Hi there, but late perhaps but it might help others..!

I have close friends who have given birth at C&W, the general concensus is that the births were great and the aftercare pretty shabby. I have given birth at Thomas's (also shoddy aftercare but I was swayed by the shiny feel of it all! You don't get to see the busy, noisy post-natal ward on the tour...), and also at Kingston this year. I was a private patient as I was high risk and nervy after my traumatic birth and "care" at Thomas's, I found my experience and treatment there amazing. Not the private bit so much - you get what you pay for on that score, but the NHS side where I spent my first 24hrs was outstanding. The midwives were rushed off their feet, yet patient, kind and very nurturing towards me, the opposite to my experience at Thomas's.

Good luck whatever you choose.

I had my daughter at C&W in 2006. It was a bit of a manic time as their birthing pools had been shut down.

Labour was ok, a few bad experiences but an amazing doctor at the end whose quick thinking was very much needed. The aftercare I felt let down on. The staff were rude and quite unsympathetic on the whole .... I'd had a crash section under GA, came round hours later quite poorly and very confused. My fiance was shaken too and whilst on the HDU we were well looked after, once transferred to the ward I felt very alone and almost a nuisance. The night staff said 'thank goodness' as my fiance left me for the evening, wishing them a cheery goodnight. I was told to go and get my own cereal, and when I said I'd only just had a c-section (3 hrs prior) I got a tut and someone came back with a bowl of cornflakes around an hour later.

The antenatal care was great though, and some staff were truly amazing.

I've heard good things about Thomas's. I may try there next time.

C&W location-wise is very handy for me, and it's a lovely place. But the aftercare worries me. Perhaps I'll have more confidence to speak up with my second, instead of being a timid first timer though.

I'm still open to using C&W again. it hasn't wholly put me off.

I've had two children at St. George's and whilst it wasn't the prettiest hospital, the care was fantastic. Bear in mind if your baby has any complications the special care baby unit at St. Georges is one of the best in the country.
Can't praise it highly enough.

I felt like i had to respond to this as i've heard terrible things about C&W.....i know a lot of people who have had such bad experiences......

i had my little boy at St Thomas' and i can't rave about it enough - although i have heard kingston is just as good!

anyway just thought i'd mention this

Chlesea for me as well, staff were lovely despite all the hassle the NHS seems to get these days.

I went Chelsea - brilliant - really clean and staff lovely

thanks for all your advice - thats very helpful.

why not St Georges?

just don't do St Georges

Hi Emily,

I gave birth in Chelsea Hospital this January and had a fantastic experience. I moved from St. Georges as I found their admin system a complete shambles. The staff were reassuring and very experienced and the hospital was extremely clean. There's a good choice of natural birthing rooms too. I've not heard reports about Kingston but once the contractions kicked in I was glad the hospital was just over Wandsworth Bridge not down in Kingston!

Another thing is that Carluccio's is opposite in Chelsea, so after the birth you can send out for their amazing hot chocolate!!

Good luck with it whatever you decide!

Vix

Hi,

I've had 2 babies at Kingston (and 2 at St. George's) and they were absolutely fab. Both were c-sections. The staff are really lovely and the aftercare was fantastic. The post natal wards have recently been upgraded. Both times I had a lovely clean single ensuite room, but i think the maximum number of beds per room is only 2 or 3.

Sadly, I haven't heard great stories about Chelsea and Westminster, but I'm sure it can't be all bad. I think most maternity units are overstretched, but the great thing about Kingston was that even though they were busy, they were never rude or dismissive and they took great care of me and the baby, which after all is the most important thing!

Good luck.

Hi
I have a choice (I hope) between the two. Can people share any good and bad experiences with Chelsea and Westminster or Kingston?

Thank you.

E