St Georges vs St Thomas vs Chelsea Westminster

[Sally10]

I'm expecting my first baby and I can choose between three hospitals in South London. I don't know anything about any of them. Does anyone have any recommendations or words of caution? Thank you.

[2boysmacca]

I had a choice between Lewisham and St Thomas's for ds1. I opted for Lewisham . Shame really as he was born on NYE and St Thomas's maternity has views over Houses of parliament

[Summerfruit]

Message withdrawn

[Overrun]

I had ds1 in St Georges 4 years ago. We got into trouble during the birth and they basically saved his life, and the neo natal unit came in handy for the day that he was there.
On the negative side, the wards were absalutely filthy. The staff were pretty crap too, mainly agency, and really disinterested and scornful of me as a New mother and my concerns.
They left me to my own devices, despite trying to bf after a seperation of a day, and having had an emergency section under GA

[edam]

St T's home from home midwife-led bit does have a fantastic view and nice rooms but you aren't really concentrating when you are in labour, tbh. Very dangerously low staffing levels in both midwife-led and hospital birth centre when I was there in 2003 though, community midwives said they were 'lucky' not to have killed anyone. I've heard bad stuff about C&W, mostly to do with post-natal care, I think. Ask your doc where she'd go (or his wife if it's a he).

[valentina]

St T's for me was fine. Had a Domino, so same midwife stayed throughout. After-care was not so great. Big Ben view was great!)

[cjs76]

I used St Geo for ds1 in 04 and DS2 in 06 reasonableish both times - I beleive St Thom wont give pethedene so if you are thinking of this as a pain releif option check it out.
Wards have 4 to a room both times I found other babies cried alot and I didnt get much sleep so left after 1 night as was so tired.

[DimpledThighs]

St. T's 7years ago - fab - cannot fault it, but think I was lucky to get an expericened midwife and had a lot of waiting and was rushed out of delivery room at the end but oh to hold your babe and look at big ben to see what time he was born....

[laineyluv]

I rate St Georges, a lot. Although my last 2 were born at home (but under St G) all the scans, care I received has been good. Current pregnancy has had its anxious moments, but the Early Pregnancy and Fetal Med units have been great.
My first was born at Kings which was great, but I think post-labour wards are generally not so great. Some people I know take their own cleaning products. But you don't necessarily have to go to a ward. Sometimes you can go home from the delivery room, all being well. I've heard some less-than-good things about C&W, and the parking is horrendous. Good luck

[Baysmum]

Had a nitemare at C&W so would avoid if I were you. I am pg again but have moved out of London so am hoping for a nicer experience!! Good luck.

[Tinasan]

Had my baby at St George's 4 months ago, and could not fault the delivery ward, I had a great birth with brilliant care from the midwives. Was classed as high risk because of blood pressure issues and there was at least one if not two midwives with me at all times. The aftercare on the postnatal ward leaves a lot to be desired though - it's clean (think it has been recently refurbished) but the (mostly agency) staff are either far too busy or couldn't give a stuff about you. So great for peace of mind on the delivery side but try not to hang around afterwards!

[dinny]

St George's for me twice - excellent care on delivery suite, pn ward agree not amazing.

[Sally10]

Thank you very much for your replies.
Anyone else have recent experience of understaffing at St Thomas'?

[TheBlonde]

I think you'll find the staffing issues the same at all the london nhs hospitals - you just have to hope you go into labour on a quiet day/night

[theprecious]

I am booked into St Thomas's, due in early July, probably the medical side as I want a epidural. Any top tips? So far they've been good with scans etc.

[foxybrown]

TheBlond is right - there is a shortage of midwives, which is probably why post-care is so appalling generally. Don't think its specific to any hospital. Personally, i'd get out of there from the delivery suite if you can. But that's just me. I didn't find any benefit staying in, just made me more stressed. Since then I'm a homebirth girl, so avoid going in if at all possible. Wish you lots of luck with it all - really hope its a good experience for you.

[twoplusone]

I had dd in st Georges.. (Oct 1996) had fab care.. I was in there from 28weeks till a week after she was born.. (9weeks in total).. I couldnt fault them....

[porkpie]

I had ds in St T's and they were fine, I had a fantastic, very experienced midwife and a lovely student - though she wasn't compulsory! I was able to stay in the delivery suite all day, then off home that evening.

[TheBlonde]

Just to add - I found out today that St T's have ensuite delivery rooms. St G's don't

[joolsandoliver]

When I found out about the Twin Towers I was on my way back from Kingston having just delivered twins. I had my labour at Epsom, and time over again I wouldn't change things too much. I changed things alot although I would cbange things a lot first time around

[joolsandoliver]

Sorry, I was tired and having a conversation at the same time so have written complete gibberish. Was trying to suggest Kingston but as you are choosing between 2 teaching hosps presume you have a reason. St. T is very nice.

[foxybrown]

St G's is being refurbished, but don't know if its finished yet. They have mentioned delivery suites, so might be worth giving them a call.
Wonder if any would let you visit so you could have a look. Mind you, it might put you off completely if you come across women in labour. Bad idea maybe!

[foxybrown]

St G's refurb due to be complete in July if that helps

[Marscentio]

Have done a couple of births at C&W and it was fine. Aftercare in many of the hospitals not so brilliant. It all comes down to the staff on duty at the time.

[ThisFrogIsGonnaWhoopYouAss]

This might help

I have had both my DCs in C&W - good experiences though aftercare not great, but to be honest I just wanted my own bed anyway!