Chelsea & Westminster - NHS / Private?

Hi, yes I did that. After a miserable experience with my first c-section (at Mary’s) we decided to book a private room after the second, in Kensington Wing. Best decision ever! Recovery in NHS I was told I couldn’t shower until the next day, I didn’t sleep because so much noise as 6 other people and babies in room (and we had to stay in 48hrs). The Kensington wing was incredible, own space, non stop care. They even look after your little one if you need a rest x

And would definitely recommend that other than going fully private. The surgeons are the same, same level of care x

that’s so helpful - thank you! Did you go straight to your private room in the KW after theatre? Really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Hi MJ, thanks for starting the thread and Jennifer thank you so much for sharing your experience as I’m also considering the Kensington Wing.

They put us in a recovery bed while we requested a room (you can’t pre-book Kensington). Just let them know after your op, get partner to go to the ward or I think the nurses can call them.

We were actually told there was no space, but after the surgeon came to see how I was doing about an hour after my op, she said that was rubbish and that she’d sort it. So if on the day they say they’re full most likely they’re not and push for it!

I had emergency c section there on nhs. And wanted to ask for the private side room but post surgery it was furthest thing from my mind. Mix of the meds and emotions etc
So make sure ur partner is drilled to be the one to advocate for it and sort it.
I can say if I had to I’d def be paying private afterwards because it wasn’t best experience.
However post natal ward midwives for phenomenal for giving and asking if we needed stronger meds. I was never left in pain.
Just to reassure any one out there worrying in bk of their minds 😊

I have had two experiences: first, a C-section all NHS, and second, I switched to private care in the last weeks. Though I don’t know if it works the same if you just book the room, but the Ken Wing is amazing! If you can book your room after delivering at the NHS, I’d highly recommend it. Nice rooms, peaceful, silent nights, you feel cared for, staff is amazing, food is good and as Jennifer said, they can take the baby to the nursery if you need some rest.

I had c section in NHS side and then we wanted to book a room in Kensington wing but the rooms were fully booked. We ask multiple times during the day and no luck! They said you need to be lucky to find a room available as they are all reserved for the patients who will have everything private.

Yes as others say, you cannot book just a room at Kensington wing until after you give birth, subject to availability. We have asked 10 different ways but not possible - you get on the waiting list after you give birth to see availability.

Thank you!

This feed is so helpful!

Has anyone experienced transferring to the Kensington ward when it has been a vaginal birth?

For those who have experienced it what was the rough price of the post birth care on the Kensington Ward?

Transferring to a private room after an NHs birth is nearly impossible. We tried but rooms were booked or reserved. You can’t get on the room waiting list until post birth.