supposed to be good and I'm pretty sure it does have quite a big neonatal unit?

The other one to consider for me is the Countess but it's a bit further out and Leighton seems just as good.

It's a long time ago but both my children were premature, the neonatal unit and it's staff saved both their lives.

Thank you ladies. A lot of what I can find online is very dated (experiences from 2008!) and they were all pretty negative.

I'm at the countess for fertility treatment but it's a good 40 minute driver opposed to the 15 minutes Leighton would be and 30 North Staffordshire. Leighton seems like a very dated hospital but I know that doesn't mean bad.

Have you looked around the Leighton maternity ward and MLU? Wouldn't say that part is dated at all. MLU rooms are refurbished, large rooms all with pool, lighting, lovely images on the wall etc. They regularly do open days. For info and other people's experiences their Facebook page is good 'Leighton hospital maternity unit's.

I had my baby there 6 months ago after planning a home birth but failing to progress so was on the labour ward and I couldn't fault it really. I stayed 2 nights, one in the labour room as my baby was born near midnight and the other on the ward. The ward was nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be. Leighton seems to be one of the few hospitals that let's husbands/partners stay on the ward in reclining chairs. Not sure how you feel about this but it really made me feel supported and like a little family.

@Russell19 thank you! No I haven't been round the ward and I was going to ask my MW on Friday If they would be possible. My opinion on dates is based on my experiences around other parts of the hospital including the gynaecology and general stays on the wards.

The thought of having my husband with me over night is something I'd love, even just for the comfort more than anything. I didn't know Leighton let you do this.

They don't let husbands stay at stoke so this might sway your decision

I was due last sunday so hopefully will be able to update you soon! Having baby in leighton, i'll let you know what its like

@basicwitches congratulations!! Thank you! I hope everything goes perfectly for you and your little one

@basicwitches I'm also stuck between Leighton and North Staffs. - what was your experience like if you don't mind me asking. Did you like the hospital?

I used to work at Leighton hospital before I moved. The staff are absolutely fantastic and all my friends had their babies there at the same time I had mine in N Ireland, I've heard nothing but fantastic things and I've had Enzo at home I'd have had him in Leighton without question xxx

Ahhh forgot about this thread, leighton was amazing! I was on the midwife led unit, the lady who was with me was absolutely wonderful! I was in the bath for most of my labour and she sat on the side and spoke to me, talked about anything and everything, constantly offered me food and drinks. Was very very calming even when i felt like screaming in pain! She listened to everything i had to say. The room itself was brilliant. I honestly couldn't recommend it enough!!

Nice to hear you had a good experience. I’ve just done a self referral to Warrington hospital as it’s a little closer to me but Leighton my 2nd choice x