Queen Charlotte's, Watford or Hillingdon Hospital

[Msplove]

Hi all

I had a miscarriage earlier this year and am pregnant again. My partner and I need to decide on a hospital to self refer to.

Just wondering if anyone has any advice or opinions on Hillingdon, Watford and Queen Charlotte's Hospital.

We found Hillingdon A&E to be awful when I was going through the miscarriage. Have heard mixed opinions about Watford and QC. Hillingdon is about 20 mins away from me. QC is about 27 mins away but 50 with traffic. Is that too far?

Also seen Wrexham has better CQC rating that Hillingdon and Watford.

Thanks in advance

Where do you actually live? I think you need to take into account distance from the hospital - my first pregnancy was a breeze but this one I am high risk and have appointments at least every 2 weeks - I couldn't cope with an hour drive each way every week or 2!

I had DD at Watford and am currently having number 2 there and I have been happy with them!

Had my first two at Queen Charlotte’s. Often waited 2/3/4 hours AFTER my appointment time to be seen in antenatal clinic. Parking tickets regularly as you had to pay in advance and didn’t expect to still be there 4 hours later. Both births were horrific. Student anaesthetist botched my epidural with the first causing lasting damage. Forceps and bad tears for both. Left alone after birth with no catheter after second, no one answered buzzer so had to get myself to the loo bleeding everywhere like a scene from a horror movie. No one came for hours at night when you buzzed. Told me second had a condition he clearly didn’t, and worried my for hours before I plucked up the courage to look and discover it was a very minor problem, not what they’d said. Also broke his collar bone during delivery which wasn’t discovered despite newborn check before his was discharged. Wouldn’t give my paracetamol to take home with me when discharged at 10pm on a Saturday night. Never felt listened to. Has a great reputation but my experiences were traumatic, disappointing and not something I’d wish on someone else!

Had third at Watford by ELCS. All antenatal appointment ran on time or within 20 mins. New car park has improved parking situation although a bit pricey. Can’t fault the birth, despite the covid restrictions. Calm and chilled beforehand. I had a few problems with anaesthetic/blood pressure during the op but they dealt with it calmly and got everything back under control and listened to me when I told them I needed an anti-sickness. Someone always came when you buzzed. Had drinks and snacks constantly offered. Much more presence from midwives and they seemed more able to spend time with you, rather than barely seeing the ones at QC (I know that wasn’t their fault!). Will be having number 4 there, no doubts in my mind.

Sorry you had a bad experience at Hillingdon for your MC ❤️ I also had a mixed experience at Hillingdon. I was referred to a&e by an out of hours Dr at hillingdon when I was having light bleeding on a Saturday night and EPU was closed. The a&e drs were very kind but couldn't really do anything to be honest so I had to wait till Monday for EPU to open. EPU were pretty cold and unsympathetic. I also found the nurses to be not hugely caring when I had to have an ERPC. Can't comment on the labour ward I'm afraid as I've not made it there yet, but my friend who recently had her DS there said the staff are lovely. I think they are overworked and not enough staff tbh, like the most of the NHS!