Sheffield or Manchester

[Nairobi4]

Hi all,

I am about to move to Sheffield from London in October and I will be 7 months by then. I have read a lot of things about Sheffield maternity, especially the CQC rating and I want to avoid it. My partner have a car and I do consider Rotherham as I've searched and seen good reviews or Manchester to give birth (go earlier for example and stay there until the baby is born). I would really appreciate some input as I have absolutely no idea and if anyone knows, if I am able to choose my hospital no matter where I live ?

Rotherham was great when I birthed my two children, two years apart x

Hi lovely I have worked at both trusts - Rotherham is fab but if there is any chance baby might need NICU Sheffield is much better. The one good thing about the recent CQC ratings is they have to be on their best behaviour!
currently in the same situation myself between sheff and Rotherham. Yes you can choose! X

I searched and they indeed say it is great, I am a bit concerned as I will be living in a Sheffield postcode and not sure if there is an issue with them accepting me for giving birth there; same with Manchester. Sorry if the questions are a bit silly but I am a bit lost.

I am also Sheffield and when deciding between was told you can choose your place of birth no problem :)

If you had to have your baby in Sheffield, I would try not to worry too much. After any 'needs improvement' rating there is an increase in the quality of care pretty quickly. I had both of mine just before the needs improvement rating was issued, and whilst some things were slow, I felt that my babies were well looked after and safe and that my surgeries were done well. I've heard that Rotherham is great though, so given the choice I would try for there.

Thank you for the information ! I think I am more keen to Rotherham as it will be closer and I might as well go for a visit too. I agree with the CQC, my partner works in an ITU here in London and said the same but he is extremely sceptical though too. On the other hand, you believe that giving birth in Manchester might be wrong ? I was thinking when close to labour to stay in a hotel next to the hospital and head once its time. I have read excellent things about their maternity but sceptical as it is an hour away. In the same note, I live in London and my hospital is pretty much the same distance 😔

Had all of my 3 at Rotherham without any issues.

Is Barnsley a possibility?

I had both dc there, fabulous antenatal care and beyond.

Absolutely I didn’t even knew about that trust. I checked a bit and it does seems fantastic. Thank you for the recommendation