Can you decide to change hospital/midwife?

[Jj93x]

So my doctor has referred me to a hospital/ midwife close by, I haven’t heard from them yet but every single story I’ve heard about the hospital has been negative and it’s putting me off. A close friend gave birth at the hospital less than 2 months ago and they were so unsympathetic, unorganised and rude at one point. I suffer with anxiety quite badly so I just want the experience to be as stress free as possible from the start.

One of the best hospitals in the area is around the same distance away if not slightly closer, and I’ve heard nothing but good things. I noticed on their site it says I can self refer, can I just call the new hospital and give them my details? And tell the other hospital when they eventually contact me that I’m going elsewhere?

Sorry if I sound stupid this is my first baby and I’m a bit clueless.

Thank you x

I think you should do exactly as you suggest and self refer to the other hospital. This is such an important stage in your life and you deserve the best care. I hope all goes well for you and the baby x

Yup, you can defo self refer. Have you had your 1st booking appointment yet? If so, you can request a transfer of care and they'll just move you across.

If not you can just self refer. Either way, i'd phone the hospital you want to go to and check.