Sth Eastern Private vs St John of God Berwick (SE Melbourne)

[epiphany]

I'm hoping someone can help me decide which hospital to go to :)

I've narrowed my choices down to either South Eastern Private Hospital (in Noble Park) or St John of God (in Berwick), Melbourne. Has anyone given birth in either of these hospitals? Would you mind sharing your thoughts, experiences or recommendations?

I've done a walk-through of both & both have a few pros & cons...but I'm sort of leaning towards Sth Eastern, I think...but I'm not 100% sure & I'd like to have made a decision before I go back to my ob/gyn next week.

Thanks heaps for any thoughts.

[bubbles28]

I had my DS at the SEPH. I had a wonderful experience there. My ob was DR Lam, he was so great. I must say I can't say one bad word about that hospital and its staff. All the nurses were lovely. Usually you get one bad one, but they were ALL great.

[Funkychicken]

Many of my friends have given birth at both of these hospitals and from what they have said they are both good. :thumbsup:

[epiphany]

Thanks for sharing - I really appreciate it.

I have decided to go with SE Private.

My obstetrician pointed out that whilst both were great hospitals, SE had a better percentage of days with an anesthetist on duty. So, while I'm going for a VBAC, if I need an emergency c-section, it will be easier to arrange.

[antoniasmum]

I am also deciding between the 2 hospitals....
I have been told that St John of God has more updated facilities as they have recently put more money into the hospital and it is also a non-profit org so I have also been told there is a difference in fees.... I am yet to tour either hospital... What are they like inside? I will make an appt to see them both, but curious what others think of the rooms and are there single rooms available?

[epiphany]

St John of God is currently undergoing renovations...so it's not as nice inside as SE :)

I personally was put off a bit with SJoG because they currently don't provide c-section women with their own room. You have to share with 3 others until you can be transferred to your own room. Whilst they said this problem should be resolved by Dec, I just wasn't keen with a few other things either & I felt the staff at SE were a bit more friendlier.

Having said that, SJoG has bigger birthing rooms...& there's not much difference in the actual single rooms of the two hospitals...but SE has a courtyard in it's maternity wing, the facilities seem a bit more up-to-date & the birthing rooms also have their own patios, so you can walk outside if you want to. And it has better parking.

One thing against SE was OSH made them take their bath out. so you can't have a bath while in labour - only a shower. SJoG still have their bath in. Thsi was a bit of a big deal for me as I found the bath a great source of pain relief with #1.

SE have public open days but you can still go in for your own private walkthrough. I'm not sure when the renovations are being completed at SJoG but you can still have a walkthrough - you have to phone & book a time as they told me they only do them on Thursdays.

Hope that helps a bit :)

[antoniasmum]

Thanks epiphany!
I am going to SE's open day on Sunday and SJOG I am going to check that out this Thursday... I did hear about their renovations, but have been told that they will be finished by the time I will be there....
I will let you know what I decide... :yes:

[newmum76]

I just gave birth 3 months ago at StJOG Berwick and thought they were great!!! The decor is a little outdated but the service of all staff, not just the nurses, was great. Everyone was so friendly. I had a private room and being a first time mum they were OK with hubby staying overnight as well. And we had a whole 5 day stay. I would highly recommend them and will be going back for Number 2 for sure!!!!

[antoniasmum]

Thanks newmum76!
I am going to see SJOG tomorrow afternoon.....
Will let you know what I decide!

[antoniasmum]

I have decided to book into St John of God in Berwick.
The renovations to the Maternity Wing will be completed by October...so I am happy with that. I felt a bit more comfortable there than at SEPH. I must admit the idea of a courtyard is a lovely idea - especially in January, but I prefered the hospital in Berwick. And it is so close for us too, which is a bonus.

[antoniasmum]

For anyone who is interested.... St John of God Berwick has an Open Day on Monday 12th June... from 1pm to 4pm

[our little treasures]

My SIL had her 4 yr old in South Eastern and her 10 mnth old in st john of god. Her first was c/s her second was natural and she said the midwives helped her and were much better than the first!! She felt very comfortable there..

[Butterfliez]

I just had my wisdom teeth out at St John of God and it was horrible! I woke up from anaestic to hear bang, bang, bang, thump! And then I was put in a pokey little corner with about 6 other people to recover. Yuck, yuck, yuck! So, thankfully renovations will be finished by the time you go there. Good luck.

[antoniasmum]

Went to St John of God's Open Day today.... It was really great seeing the new section that they are building... It is going to be lovely! And the midwives there were all very nice.... I believe I have made the right decision in booking into SJOG instead of SEPH. Did anyone else go to the Open Day?

[newmum76]

Great to hear that you booked STJOG, Ivfmummy...I had a really positive experience with the birth of my daughter there. Do you also have a local Ob???

[antoniasmum]

newmum76 - I am really pleased that I booked into SJOG in Berwick too! I have been referred to see Rudy Lopes... not met him yet, but hear he is lovely and has a good sense of humour! Who was your OB? I am glad you had a good experience at SJOG. It is close for me too, so that is another bonus!

[newmum76]

I had Dr Kemper and thought he was GREAT throughout the whole pregnancy, labour and follow up in the hospital and when I went home. Everyone at his office is so nice and friendly. And the benefit is that his office is pretty much just 2 minutes away from the hospital. Would go to him again for number 2 for sure!!!

[antoniasmum]

Yes I have heard that Dr Kemper is very good.... Sounds as though you have had a good experience with your first pregnancy! Dr Lopes' rooms are in Kangan Drive... not too far away, so that it handy. I have signed up for some ante natal classes later on this year... Did you do any of those?

[2tob3!]

Hi

My next door neigbour just had her 3rd at SJoG and can't praise it highly enough. There was also a big spread in the local paper saying that there will be 16 extra rooms and a 24 hour anisthetist etc for c sections very soon, so it may be worth calling them to confirm this. Can't comment on other hospital though, sorry :)

[newmum76]

Yes I have heard that Dr Kemper is very good.... Sounds as though you have had a good experience with your first pregnancy! Dr Lopes' rooms are in Kangan Drive... not too far away, so that it handy. I have signed up for some ante natal classes later on this year... Did you do any of those?


We did all the classes, which was a good experience but I think my husband found the classes even more valuable that I did. I even did the breastfeeding session they have too.

I am happy to talk more if you want to email me....rach.burton@gmail.com

Good Luck!!

[antoniasmum]

Thanks newmum76
I will send you an email.....