Out of Catchment

[Mintcrumbler]

I just did a self-referral to my nearest hospital (and where I had my first child). I got a response to say I was out of catchment.

Has anyone else experienced this and successfully challenged it? I thought we had a right to choose?

This happened to me too when I tried to register for my booking appointment - but my response stated that although I was out of the catchment for the trust (they passed my details on), I could still choose to give birth at that hospital. I imagine it's the same for you 😊

As far as I understand you can chose where to receive your maternity care. I live on the edge of three NHS areas, and mums from my town have their care within all three areas.

Thanks for sharing your experiences - my response specifically says they can’t accept the referral due to local staffing issues. They have names another hospital which is in the area associated with my address but is actually further away and difficult to get to.

Pregnancy 1 was not straightforward and I really don’t want to go to the hospital they suggested, but I feel a bit stuck now.