Birth Centre at Watford General

Hello, I’ve seen a lot about the Birth Centre at Watford General being closed a lot last year (and in the years before that) but nothing about it since. Do people know if it’s generally open and running well these days? My midwife has told me they do close if they are short staffed, to keep the Delivery Suite consultant ward open, but she didn’t have a view on how often they’re closing these days. I’m considering changing to Barnet as apparently they have more staff and so the Birth Centre is less likely to close, but hard to know what’s best to do! I’m 31 weeks. Thanks!

Show your support

What about women planing to give birth there they can’t just close

If the birth centre is closed then you go into the delivery suite (the consultant labour ward)

I went in February 22 and it was closed but I kept begging every midwife that came to see me and they eventually opened it up! If you end up there and it’s closed, keep nagging them!! They already have people with you so no different if they are on delivery or ABC

Is there another hospital that has a birthing centre that’s been consistently open or perhaps a stand alone birthing centre like the one at Edgware that you’d consider? I teach pregnancy yoga and Hypnobirthing and know of so many people who have been disappointed by the ABC not being open when they’ve gone into labour 😞 it’s not too late to switch hospitals, Sallyx

I had to use the delivery suite due to induction but the night before the ABC was closed. It's also worth noting they only take people on a case by case basis ie. Low risk pregnancy and no reduced movement I didn't know that going in for reduced movement a few times meant that I could use the ABC, I only learnt that on the day. In any case, baby was born healthy on the delivery suite and it was incredible service!

Couldn't use the ABC*