MATERNITY: Having given birth to my first 2 children in the US - where everything is covered by Health Insurance and you get to control most things about your birth experience (because you're paying), I'll admit it was with some trepidation that I undertook the NHS version of obstetrics. However, having been put off by Queen Alexandra's Hospital in Portsmouth by their lack of physical tour (you have to get by with a substandard YouTube video), and also feedback from others that it was a busy hospital and somewhat akin to a sausage machine (I had one story of someone being in and out in 12 hours - and they didn't necessarily want to be processed so quickly), I decided to opt for Chichester. It was the right choice - indeed quieter, albeit a bit older looking, but still fit for purpose. This maternity ward is very well run, the midwife was very good and I got the epidural that I wanted (needed!) for my third baby. I would definitely recommend this hospital to any nervous mums. Getting the tour and having a chance to ask questions and familiarize oneself with the layout was really helpful in orientating me to the NHS way and allaying any fears/answering questions. My only pick up point was infant security. As I left the hospital the receptionist let me swan out - no outgoing checks, no bracelet checking, no escort to the door, nothing. It made me wonder what the protocol was should there be an attempted baby theft... read more