Taxi company near Ealing that would take a woman in labour?!

[westlondongirl]

So on the advice of a midwife I contacted a taxi company to check that they could take me the 10 minute drive to the hospital if I went in to labour and DP wasn't home. Addison Lee said they wouldn't as their drivers aren't medically trained! I am not asking them to deliver the baby! So what do I do? My DP will likely be at least 2 hours away when baby arrives. I have a list of relatively local people to call but what if I can't get hold of anyone?

999??

I guess you would have to call an ambulance. strange that the taxi company said that though! I got a taxi to hospital when in labour - never checked with the company before hand cos it never occurred to me that they wouldn't do it. maybe worth trying a different company.

No need to tell them you are in labour. Just call them when you need them - it's only ten minutes away after all. (That's what I did).

Thanks for the advice. The MW at the antenatal class said to contact both the london ambulance service and taxi companies to check their policies - would have been blissfully ignorant otherwise. Wish i hadn't asked addison lee now. I don't trust most cab firms not to drive like crazy people so i'm gutted they won't take me. Thanks lulabellarama it is my first so feel reassured that DP will make it back in time.

I gave birth two weeks ago and called Addison Lee to drive me to hospital. Just didn't tell them I was in labour when
i called and they were fine when they showed up at 0300 to be met by a panting heavily pregnant woman in her pj's asking to be dropped off at the maternity suite. Gave birth to dd an hour later...

Yes, also wouldn't tell them I was in labour and would second advice on Addison Lee. I am in Ealing too (think we need a Mexican wave now!), and 36 weeks. Hopefully dh will be around to drive me to hospital though!