Hospitals, Obstetricians and all that stuff

Just spoke to my ob/gyn back home and he suggested that I start looking/interviewing several obstet. here in London before I even get pregnant in order to feel comfortable in case of any unexpected emergencies/problems (and so he can build a rapport with the obstetrician here) before the actual date.   Obvious while we're living here I'm going to need monthly check-ups and both doctors will have keep eachother informed of what's going on...

So I started the search and picked up a listing of doctors/specialists that the U.S. Embassy has recommeded.  There are 8 obstetricians listed. I have no clue of how to do a search on their qualifications other than calling the office and asking questions (which I have done already).  Does anyone know of a site in the UK where you can research the doctor's education, qualifications, to see if they had any malpratice lawsuits, etc.?  To find a certified obstetrician in the U.S. you go to the website of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists do a zip code search and boom you have it.  Is there such a service that is offerred to women here in the U.K. that give the specifications of the board certifications? (sorry don't know the correct terms to use) The other option of course is to get referrals from friends who have already had children here in London and obviously the latter is not going to work for me.

Now on to the hospitals - Has anyone had any experiences with hospitals here in London?  Which one's are the private one's, which one's are the community one's, which are the crappy one's full of good will cases,  reputations, etc.  I did a quick search and came up with a listing of hospitals in the London area but it didn't go into anything else.

http://www.lyra.co.uk/lonhosp.html

Thanks a bunch..

I haven't had much experience with this stuff (yet), but did notice a few days ago this posting from Focus (http://www.focus-info.org/) --

Having a Baby in the UK
Host: Mr T G Teoh, Consultant Ob&Gyn, St.Mary's Hospital

Are you an expecting parent? or maybe you are thinking of having a baby? Then come to this informative session with Mr. Teoh who is a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at St. Mary's Hospital. He will share his knowledge with you and explain the British approach to pregnancy and delivery as well as answer any questions or concerns you may have. Advanced payment ONLY.


Date: 10 June 2003
Time: 11:00 - 12:30
Venue: Chequers - Somerset Queens Gate Gardens
54-66 Cromwell Road, London SW7
Phone: 020 7937 7799
Email: office@focus-info.org
Website: www.focus-info.org
Tariff (members): £5
Tariff (non-members): £15
Sign Up

I was thinking of going next week, myself actually as I have all sorts of questions!  (OK, I admit it...I'm terrified!)

I'm not expecting yet but hope to be going down that road soon and want to know some of this stuff before I have hormones *and* fears to deal with.

I think they run this session over and over again because I've seen it there before. So if you can't make it to this one, another might be useful.  If I go, I'll let you know how it was!

In the UK most pregnancies are followed and delivered by midwives.  The midwife team at your local surgery will see you during your pregnancy, and then whatever midwife happens to be on duty at the hospital will deliver.  You probably won't be referred to an OB/GYN unless you develop problems.  I think most hospitals have info sessions every couple of months, give your local hosp a call and ask about them, they should be free.  Some websites you might want to check out are:

The National Childbirth Trust
http://www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com/

Babyworld  
http://www.babyworld.co.uk/

I found the Babyworld message boards in particular helpful as my midwife saw me at 8wks to fill out forms and then wouldn't see me again until 29wks.  And then, she only saw me 3 more times until after I delivered at 40wks+10.  

Did you ever go?  We're starting to do some research and I so far am not impressed with the NHS here.  I have **HUGE** doubts myself especially after my personal experience with the wonderful coverage here.

But I am trying to keep an open mind.
:-/