NHS vs Private, and Kensington Wing vs Westminster Maternity Suite Post Reply

[PimlicoBelle]

My husband and I recently discovered that I'm 5 weeks pregnant with our first child, and we are thrilled! I've had an initial appointment with my GP, who advised me to self-refer to a hospital. However, after doing some research, we're now facing several decisions about antenatal care and delivery.

I would like to have an elective C-section and would opt for consultant-led care.

We're currently choosing between Chelsea & Westminster (our catchment area) and St Thomas's (our nearest hospital). That said, I'm still undecided between private and NHS options.

If we went for private maternity care, I would prefer a private wing within an NHS hospital if complications arise (therefore either the CW Kensington Wing or St Thomas's Westminster Maternity Suite). However I have also I read that in private wings, there might be delays in transferring to the NHS ward during emergencies, which is concerning. Additionally, I value the experience and equipment available in NHS hospitals.

I have some questions and would greatly appreciate any advice:

1. Would you recommend private or NHS maternity care?
2. If choosing the NHS route, is continuity of care guaranteed within your catchment area hospital?
3. Can you choose your OBGYN in the NHS?
4. Which hospital is better: NHS Chelsea & Westminster or NHS St Thomas's?
5. For private care, does anyone have experience with the Kensington Wing or the Westminster Maternity Suite at St Thomas's? Which would you recommend?
6. Has anyone experienced an emergency transfer from a private delivery to an NHS ward? What insights can you share?

Thank you for your help!

[Moonlightdawn]

Hi

I had my babies at the Westminster Suite at St Thomas’s. Professor Eugene Oteng-Ntim was my obstetrician. I can’t recommend him enough. So kind, knowledgeable and proficient.

For my first birth, I ended up needing an emergency caesarean. No delays or issues whatsoever. Professor Oteng-Ntim was there on standby. He did an outstanding job.

Best of luck and congratulations.

[Mummyof3SW11]

Hi, many congratulations on your pregnancy.

I have 3 children, and I have had them all privately at Chelsea and Westminster on the Kensington Wing. Honestly, if you can afford it, (and for us it was a huge stretch but worth every single penny) I would go private at C&W without hesitation. Like you, we wanted a large hospital with a neonatal unit in case we needed it (at C&W the labour ward and NICU are on the same floor as the KW- in fact NICU is next door!) which is why we chose C&W.

I had my third baby with the absolutely incredible Charlotte Deans- I would recommend her one million percent. She is hugely, hugely experienced with a big NHS responsibility too, and doesn’t take on too many private patients so you feel you are really getting a wonderful service because she has time for you. Her PA is outstanding and nothing is ever too much trouble.

I had an emergency c section (was meant to be elective!) and honestly she was just incredible. I have never felt safer or in better hands despite quite a complicated pregnancy. If we have a fourth she will be the first person I’ll contact!

Hope that helps and good luck.

[PimlicoBelle]

@MoonLightDawn, thank you so much for your recommendation.
 
Prof. Oteng-Ntim's name frequently comes up with positive reviews. We were advised to consult several specialists and met with him and others yesterday. We really liked Prof. Oteng-Ntim. He was very kind, provided thorough explanations, and was forthcoming with information. Even my husband, who is usually wary of people, immediately liked him.
 
I also met with Mr. Kunde separately, who is reputed to be one of the best surgeons. He was quieter and more matter-of-fact, offering less explanation. However, his reviews consistently praise his skills, especially in emergency C-sections and quick recovery times.
 
Now, I am torn between the two. Mr. Kunde's clinical and surgical expertise is impressive, but we really liked Prof. Oteng-Ntim's approach and thoroughness.
 
Could you share your experience regarding Prof. Oteng-Ntim's surgical skills? How was your recovery? How did the surgery go? And, perhaps less importantly, how was the scar? Were stitches or surgical glue used? How did he handle your emergency delivery overall?
 
I have read mainly positive reviews of Prof. Oteng-Ntim but found limited information on his work as a surgeon. One review mentioned dissatisfaction with the size and positioning of the C-section scar, though everything else seemed fine. Your insights would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you once again so much for your input

[PimlicoBelle]

@Mummyof3SW11 Thanks so much for the recommendation! We've heard fantastic things about Charlotte Deans and the Kensington Suite. It's great to know the NICU is so close to it as that offers some peace of mind should complications arise!

If you don't mind me asking, how did the planned c-section evolve into an emergency one? I have very limited understanding as this is my first, so trying to be aware of different scenarios as we're keen on an ELCS.

Thank you so much

[Mummyof3SW11]

@PimlicoBelle I don’t mind at all- I was meant to have a planned c section but I went into labour at 36 weeks- but honestly please don’t worry- it’s not that common to happen, and I’d already had two c sections. Although I say ‘emergency’ it was only emergency because it wasn’t on the planned date and needed to happen (ie I couldn’t deliver vaginally). Charlotte was incredible and it was all very calm and well managed.

Happy to talk more if you need but honestly I’d really recommend KW. Best of luck!

[ClaphamSmom]

I had my first baby with NHS in C&W hospital and had a terrible and traumatic experience. I went private for second baby (Westminster suite and Prof. Eugene) and had an wonderful experience. I could not recommend him enough. In fact, the whole team is wonderful. The midwifery care after delivery was also outstanding.
My overall recovery and scar were much better than with my first pregnancy. Prof. Eugene is highly qualified, experienced and was always available for any questions or concerns - he gave me his mobile number and told me I could call / message anytime.

[J_J]

I had my first baby with NHS in C&W hospital and had a terrible and traumatic experience. I went private for second baby (Westminster suite and Prof. Eugene) and had an wonderful experience. I could not recommend him enough. In fact, the whole team is wonderful. The midwifery care after delivery was also outstanding.
My overall recovery and scar were much better than with my first pregnancy. Prof. Eugene is highly qualified, experienced and was always available for any questions or concerns - he gave me his mobile number and told me I could call / message anytime.

Hi, glad to hear your second one went well. Please can I check whether this was the consultant led care? How much did it cost overall - seeing around £10k?

[Mel88]

I have had two babies with Manju at the Westminster Suite and both were fantastic experiences. My second came early and needed four days in NICU so I was really glad we were in Guys which has one of the best NICUs in the country. Had no doubts about going back there for my second, which was more straightforward.