"Outstanding treatment for maternity services"

My birth experience at Princess Royal in June 2015 was amazing. I had a planned c-section. The surgical team and all staff during my time there were incredible. Everyone on the day was lovely and communication was great. They explained everything at every stage at least once with utmost professionalism, but were all also very personable and put me and my husband at ease. We were lucky enough to be the only ones booked in on the day and there were no emergencies, all went smoothly and so the c-s was extremely quick - less than half an hour. In after care and on the ward the midwives and nurses were very helpful and lovely too. I had an elective c-section, with my decision to request one raised at my booking appointment though I was persuaded otherwise at the time. As it got closer to the time I pursued c-section again, at about 35 weeks, for a number of reasons, but fairly late on in the pregnancy. After some initial discussions, I found that my request was dealt with very respectfully. All of the ante-natal care was good too. Appointments were scheduled when they should be and results explained / appropriate referrals made. I did have to mention that I was over 40 so should have additional scans, so would advise that others make sure this happens for them too - they may have raised it with me at some stage but it wasn't mentioned until I raised it at about 22 weeks. But I have only positive feedback overall for my birth experience there and would recommend to anybody. It was my first baby so I don't have much to compare it to, but I did at one stage look at another, bigger and newer hospital and found in comparison that staff seemed more stressed, rushed and less personal. I had considered it for its individual, en-suite rooms but am so glad I went to Princess Royal - the ward was not full in the end and was cool with the windows open despite the summer heat (I did get lucky with a window bed and amazing views though!). They had a new early release scheme so as all went well and I was happy to be discharged we went home just over 24 hours later. The midwife even helped bring stuff to the car and checked we were ok putting the baby in the car seat. They had said we could call any time day or night should we have any concerns. We did when my wound seeped about 5 days on after I bent over. They told me to come in and they'd check it and again the midwife was great. Overall, I cannot have hoped for better as a mum to be who was extremely worried about giving birth. Thank you all at Princess Royal.