Croydon University or King's College...?

[Ernie&Kopka]

Hi Ya!

I'm 30 weeks and still struggling with the decision...where?? I know there is plenty written (good and bad) about both in previous threads, however could I ask you for literally one word suggestions if you would...I would really like a water birth.

Thanks in advance!

:-)

[sillywoman]

Things good - Birth centre. Things complex - Kings.

Edited to add a rider that you mean UCH Lewisham not Croydon? If you're talking Mayday Croydon - avoid like the plague.

[Ernie&Kopka]

Great thanks. Yes, meant former Mayday in Croydon....:o

[Growlybear]

It was a few years ago now, but I had my daughter in Mayday, and I really couldn't praise every aspect of my experience highly enough. I had a difficult pregnancy and birth, and every member of staff from the first ante natal appointment until I was discharged with my baby was excellent. But apart from their skill and professionalism, I was treated with the sort of respect and kindness that I didn't think you still found in hospitals, and which none of my friends who had given birth in Kings had experienced.

[Ernie&Kopka]

Wow!That's great to hear. Thank you! ;)

[Fuschia]

Only it has certainly had very serious failings in thd interim

Hopefully the high profile criticisms gave had an effect and standards are improving?

http://insidecroydon.wordpress.com/2011/04/28/mayday-damning-report-after-5-deaths-at-croydon-hospital/

[sillywoman]

Yes, http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-specialisms/midwifery/midwife-shortage-at-croydon-hospital-highlighted-by-regulator/5029228.article They will improve I'm sure, but given that the issues are so recent I personally wouldn't chose to have a baby there any time soon - if I had a choice. Seeing as you're asking.

Lovely to hear that you had such good treatment there a few years ago growlybear. Always good to hear good reports of hospital care. Seems like the general feel on the forum since your friends had their babies is that Kings has upped their game somewhat - http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?29,689431,689677#msg-689677.

[jennyh]

King's was full to bursting when I had mine but they still gave great care even under huge strains

[Ernie&Kopka]

Thank you ladies! Helps a lot! I have to admit I do hear much more positive things about King's...(not so much about the parking there!)and so we are going to visit on Thursday (fingers crossed) and that should be it...hopefully ;o

[ryedalema]

I had smallest C there (just!) and they were absolutely brilliant. Ask Buggie - she saw us as we sprinted through A&E (and presumably had hers there too?).

We were in an out double quick, so don't know what it's like for a protracted stay.

Good luck X

(And see you tmorrow :) )

[Ruth_Baldock]

I don't know what Mayday are like, but I'd say Kings hands down, just from the excellent care I have received there- both in my last pregnancy and birth, and this one (pregnancy at least; birth is imminent!)

[buggie]

:) Ryedalema - I remember it well! And yes, Bugglet was born there too (after only just walking in!).

Was with Oakwood midwives and luckily had their support on the labour ward. Found the postnatal ward ok (was first time I'd been a hospital in-patient so had nothing to judge it by).

Have repeatedly heard stories about Mayday (as was) and know parents would often travel over to Kings ED despite having it on their doorstep.

[Ernie&Kopka]

Thanks again ;-)

See you later Ryedalema!!!

[Grotty]

Kings had a lot of problems - so much so that they had a massive overhaul this year - more staff/better support/close monitoring and continues to have very close monitoring to ensure standards are kept high. This has led to better mother satisfaction and far less complaints. As a result, now is a better time than any to be having a baby at Kings.

[Ernie&Kopka]

Thanks Grotty ;-)