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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Queen Elizabeth Gateshead or Rvi Newcastle

43 replies

Newmummyxx · 26/04/2020 22:08

Hi everyone wondering if anyone can help me choose what hospital to attend please. I live quite close to both hospitals so that isn’t an issue. Any recommendations are appreciated.

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PotteringAlong · 27/04/2020 08:10

kidsareok the QE does have a SCBU

Wrongdissection · 27/04/2020 08:45

Whilst NSECH and QE do have a SCBU, for anything serious the baby would need to transferred out once stabilised to RVI as they have a NICU. Hopefully that would never be a factor but just so you know.

Jem9153 · 27/04/2020 10:51

I live in the middle of both and ended up choosing the RVI.

I’ve heard good things about both maternity units, however I’ve had issues with other departments at the QE (totally unrelated to pregnancy) so just decided I felt more comfortable with the RVI 💕

Hodge85 · 27/04/2020 11:21

For those of you who are nearing their due date and have chosen the RVI, there's a great facebook page where people are posing questions to the RVI regarding the Coronavirus etc. It's a great way to keep up to date with the current situation. It's called Maternity Voice Partnership - Newcastle upon Tyne :)

CoffeeTeaCoffee · 27/04/2020 18:33

QE does not have a SCUBU. And medics that I know working/living in the QE area choose the RVI for maternity services.
The QE is a good hospital and is a leader in certain fields. But for me I would want to know I wouldn't have to move to another hospital for further treatment/emergency.

PotteringAlong · 27/04/2020 20:49

QE does not have a SCUBU

I’ve got pictures of my children in it. It might not have a NICU but it does have a SCBU.

Indigo89 · 28/04/2020 00:02

I had the choice of either QE or RVI and went for the RVI based on reputation and I wanted Newcastle on the birth certificate rather than Gateshead
RVI experience was incredible. Staff superb and breastfeeding support was great. Carparking and getting around the hospital for routine appointments took bloody ages though.

I've since moved house and don't think I'll be allowed to go back to RVI for future baby num2 unfortunately, cos I'd love to.

Wrongdissection · 28/04/2020 12:25

A significant proportion of the RVI’s bookings are for mothers who live out of area so it shouldn’t be a problem.

Original poster

Newmummyxx · 28/04/2020 13:18

Thank you to everyone for your replies, it definitely looks like either of the choices would have been a good option. I can totally understand that if any of you have had problems with a hospital, even if not pregnancy related you might not opt for that hospital again. Thank you for the advice of the Facebook pages too. My midwife rang me sooner than expected so I have decided to go with the RVI as I already see a consultant every few years at the hospital.

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Madratlady · 28/04/2020 13:31

I had my middle child at the RVI 4 years ago and didn’t enjoy the experience. I had an emergency c section, once I left recovery I was left alone on the ward for around 8 hours with my naked baby, unable to reach my bag to dress him. Felt like I was being a complete nuisance when I asked for any help. I’ve had 2 other dc at another hospital and I got basic care and help when I was physically unable to get up and move around to do things myself, which I did as soon as I could.

Original poster

Newmummyxx · 28/04/2020 14:26

Oh that’s not good at all, 8 hours is a very long time for anyone especially after a c section. It’s a shame that you received that type of care. My sister in law had a c section in the Rvi last year and we visited the same night and lots of nurses were coming to check on her.

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MargotsBumpyNight · 28/04/2020 15:59

The midwife led birthing centre at RVI is wonderful, my experience there was excellent. Own room with bathroom, TV etc, birthing pool and husband could stay with me at the time and other children could visit whenever. The consultant unit was a less enjoyable experience (if enjoyable can ever be related to labour!), though I was assured later that the particular doctor who I had trouble with had since left, and I hated being on a ward.

MsSquiz · 28/04/2020 16:16

I had my DD in December at the RVI. My plan was to be downstairs in the birthing centre, but that you were only a lift ride away should you need to go to the delivery suite or theatre.

I went into the birthing centre but on examination, my blood pressure was sky high so I went straight upstairs to delivery suite. I was so glad that that it was all on site.
When we were moved to the post natal ward (4 bays) DH could have stayed over night (we only stayed 1 night) but we chose for him to go home. Even though I didn't call for any nurse assistance, they popped in when DD was crying to make sure we were ok. They also took her for a walk down the corridor when she wouldn't settle.
The poor mum next to me - her baby wouldn't settle at all and was either feeding or crying, so the nursery nurses kept coming to take her baby for a walk to help her get a little rest.
All of the staff we met were amazing - we had 3 midwives during active labour (due to shift changes), 2 anaesthetists (epidural) & a doctor (forceps) and they were all lovely. At no point did I feel like I didn't know what was going on or that I was on my own.

My choice was between RVI & Hexham

Original poster

Newmummyxx · 29/04/2020 20:55

Thank you for both of the replies. Sounds like I may have made the right choice. I think it’s possible that I’ll not be able to use the birthday centre due to medical condition but my midwife said that the consultant will discuss this with me.

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Hamm87 · 29/04/2020 21:14

I am going against every one here it seems but I had such a horrible time at the rvi and went have any more kids because of it I was left in a pool of blood for 14 hours they refused to give me a bottle of my son i was planning on breastfeeding but after 3 days i still was not producing milk inlaws had to go and buy pre made milk and bottles

Original poster

Newmummyxx · 29/04/2020 21:22

That’s such a shame that you had a bad experience. How long ago was it that you were in hospital?

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Hamm87 · 29/04/2020 21:51

December

Original poster

Newmummyxx · 29/04/2020 21:55

So sad that my sister in law had great treatment just a month before you. Sorry you had to go through this.

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