"Amazing service, so pleased I chose this hospital"

My partner, myself and my family could not be happier with the care we received at St Mary's Hospital throughout my pregnancy, labour and postnatal. -The Ultrasound department was organised and friendly -The antenatal unit in Main Outpatients was very busy and ran behind at times, however, the care and attention I received made it all worth the wait. Patience is a virtue that not all expectant mothers have, sadly, so be prepared to wait for appointments on occasions- they do not rush people through in order to meet demand. The midwives focus on each woman as an individual -The maternity helpline (which one would call in an emergency or regarding a pregnancy query) was accessible and the advice given over the phone was clear and honest -The Labour Ward where I delivered was well-equipped and the staff were focused and dedicated to the delivery of our baby. They were low on staff but I would not have guessed this during my time there. I had been in during my pregnancy on two occasions- once for high blood pressure and once the day before I delivered as my waters had broken. The midwives and nurses were clear about what I needed to do and what the next steps entailed -the postnatal ward was certainly busy and a bit daunting, hard to sleep and get the rest and relaxation needed post-delivery but the staff were great and attentive considering the high demand. I would recommend that anxious mothers have a look at the ward if possible. There are a lot of mums and babies (of course) in one big room and it can feel a bit claustrophobic. I will emphasise that this situation is unavoidable unless you're in the birth centre. I didn't get a great nights sleep but as I said the doctors, nurses, midwives, caretakers, cleaners and support staff were brilliant -home visits were prompt and the midwives/health visitors were approachable, kind and outgoing. Highly knowledgeable and genuinely interested in us as a family and our well being On a closing note, I did have a straight forward pregnancy and labour, so experiences will differ from person to person. Do note that women without straight forward pregnancy and labour will/may have a different opinion towards experiences as of course it is a daunting and scary time for first time mothers. Do research the hospital and visit it if you can, I will be having my next baby there for sure :-)