Wythenshawe vs Stepping Hill Maternity

[Ryabinka]

Hello,

I am 7 weeks pregnant and need to pick a hospital for antenatal care/delivery. I’m in South Manchester. Most maternity units around me have been awarded needing improvement by CQC. Wythenshawe and Stepping Hill hospitals are closest to me. Just wanted to see what recent experiences people have had and could recommend one or the other? Any help is much appreciated.

It's over 20 years since I had a baby at Wythenshawe so I can't be much help with regards to the maternity department these days. From a travel point of view I would choose Wythenshawe over Stepping Hill. The main road, I think it's Buxton Road can be very slow which makes it a bit of a trek and might not be ideal. Wythenshawe is much more accessible from most of South Manchester although that will depend on where you live.

I had my little one at Wythenshawe in 2022 and would recommend it to anyone! I was so looked after. From triage to post natal, everyone was so lovely and caring. I was a bit scared of blood tests and the antenatal midwives would make sure I was okay and comfortable. I had a cat 1 emergency c section and I was really looked after on the post natal ward. I went in for a birth debrief last year and the head midwife who did the meeting with me made me feel heard and like she had all the time in the world for me. I wouldn’t hesitate to have another baby here!

@carkerpartridge I was about to post the same thing. Stepping Hill is a pita to get to especially at rush hour.

I've had 2 babies at Wythenshawe and had a good experience both times. My second delivery was a bit tricky and I received excellent care during my labour. Couldn't fault it.

I've had good experiences of maternity in stepping hill with my daughter and more recently with the epu and rainbow rooms. I'm on my third pregnancy in 9 months and they have been helpful and compassionate. I had a referral to the reoccurring miscarriage team and it came through in a little over 3 months. They have to wait 12 weeks as a minimum for some of the tests so only just over the minimum time it could have been.

The biggest problem is parking. I only drive if my partner can come too as it can take 40 minutes to park and end up at the wrong side of the hospital. I get the bus or the train if I'm on my own. Most buses drop off outside the Sainsbury's or the nearest train stations are woodsmoor or hazel grove and both are about a 15 minutes walk.

I've been admitted to whythenshaw and the parking was better, you got 20 minutes free (or did) and you pay in exit which is less stressful when trying to get to an appointment! It's also close to the tram network

I had my DD at Wythenshawe in 2021. Fantastic care, staff were wonderful throughout. Genuinely can't fault their maternity unit from my experience.