Westmead Private vs Westmead Public

[Jackie11]

Can anyone advise me if I should go private or public at Westmead hospital. I am covered by my private health insurance for maternity cost. So people public nowaday is better than private. Is this true?

[kellie2113]

I also had private health care cover but was told I would have to pay around $4,000 on top of what was covered by private health insurance - however your fund may pay more benefits than mine.

I ended up going to Westmead public for my DS birth (my sister was a midwife there at the time which also influenced my decision to go public) and i have no regrets. I found the midwives in the birthing unit very kind and helpful and the whole birth experience went very smoothly.

They have recently upgraded their facilities and have brand new birthing rooms and maternity ward rooms - with the maternity ward you are either put in a single room or a double - so you won't be with more than one other mum and there is a shower/toilet in each room.

However, I found the nurses in the maternity ward to be very rushed and pushy and dad's are kicked out at 9pm sharp.

I also used the midwives clinic at the hospital for my antenatal appointments. This service was OK but expect to wait an hour or so to be seen (i guess this happens in a GP's waiting room as well).

Overall I was happy with the service especially the midwives in the birthing unit (I think the ones in the Maternity ward may be understaffed & perhaps that's why they are pushy trying to do too much to quickly??) but I will definitely go public again for my next baby.

I can't comment on Westmead private as have not been there.

I hope this helps - if u have any more questions re: Westmead public I would be happy to answers them

[natski]

I had my son in 06 at the public hospital as a private patient - so had my choice of obstetrician and a private room, which was great, as my husband slept in a fold-out bed and they didn't push us to go home because we were private. The staff were great and my son ended up in Special Care and they were also fantastic.

I had my stay in the old part as the new upgrade was still being built - I have been told that the birthing suites are fantastic but to compensate, they've put less beds in. I had a great experience there and would be going back, but my obstetrician doesn't deliver there anymore.

I haven't been to Westmead Private, but had some friends who had babies there - some loved it, others had mixed feelings. But I think you're going to get that everywhere - someone will have a good experience, others will not. It's hard.

I'd suggest taking a tour of the birthing suites and maternity rooms - that's what we did with Westmead Public. Just ring and they'll tell you when they're on. I'm not sure if Westmead Private does tours though - you can always ask.

Good luck!

[Jackie11]

Thank you for your advice. I think I will go to Westmead Public as a private patient. The thought of having a massive bill at the end of the day really scares me.
Do I need to make a booking now with Westmead Public? I am due in late January

[natski]

I'd book in asap - just to be sure. I booked through my obstetrician last time, so i'm not sure how to book - i guess just contact the hospital? I think it's a better experience as a private patient - well it was for me anyway Good Luck

[Ky]

I had great treatment as a public patient at Westmead in January ... mind you, my bub was transferred to Childrens within an hour so I was given a private room after my c/s so that I didn't disturb people with my coming and going at odd hours and also so that I could (almost) shut out the sounds of other people's babies.

They were very caring and did things like made sure I got my meals even if I had been at Childrens all day.

[kellie2113]

Yeah you should book in asap. You will need to get a referral from your GP and then fax it to Westmead hospital. Not sure of the fax number but the phone number for the appointment Office is 9845-6544 - give them a call and they will advise of all the information you will need to fax in ie. due date, referral, type of care etc they will then send you a letter confirming your booked in (which usually takes a few weeks to arrive) - Good luck!

[Larski]

Thank you for your advice. I think I will go to Westmead Public as a private patient. The thought of having a massive bill at the end of the day really scares me.
Do I need to make a booking now with Westmead Public? I am due in late January

Just double check this! I had my baby through the private system in May and the extra costs were doctors fee, nothing for the hospital stay. But I paid the doctors fees along the way so i didnt have a bill at the end at all!

[Rodmon69]

One of my choices was Westmead Public I had heard they refurbished but haven't seen it. My friend had both her children 6 & 9 yrs ago there & thought they were great. At least they are consistent.

Good luck

[Bronwyn]

Jackie
Congrats and enjoy your pregnancy.
Ring your healthfund and find out exactly what they cover?
The cost of the hospital is covered by your excess regardless of which hospital you go into - even if you go private thru the public system you are considered a private patient and the hospital will charge and you will find you have to pay the excess either way. the bulk of the costs are your obs and anaethatist (if needed).
There are a couple of differences though - the private hospital has a better nurse to pt ratio and depending where your obstetricians rooms are (normally in the private hospital) they will come and visit you everyday.
Don't get me wrong Westmead Public is a good hospital with excellenat staff (I used to work there and my husband still does) but if you have private health insurance USE IT and get the little extras that you are paying your premiums for.
My experience was wonderful at Westmead Private and I had lots of admissions from 28 weeks with pre-eclampsia which meant I paid my excess ($50) on my first overnight visit and was admitted as many times as necessary under that one excess.
I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever choice you make.
Regards
Bronwyn