Has anyone been checking the CQC ratings of hospitals before choosing where to give birth?

Yes, I based my choice on this..went for an outstanding and had amazing care.

Sorry just checked, the maternity unit is 'good' not outstanding. Though, it was outstanding for me! 😊

I didn't. It turned out the maternity services I used were rated outstanding. My experience was anything but! The poor care I received nearly killed my son and I.

No I just picked one for my first pregnancy and it was awful so I picked the other one for my second. Ironically the awful one received higher ratings than the hospital I’m at now. I’m was kept in for 3 days recently during pregnancy and they were pretty good. It really varies between staff, some are super lovely and caring, others are grumpy and clinical

@Maria where was it if you don’t mind me asking? I am registered at Luton and Dunstable but not sure yet.

@Sarah oh sorry to hear this :( hope you both are well and healthy now. It’s this kinds of thing that scares me - but then ratings don’t guarantee it then i guess :(

@Emma from what i read and hear - it’s a bit a of a gamble of which staff you come across isn’t it. :( so nervous about this.

Personally I wouldn't go by cqc ratings.. the care you receive doesn't have anything to do with what they rate the hospitals. I work in the wards and every ward is different it's really hit and miss, and depends on what staff are working x

@Naomi that is exactly what i thought. At least this allows me not to worry too much as i clearly can’t have control over this. I will pray i guess! 🥺

@Cheeds it was the Queen Elizabeth all the way up in Gateshead I'm afraid!

I’m registered with L and D too and chose them because they are known to be the best maternity ward in the area. I have friends who were transferred from Watford and Bedford due to the specialist care available at L and D. They all had great experiences there.

I did. Apparently there are no outstanding maternity units in the country! I kept having to expand the radius to find a good rated maternity unit, but did so eventually. Glad I did.

@Lee-Anne you cheered me up sister! ☺️ there is still hope by the looks of some experiences other women had. Thanks for letting me know! 🙌

@Sarah lol i noticed that too cause i checked the hospital where my mum is in Glasgow and exactly same ratings - ‘needs improvement’

@Cheeds and the thing is you just never know with CQCs because even with good CQC ratings you can still have a terrible experience. But all the staff I’ve dealt with at L and D have been amazing, knowledgeable and caring. Good luck!!! 🥰🥰🥰