Whipps Cross Maternity Unit feedback request.

I’m really sorry to say this but Whipps Cross hospital has one of the worst Maternity unit & staff/after care in my opinion. My sister had a really traumatic experience/birth because the staff didn’t act quick enough when deciding on an emergency Caesarean after being induced then going through labour pains for 2 days! Baby did a poo in the womb from how stressed she was then was treated really badly after, one of my best friends also had a similar experience and I’ve heard of a few more! I’ve even heard of this bad reputation from some of the actual staff that previously worked there. I seriously wouldn’t recommend Whipps Cross go else where if you’re willing to travel, I had my twins in Homerton I had the best team & delivery/after care they also saved my life on a previous occasion

Go to Homerton if you can, I had a horrible birth experience there. They were massively understaffed so they shut the birthing centre (I was distraught!!) and I had to go to the labour ward which was a disaster... It was almost 3 hours before I got a room. Had the pleasure of contracting and leaking amniotic fluid everywhere in the waiting room, in front of a bunch of strangers. Humiliating... One lady I spoke to said she practically gave birth in the waiting room there!! They are always understaffed. I will say that the Midwives are absolutely lovely, cannot fault them but NOT the ones on the night shift when you stay on the main ward. Oh, and the doctors wanted to give me a completely unnecessary c section, but thankfully my partner told them to F off. The birthing centre looks great though and you can avoid the overnight main ward, but I wouldn't bank on it being open. Avoid, avoid, avoid!!!

@Sevda thank you so much for taking the time to leave this feedback. Truly grateful.

@Frankie thank you so much Frankie, I’m sorry to hear you had a really horrific experience. :(

I only left the complaints team recently and the hospital that had the most complaints was WXH! The services in Homerton are so much better.

Looks like I am the only one that had a good experience in Whipps. I had midwives checking on me constantly and I had no issues. I was in the lilac centre bit as I had chosen to have a pool birth so I am not sure if it would be different then the actual labour birth rooms. Tbh I was scared as I had heard so many stories before I was pregnant about Whipps and had tried to choose Queens but they had told me Whipps was my catchment. I guess I was lucky to have had a good experience. Sorry to everyone that had a bad experience there though x

I’m under Whipps and looking to tf my care. I have had bank midwife appointments in the community and when I did the mat unit tour last week I almost cried. The place looked like it did in 1981 (according to my mum).

I had a very good experience. My maternity ward nurse Bushra was brilliant. No complaints. I do think people expect miracles from human beings and I genuinely think everyone is doing the best they can. I feel like whipps cross is understaffed but that’s not the staffs fault. Good luck x

Newham seems to have good facilities i birthed there... i kinda blocked out the experience though due to 1 or 2 neglectful nurses and midwives. WhippsX seems dated and from the look of A&E i know it is a different department but for me I wouldn't be too hopeful about the mat unit just in case staff morale is bad across the place... oh and if it's rush hour i think Whipps can be a nightmare to get to at times. Probably depends on so many factors, but with research of your diagnosis and arming yourself with any relevant knowledge from other women, you'll be more confident and that can make all the difference in how it goes on the day. Good luck Mama xxx

@Hayley seriously go elsewhere if you read my comment that is only a handful of ppl I know that has had a terrible birthing experience at Whipps cross I would avoid it like the plague seriously don’t birth your baby in that horrendous hospital!

@Sevda sold. I’m on so many pages and forums and Whipps mat unit seems like it needs to close! Are the CQC involved??

@Hayley yes I’ve heard on numerous occasions the maternity unit is terrible I’ve even heard of a baby dying due to a traumatic birth! This did happened 20 years ago but something that could have been avoided if the staff had acted quicker, the lady I spoke to said it sounds like there’s no improvement. I’m not sure if the CQC are involved who are they? Sorry

@Sevda the care quality commission. They’re like the big dogs of inspectors and can deem a facility not fit for purpose. I’ve transferred my care as Whipps in my opinion is ghastly.