Choosing a hospital in London - where do we go?

[Kt1313]

Hi - my DH and I just found out I am pregnant (big surprise as we had been trying for a long time and gone through an unsuccessful IVF process) .

My GP told me we need to self refer to a hospital. She suggested St. Mary's in Paddington or Queen Charlotte as they are the closest, but not necessarily because they have a very good reputation. Has anyone used either - was it a good or bad experience? Are there any other London hospitals you'd suggest? I've heard a bit about Chelsea and Westminster being good.

Any suggestions would be really appreciated. I think we are thinking both in terms of where we give birth (if I am lucky to get that far) and in the general care over the next several months.

Thanks so much.

The differences between the big London hospitals are small, and your actual experience is more likely to be the result of what's happening on the day rather than anything about their inherent set-up.

I think your GP is right - staying local is important. It makes a positive difference to be able to reach your midwives easily (especially if they have community clinics) and a short reliable journey in labour is definitely worthwhile

Thanks so much @SquirmOfEels. Appreciate the guidance :)

Congratulations!

I’m with Queen Charlotte’s. They’re a specialist maternity hospital and rated outstanding. I haven’t been particularly impressed with community midwives in the area, but have a new midwife now who is great. I’m not consultant lead though so can’t comment on that side of things.

It’s quite hands off in general til after 20 weeks but I’ve thought they were good. I’ve attended their day centre for reduced movements and they were really thorough, hooked up to a ctg machine for 4 hours, got a same day scan, spoke to a fetal health consultant who made sure I was happy before I went home. Very nice and have been told to attend again if I worry, I wasn’t made to feel like I was overreacting. The maternity helpline was answered quickly and the midwife helpful. I’m rhesus negative and have attended for various bloods and get my anti D next Thursday... all the follow ups I’ve had I’ve been pleased with. Staff have been nice, not too long to wait etc

Partners can attend scans and appointments now- it’s a little more crowded and partners asked to wait in the main waiting area til you’re called in, previously partners only allowed for 12 week scan.

Car parking is fine but most spots are quite a long walk away when you’re waddling. The hospital itself doesn’t look swanky, I was surprised how dated it looked so I judged it a bit but I don’t think that’s a good way to judge a hospital lol . Friends with high risk pregnancies chose queen charlottes despite it not being too local because they have a good reputation. When I was asking around I was recommended to choose there. (A family friend has a very poorly little girl and they really could not recommend enough!)

This is my first pregnancy so nothing to compare with but level of care I have received has been good and I’d recommend- if you’d have asked me at 12 weeks I wouldn’t though, but that’s more to do with the midwife and not sure if they’re hospital specific.

Good luck with your choice 😊

Wow I just hit post, didn’t realise how long it was! Sorry for the essay!

I've used Queen Charlotte's, they aren't close but i chose them because of their excellent reputation. They also specialise in high risk pregnancies (me). I really can't sing their praises enough.

I actually could have used The Portland with my health cover but chose to use QCCH as the quality of care was so good and great reviews. I was consultant lead and when I wanted to question whether consultant A was right to do something I spoke to 2 x other consultants who gave me their opinion And were so helpful.

I used the private ward post natally which was great as own room etc. I chose QCCH over my nearest C&W.

I also used st Mary's in my 1st trimester (the recurrent miscarriage bit) and they were also exceptional and second to none.

Both places you can end up waiting for your appt for a while but you aren't rushed with your appt.

I spoke with them about an elective CS (ended up not choosing this) and although they said they would recommend I try vaginal they were completely fine to book me in for one if I really wanted.

Oh yes if you go in for reduced movements or anything (I was defo over paranoid with dc1) they are brill and really thorough, also the helpline is great (is it still usually the lOvely Irish midwife who runs it?)

With DC1 I got a timely back pain relief injection thing, Dc2 was almost born in the waiting room (definitely should have chosen somewhere closer to home ) so although they called the anethstatist straight away there wasn't time. The anethestic side Was good as they really took my factor V seriously and made sure they checked directly with the consultant before injecting me

The only negative is I find the lead haemotologist @QCCH a bit condescending and didn't listen intently enough to the registrar when he was explaining anecdotal evidence but she still gave me what I was asking. So she was fine but I wouldn't vote for her to be the spokesperson for Factor V Leiden lol.

Go for the closest to you.

I had the choice of the PRU or Lewisham. I went for Lewisham as it's much closer.

Good thing I did. My labours was fast. With my second I'd have been giving birth in the car if we'd gone to the PRU.