Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Pregnancy

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

Flip

Original poster

Whittington or UCLH?

20 replies

AmeliaEarhart · 16/03/2010 22:21

Hello. I'm 6 weeks pregnant, in Islington, and seeing my GP on Friday. I'm guessing she's going to ask me whether I want my antenatal care at The Whittington or UCLH. As this is my first and I don't really know what to expect I'm not sure how to choose. My instinct says UCLH, simply because it's easier for me and DH to get to from work for daytime appointments. Does anyone have any experience / advice?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

EmilyStrange · 16/03/2010 22:24

UCLH is brilliant. Besides and this may be a rumour I heard Whittington antenatal dept closing. I had all mine at UCH, very good but long waiting for each appt so take a big book

MrsTriangle · 16/03/2010 22:27

I had my first at UCLH and LOVED the care I had. Brilliant. I would personally go for what's easier logistic wise. Also UCLH has a satellite antenatal clinic in Bemerton Children's Centre on Carnoustie Drive just off caledonian road on Tuesdays. You can go there for all your appointments rather than trekking to the hospital! Just ask your Dr to refer you to them or phone the antenatal department at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital (UCLH) and ask them to book you in at Bemerton (if you want to that is!) Where in Islington are you?

bunnymother · 16/03/2010 22:28

I had my DD at UCH and, while the antenatal appointments were always running late, it was terrific, esp for the delivery.

Original poster

AmeliaEarhart · 16/03/2010 22:47

Thanks for the input everyone. I think I'll go with UCLH. I must admit to being seduced by the shiny-newness of the EGA wing, and it really is easy for us to get to as we're in Highbury (& near to the tube).

OP posts:

Poncherello · 16/03/2010 23:40

Hello - I can't say enough good things about the Whittington. Plus they have an amazing new midwife led birthing centre which is meant to be fantastic. Good luck!

hippopo · 17/03/2010 06:13

Sounds like you have made your mind up but wanted to say you have two really good choices so are very lucky. the care I have had at Whittington has been really good so far and if all goesto plan I will be giving birth in their new midwife led birthing suite in next 3 months.

And for what it is worth I am not worried in the slightess that the maternity unit/antenatal clinic will close during this pregnany, if you are pregnant now you will be fine and if all the local residents have their way it will be fine for years to come to.

MumNWLondon · 17/03/2010 10:30

I have just changed from RFH to Whittington - and have booking in today (although am 35 weeks) - can let you know how it goes.

If you want MLU birth go for the Whittington they have a brand new MLU - its looks fab! Although you can change later.

Will let you know about waiting times later today?

photos

There is a thread on this in childbirth...

thread

Cobblers · 17/03/2010 10:38

I had a nightmare time at uclh. But the post natal care was good. I said I'd never go back after the way I was treated. I too went to bemerton for my ante natal appointments and they're great.

I've heard glowing reports about Whittington from everyone who's had a child there.

Everyone's experience is different though. I may have been there on a bad week.

MumNWLondon · 17/03/2010 15:48

I have just come back from my booking in appointment at the Whittington, all running totally on time (was only there for 45 mins including bloods) - so impressed so far (used to things running late) and midwife was v nice.

BusyMissIzzy · 17/03/2010 18:10

Sorry to disagree MumNWLondon, it probably won't always be that way... I gave birth at the Whittington 10 days ago and nearly all my antenatal appts were late. But I think that's nothing unusual for a big London hosp, didn't put me off [shrug emoticon]. The Birth Centre is lovely if you are able to use it; I started off there and ended up in labour ward which was also fine. All midwives and staff were lovely/efficient. If/when I do it all again , I'd go back. I agree the fact it might close could be a worry though.

MumNWLondon · 17/03/2010 18:27

How late is late? Are you talking 20 mins or hours as a general rule? Hope to use birth centre, have had 2 normal VBs so don't see why not. I asked about it closing - they said nothing was decided and the birth centre would not close even if the labour ward did.

TBH am going to go to GP for ante-natal appointments - and only go to the hospital for the ones GP will not do. GP is local, runs on time and then I get to see the same person each time. I hate waiting .

However, not sure it can be much worse the the Royal Free (where I have just transferred from) - was there for OVER 3 hours for booking in - waited for over an hour to be seen, kicked up a bit of a fuss, finally saw someone who had to rush off, and had to queue again for bloods.

Community midwifes at the RF also always running over 40 mins late. At 28 weeks, had 9am appointment (scheduled for 15 mins), didn't leave until 11am - mainly as they turned up v late - full waiting room - even the 9.15 person waiting

BusyMissIzzy · 17/03/2010 18:57

MumNWLondon I'd say usually about 15 mins late, occasionally (once or twice) 30ish mins. It was a wee bit annoying when you've got a 9am appt and they're obviously just not ready yet; why bother giving you an appt then if they can't get their arses in gear on time? GP is a good idea, esp. if closer to home.

Good to hear they won't be closing the Birth Centre, that would be such a waste when it's so new!

Original poster

AmeliaEarhart · 17/03/2010 21:42

Hmmm, maybe I'll just ask my GP. I know she's not supposed to influence my decision, but I really don't know how I'm supposed to choose! I have no idea what sort of birth I want this early on! It's good to know I have such highly rated options, and that you can move if you change your mind during the pregnancy.

Oh, and waiting times don't really bother me - I go with DH to his regular appointments at the UCLH cancer outpatients clinic and they're never running less than 40 minutes late. He buries his nose in a book and I knit

OP posts:

MumNWLondon · 18/03/2010 10:20

Amelia - you can go and look around the Whittington on a saturday afternoon, just turn up (the time is on the website).

Also you can self refer so via website (need to check UCH wesbite to see if you can with them too) so actually don't need to see GP.

Original poster

AmeliaEarhart · 19/03/2010 10:09

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

I decided on UCLH - my GP thought that accessibility during the working day (as that's when most of my appointments will be) was the most important thing, plus my details are already on their system as I've has treatment there before. I'm going to stock up on wool and good books for the long waits

OP posts:

AnnaAug · 20/03/2010 17:46

Hi,

This isn't a UCL or Whittington comment - but given there are lots of ladies from N.London on this thread, thought I'd ask your advice. I had my 12wk scan (and likely to have 20wk scan at) North Middlesex and it was a grim, chaotic place, and they managed to 'lose' me from their system between reception and sonographer waiting room - cue 95min wait with full bladder, oh the fun!! And pregnant women seemingly herded round by staff and treated like a bit of a hindrance. The idea of having my baby there fills me with dread.

Just about (fingers crossed) to complete on a lovely new house in Enfield. Has anyone heard anything good (or bad!) about Enfield Chase hosp? I'm desperate to escape North Middlesex, but would love some advice from anyone who knows the hosps in that area!

susiey · 20/03/2010 17:48

2 of my friends have had babies at chase farm and they thought it was great
one moved from barnet to chase farm and was much happier with chase farm

susiey · 20/03/2010 17:53

also had all my babies at uch in the old building and the care was fab and in fact am going on to have my third child there in September in the shiny new building!

take a good book and snacks though they run really late for everything

cityangel · 04/04/2010 23:49

Does anyone know the difference in post birth rooms at UCH and the Whittington. Are there options for partners to stay or private rooms?

MumNWLondon · 07/04/2010 00:27

Cityangel - I was told that at the Whitttington MLU can generally stay in the delivery room (which has double beds so partners can stay) for 6-12 hours after the birth and they expect you to be directly discharged from there and not go to post natal ward.

They said it would be ok for DD and DS to come and stay too - there are 5 rooms on the MLU and they can only cope with 2 women in labour at once so the other 3 rooms are for afterwards.

A risk seemed to be that you could turn up in labour at already 2 labouring women.

There are also private rooms on post natal ward that you can pay for (although don't know what the chances are of them being available).

Flip