Epsom or Kingston hospital?

[LondonToSurrey2024]

I'm moving from central London to Surrey and need to register with a new hospital, either Epsom or Kingston as I'm currently 26 weeks pregnant. Does anyone have any experience of either of these? Thanks!

I had both my babies at kingston and couldn't fault them.

The first was a complicated pregnancy and baby was delivered by C-section at 34w. He was 3lb 5 and spent 5 days in NICU. The team were amazing.

The second was a straightforward vaginal birth and again, couldn't fault the care.

I've been to the AnE a few times too and no complaints.

I'm also under a respiratory team there and again no faults as such, I guess just a sign of the times with appts being cancelled due to strikes etc.

@trampoline123 thanks for the response. I've been leaning towards Kingston, my only hold back is that it is twice as far as Epsom and I've heard parking is a bit of a nightmare, I may still go for it and try and work out the parking situation!

@LondonToSurrey2024 I had heard that if there aren't any beds at Epsom, when you go into labour, then you might be transferred to St Helier as the two are partnered. Not sure if it's true but worth an ask.

I can’t fault Kingston at all! We’ve had the same midwife all of the way through for antenatal appointments and have felt so looked after & informed. Parking at the hospital can be difficult, but there’s also nearby (paid) street parking spots on the RinGo app :)

I am currently 33 weeks and under care at Kingston - cannot fault it so far! A close friend of mine about a month behind is at Epsom and isn't overly pleased/considering transferring.

I had mine at Kingston and they were brilliant, emergency C-section and they kept me in for almost a week afterwards as I struggled with MH. Really grateful they didn't kick me out too soon.

Thanks all for your responses! I've self referred to Kingston now so hopefully all goes okay! One quick question, do they do all maternity appointments and notes at Kingston on an app or is it paper based? I'm currently at UCLH and everything is on an app called MyCare 😊

@LondonToSurrey2024 that's good as they've just downgraded the maternity care at Epsom and Sutton.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czkz94v4e53o

The notes are paper based :-) but letters are by text/email portal thing.