Struggling to choose between Whipps Cross and Homerton - any recent experiences?

[Newtoallthis20]

Hello all,
I recently found out I'm pregnant with my first baby (c. 5 weeks now) and am trying to choose which hospital to self-refer to for antenatal care. I know it's early days but all being well I'd like to choose the place that I end up at.
Whipps Cross is my nearest and I know it's had some new facilities very recently, although older reviews are not as good and their admin can be terrible. I've heard good things about Homerton from neighbours and reviews but it is a little bit further and I don't want to write off Whipps if it has now changed a lot for the better. If anyone has any recent experiences, especially from this year for Whipps, I'd be very grateful to hear. I know there are already a couple of threads on here, just looking for any additional views or factors to consider when making a choice.
Thanks very much :-)

I'm 27 weeks and at Whipps Cross. The consultants and sonographers are great and the facilities are brand new so I feel confident about giving birth there. However, the community midwives have been disorganised and sporadic which I've found annoying and unhelpful as a FTM. I'm 10mins walk from Whipps cross so it just didn't seem worth going for Homerton and I'm glad I didn't as I now have monthly growth scans and lots of appointments and going to Homerton each time would be super time consuming. Good luck with your choice!

I was really nervous about going to Whipps, I had my eldest DS at North Middlesex but actually it was absolutely fine. Like PP I'm a 10 minute walk from Whipps so the idea of facing the traffic on the Lea bridge road to get to Homerton in labour was enough to put me off.

The antenatal aspect was fantastic, I felt really cared for and postnatal was fine too. Busy but fine. Although this was a year ago and in the midst of the upgrades which I think are finished now?

Thanks @user1471518119 and @BillyAndTheSillies - that's really helpful to know. Yes I think the upgrades are complete now at Whipps to the birthing centre, but not sure they've updated their website.
I'm swaying towards Whipps Cross as it's a 25 minute walk which would make appointments etc easier than having to get over to Homerton.
@user1471518119 - with the midwives is it that you're having appointments rescheduled, seeing someone different each time etc?

I’m under whipps and only have positive things to say. My community midwives have been brilliant but it probably depends where you are since whipps covers such a huge area. I’ve had excellent care and the new facilities look great. They’ve also started letting partners come to all scans and if you birth at the lilac centre your husband can stay until discharge. Also, they are running in-depth antenatal classes online for free which have been brilliant.

@LouisLitt That's really positive to hear, thank you - I'm pleased to hear you've had a good experience.
I'm in the Bushwood area of Leytonstone, you're right the area could impact things. Do the community midwife appointments tend to be held at Whipps or more locally/online (apologies if this is a stupid question!)

No the community appts are somewhere local, mine has been at the dr surgery where I live.

Thanks @LouisLitt, useful to know :-)

No worries. I would check out their Facebook page too where they post latest changes.