Sunderland hospital

I don’t have experience with Sunderland but I’ve had my last 3 babies at RVI and can’t fault them, having my next baby in June

Hiya I’m 2 weeks pp and I gave birth at Sunderland, my labor was absolutely fine had a lovely midwife. But the aftercare was shocking in my opinion. We were in for 3 nights as he was a month early and felt as if we were left on our own, when we asked for help it was as if we were supposed to know what we were doing as first time parents.

I'm the same, also in Washington and was refused referral. Everyone i know has been to QE so no experience with Sunderland, but they have been great at all my appointments so far. They also have individual recovery rooms and partners can stay overnight which i prefer after c-section x

Had my 1st child in Sunderland in April 2022 and 2nd in November 2024 and both my experiences have been positive, i had no issues whatsoever and found everyone who i was in contact with lovely. I also liked the fact i had my own private room at all times and my husband could stay with me the full time if he wanted.

Yeah forgot to add we had our own room too and my partner stayed with me the full time x

@Shauna-Lea think I’m too far for the RVI. My family is all Gateshead and I’m 8 mins away from the QE where as it would take around 20 mins to get to Sunderland seems daft 😳 good luck for June though!!

@Natalie that’s exactly what I’ve heard. My friend is plus size as myself and she said she found staff to be derogatory. I’m really anxious about it 😟 hope you’re doing well though! Being a new parent is a huge shock, sorry you didn’t get the support from the hospital.

@Dominique yeah that does seem to a be a perk of Sunderland. My partner had to go home after I left the recovery suite but to be honest I was so knackered I was grateful to get some sleep ha it’s making me mega anxious so hoping as I’ve already had a baby at the QE they may let me. 🤞🏻

@Tanya aw thanks for sharing your positive experience. Think I’m just mega anxious about the whole thing. I’m eating the EPAU on Friday at the QE so hoping they may be able to advise.

I delivered both my girls at Sunderland and had great experiences both times. My first was a fast delivery at 30w and I was so grateful I was at a hospital with an amazing NICU. Second was great too. Lovely midwives. My only gripe was that the unit was busy so I didn't get my own room after baby and went to a four bed bay. From what I understand that's pretty rare and didn't make much difference to us as I went home same day anyway.

Aw thanks for sharing that makes me feel a bit better hearing a positive story!

Have they only just started refusing referral? I gave birth in Dec at the QE but honestly think Sunderland would be my next choice if I had another due to the fact that you have your own room. The wards at the QE are shocking and some of the midwives are rude

@Katie aw I had a great experience at the QE and have always found the staff really nice. It’s the stats that’s put me off honestly it was rated quite poorly recently and it’s just sending my anxiety. Yeah I think in the last few months according to the midwife

The labour ward was great and the staff were amazing, it was just the antenatal ward that wasn’t the best. It’s a shame they don’t offer both choices though. I don’t see the issue, i’m in Washington too and it’s quicker to get there than the royal. Are you with the midwives at the health centre? They might be able to get you a tour around the maternity unit at Sunderland. They offer the service at the QE so should for Sunderland I would think? It might lessen the anxiety

Yeah I am going to ask them to try and get me in at the QE first as it really is the easiest for me with work, family etc for pre natal appts as well as when I actually have the baby. But yeah failing that a tour would be a good idea. I hate the unknown so that’s got me a little nervous ha Thanks for sharing your experiences though, I appreciate everyone’s honesty.

Aw fingers crossed you get in at the QE. I had Lesley at the health centre as my com midwife not sure if you have her but honestly if you do she would move mountains for you and try get it sorted. She was amazing with me. The unknown is definitely the worst but i’m sure you’ll get sorted though x

Had my little girl April 2023 and Sunderland were amazing!! I was really pleased I chose there over rvi as I got a lot of support whereas my friend was left to look after baby herself after c section at rvi. Partner could stay the whole time we were on the ward but it was absolutely fine everyone was in same position breast feeding support was amazing we had to go back for jaundice got own room partner could stay they were so lovely so helpful so informative

@Katie oh my goodness. Yes my midwife is Lesley. I’m meeting her next Wednesday 😊 x

@Kate eee everyone’s really putting my mind at ease. So glad you had a good experience I’m feeling much better about things 😊

I’ve had all 3 of my children at Sunderland, 1 natural, 2 sections and couldn’t fault them tbh x

@Alisha thanks for sharing. I’m feeling a bit calmer today about it, think it’s just the unknown that’s stressing me out x

I had my daughter at the QE and I am due my little boy in June and under the QE again. You can request a change throughout your pregnancy if need be so hopefully if it’s due to the availability or something like that it may change throughout and they could change you to there x

@Kate I had my baby in Sunderland April 2023 too I wonder if we were in at the same time!

Definitely is the unknown x

@Alicia my LG was born 27 th and we were on the ward after, you? X

@Kate aww my LG was born on the 4th and we spent 8 days in as she was a bit early - just missed each other! xx