Do you have to book a hospital?

[chicken]

I'm 6 weeks pregnant and have just booked my first appointment (at 11 weeks) with my obstetrician, who I know practices at the Mater Womens Private Hospital in Brisbane, which is where I want to go. I've heard that some hospitals get booked up early, but I didn't know that you have to book a hospital as well as an obstetrician? Can someone help?

[littlepickle]

Hi BDM - Congratulations on your pregnancy!
Yes it is adviseable to book into your hospital as soon as you can. When I rang to make my first obstetrician apointment I was about 5 weeks. My first obby appointment wasnt until 10 weeks but I was given the number of Mater Mothers Private in Brisbane and told to call them asap to book in. Which I did, so by 6 weeks I was booked in with obby and also with the Mater.
The booking in process for the mater is quite simple. They take a few details over the phone such as name, DOB, obby's name, due date, medicare card number, private insurance number and that sort of thing. They will also make an appointment for you to have a telephone interview with one of the hospital midwives. This usualy takes place at around 14 weeks and is where they get your medical history, background details and that sort of thing. Once you are booked in with the hospital, they will send you a confirmation letter along with a brochure and some leaflets about ante-natal classes.
Oh, its a good idea to book into ante natal classes early. I boked them in in February and the weekly classes were all full - leaving just the weekend workshops which cost $200. I booked that but couldnt get in until mid june

Hope this helps:D

[Terrible2+1cutie]

Locally here, i was given the admissions form at my first doctors appointment for the mater hospital and because the doctors office was at the mater hospital they walked me over to the admissions desk straight away to organise it.

Catherine

Mum to Blaze and Bailey

[~Emmylou~]

I'm having my bub at the Mater Private and I had to book in straight after my first OB appointment at six weeks.
You can do it over the phone, I would recommend you call them and do it asap! :)

[chicken]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone that replied - your information was really helpful. I've now successfully booked myself into the Mater!