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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Choosing a hospital dilemma

20 replies

newworldtome · 14/04/2009 14:46

It's our first pregnancy and we're due near the end of October. We've just discovered that our local NHS hospital, which we've heard very good things about - Princess Royal University near Bromley will be absorbing all the patients from the maternity unit at Queen Mary's, another local hospital which is due to close down any minute now. We're really worried about over-crowding and not sure what to do. We've looked at St Thomas' Lansdell Suite - but that's at least a 40 minute drive from home.

We need to decide whether to chance it at the local NHS or go to Lansdell Suite at St Thomas', but we'd like to get as many opinions as possible to help us with our decision and also to find out if anyone has heard of any further developments about the closure of Queen Mary's maternity unit in Sidcup.

Looking forward to hearing your comments or pearls of wisdom.

Thank you.

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EldonAve · 14/04/2009 14:50

Are there any other private options nearer you?

chequersmate · 14/04/2009 14:52

Our local hospital maternity unit is v v overstretched so I went to the next county along. Was about 24 miles away, it was fine doing that. My labour was 24+ hours anyway, so plenty of time. Is this your first baby?

chequersmate · 14/04/2009 14:53

Sorry, just seen it is your first. You should (fingers crossed) have time to get there ok. I was more worried about going in too early and being turned away but was 4cm when I got there.

chequersmate · 14/04/2009 14:54

Just to add, I was v v glad I did go further afield as I heard some real horror stories from friends who delivered locally (plus some ok stories too).

pooka · 14/04/2009 14:54

I think is unlikely that QMS will close by October.

What about Kings or Lewisham as alternatives?

I had dd and ds (though was supposed to be homebirth but no midwives ) at PRUH. Was alright. Not fantastic. Food terrible and post-natal care a bit hit or miss. Was only in 1 night with dd and that was enough. With ds was there 2 hours before was allowed to go home due to homebirth cock-up and me being a little forceful.

In terms of the QMS closure having knock on effect on PRUH, can't really advise I'm afraid. I would have thought that the impact would be to pass patients on if possible to next nearest hospitals with beds i.e. possibly lewisham and Kings.

I would personally avoid anything that would necessitate a longer trip to say St. Thomas's. Prob fine if you're in early/mid labour. But a pain for visiting post-natally in terms of traffic/parking and accessibility and so on.

Am due No. 3 in September. Aiming again for a homebirth. But we shall see....

chequersmate · 14/04/2009 15:05

Pooka, not disagreeing, just interested. Why would she need to return to St Thomas postnatally? Is it a different system in London? All my postnatal care was carried out back in my own PCT.

pooka · 14/04/2009 15:08

I was talking more about if she's in for a couple of days, being visited by DP/whoever else she might want to have visit (maybe no one ). Rather than OP having to go back - agree the local midwives and PCT would take over that responsibility.

chequersmate · 14/04/2009 15:10

Oh I see, that makes sense. I see now you did actually say visiting

EldonAve · 14/04/2009 15:15

not sure what happens with postnatal care if you go private though

pooka · 14/04/2009 15:16

No probs

I just remember after dd was born being terribly alone when dh had to leave, and wanting him there first thing, as soon as the wards opened. Easy to do when he was 5 mins drive away (and having the supermarket next door meant he could supply nice breakfast rather than hospital food).

Original poster

newworldtome · 14/04/2009 15:29

wow - thanks everyone, a lot to absorb. I've heard some real horror stories about lack of bed and friends having to wait in the hospital corridor.

Unfortunately, I can't find any other private hospitals closer to Bromley other than St Thomas' - 10 miles away.

Pooka - sounds like you weren't terribly thrilled with PRU and going for St Thomas' would be better option....

Best get back online in case I have missed a hospital closer to me.

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Original poster

newworldtome · 14/04/2009 15:31

Pooka - good luck with plans for home birth. My colleagues rave about it and their labour only took 2 hours...

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heverhoney1 · 14/04/2009 16:15

I thought all the maternity stuff being diverted away from sidcup was going to the QE in Woolwich? Thats where I am booked in (37 and a bit weeks now) I have to say everything so far has been great with the sonographers and the midwives. I cant vouch for labour as I have not had to face that yet [they should have a FEAR smiley!]

pooka · 14/04/2009 16:17

Oh don't choose further hospital based on my "meh" feeling about PRUH. I think I'd have felt the same at any hospital. I don't really "do" them.

Thanks for the vibes newworldtome. Fingers crossed. Though have to say ds's birth was still great - but mainly because arrived ready to push and left as soon as could.

mrsgboring · 14/04/2009 16:22

Totally agree that other things being equal you should go for the nearest.

Of course, you should look into C-section rate, induction rate, infection rate etc. but if you are choosing between fairly equal choices clinically then yes, the visiting partner doesn't want a long commute, nor do you want a long first drive home with the baby (that's nervewracking enough as it is)

1istrulyscrumptious · 14/04/2009 16:25

you could try to stay at home!!!!

Original poster

newworldtome · 14/04/2009 16:45

Gulp!

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1istrulyscrumptious · 14/04/2009 17:06

LOL You get two designated midwives at home....you can eat your own food and use your own bath, its a nice option... well for me anyway.

beautifulgirls · 14/04/2009 17:13

As I understand it QMH is still likely to be open at the end of the year - well according to my GP anyway. Their patients are then going to be sent elsewhere to The Queen Elizabeth at Woolwich, PRUH and Darent Valley. Personally I have already jumped ship from QMH - I don't want to be going to a closing down hospital late in the year (due Nov) even though my first two were born there - so for me I have elected to go to Darent Valley as our next closest. I suspect already the adjacent hospitals are going to be feeling some increased patient volume as a result.

Where abouts are you and have you spoken to the staff at the PRUH to see if they have estimates of numbers and accordingly plans to have sufficient staff to cope? Have you considered staying NHS but another hospital instead if you are not satisfied with the PRUH response.

The plans have been up in the air for a while now and hopefully all the adjacent hospitals should have plans in place for the longer term to absorb the extra patients.
Good luck with your decision

1istrulyscrumptious · 14/04/2009 17:15

Think there is a new birthing unit at DVH.. its meant to be V nice.[snile]

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