Barnet maternity unit

You can book a tour here: https://www.royalfree.nhs.uk/services/maternity-services/your-pregnancy#accordion-120674
My impression is it's as good or bad as anywhere I had a really positive experience being induced for 4 days but having said that a ward with 6 people is still gonna be noisy and not that spacious.
The birth unit was very empty when I was there so we got to go there postpartum which was amazing but definitely not guaranteed.

My experience was 5 years ago and in Covid but had people in my NCT move to the Whittington as they didn’t like the care in the royal free

There’s a birth unit at triage. As well as wards. Parking can be shocking not going to lie!!! Midwife’s are okay, it’s a hit and miss personally but waiting times are a JOKE. I waited 5 hours to see a midwife for antibiotics just for them to hand my notes and send me to the pharmacy!!

I went on a tour for the birth unit, looked amazing and spacious. Disappointed to have been on labour ward in the end but it was great. Make sure you bring an extension cord. I put up fairy lights and had all the equipment I wanted. Loved my midwives, read my birthing plan, really advocated for me and explained every aspect. I was lucky enough to get a private room postnatal. My husband always found parking because of the timing and arriving early when I stayed over, if you can't find spaces, others recommend using Just Park to find driver ways. Happy to answer any other Barnet questions xx

Hello , I just had my baby boy in Barnet hospital last week.

The birthing unit is great although in the end I didn’t get to use it unfortunately but I did do a tour of it. The rooms are very spacious , clean , calm and has en suit bathroom , Some rooms have a birthing pool too. Defo book a tour as Becky said.

I had to be induced too in the end and stay on the ward. It’s very noisy and hot. I would advise to bring a few fans as it gets very stuffy in there. Maybe also some ear plugs too.

The nurse are nice. They will help you if you need anything. I had trouble breastfeeding and although they are really busy they took the time to Show me what to do.

Overall everyone was nice including the midwife’s , reception , surgeons so don’t worry :)

Parking wise. It’s very busy. You need to get there earlier than scheduled to find parking so you’re not late but that pretty much is the same with all hospitals ( in my experience anyways).

I hope this helps and good luck

The birth centre is nice, unfortunately I didn't get to use it. Midwives during birth were great and really advocated for me. Nurses on the ward were nice and helpful too. You are unlikely to get a private room poat birth unless medically necessary.
The parking is a joke. There are a couple of roads on the other side of the hospital where you can park for free worst case scenario.
Overall, my birth experience with Barnet was good but I know other people didn't have such a good time.

One thing I'd add, the marernity day unit (basically the maternal A&E) is not great, a lot of waiting and not enough doctors but that's every A&E tbh

I got to use the birthing unit, was really spacious in the room giving birth and it had a pool. Then had a double bed in a big room upstairs that we stayed in over night. Midwives were lovely, I had a great experience! Parking is an absolute nightmare there though.