Hospital preferences...and why

I am not from LI and my MIL delivered her kids [20+ years ago as well] in Manhattan...so I really have nothing to go on than word of mouth. My dr. uses either Winthrop or South Nassau. They seem to be pushing South Nassau [although it would be a bit of a drive for me and since the first time around I arrived with 45 minutes to spare, I'm not so sure I want to risk it] largely due to the new renovations. What are the pros and cons of both/either?

[I now plan on taking a tour of both if possible...when I had my daughter, I didn't really have a choice in hospitals and I liked the hospital I used so this choice is now driving me nuts!]

All opinions welcome. TIA!

Re: Hospital preferences...and why

Winthrop is nice, I delivered there. They have somewhat newly renovated suites for delivery. I had a c-section so I only got to use suite before and then brought to OR. It has a good rep for maternity and nicu too, just in case. I have not heard good things about South Nassau.

Re: Hospital preferences...and why

Might seem silly- but I live in Bayside and going to Lenox Hill in the city. I grew up in Manhattan, moved away, and moved back. I know that every hospital would be fine, but I'm a high risk pregnancy and only feel comfortable w/ Lenox Hill. My Dr. that I've been going to since I was 17 is affilicated there- we'll be driving in.

Re: Hospital preferences...and why

I only feel comfortable delivering at NSUH Manhasset. The doctors at the Center for Human Reproduction there helped get me pregnant so I am biased.

Also being high risk, multiples are more likely (60%) to spend some time in the NICU. If I delivered at the hospital closest to me and one of the babies needed a higher level NICU, he or she or both would be airlifted to Manhasset while I stayed in my local hospital. No way!!! I couldn't do that so I'm delivering at Manhasset. I took a tour and was very impressed with every aspect of care.

One of the doctors in the ob-gyn practice I go to is the chief of ob-gyn there as well.

Message edited 1/8/2007 10:06:16 PM.

Re: Hospital preferences...and why

A number of my friends and family members have delivered at Winthrop and have all raved about it - the quality of care, the rooms, etc.

Re: Hospital preferences...and why

I'd pick Winthrop over South Nassau if I were in your situation.

I chose SIUH because the other choice here on SI, St. Vincent's, isn't as good.

Re: Hospital preferences...and why

I believe South Nassau is a smaller hospital. I've heard great things about them. You get more individualized attention.

I would say the advantage of Winthop is their NICU is top-notch. My sister delivered at Winthrop. She was very happy & opted for them because they were one of the few hospitals that allowed midwives when she delivered. Also she wanted acupuncture - which they didn't allow but allowed acupressure.

As a visitor - Winthrop's parking sucks. Otherwise no issues.

Re: Hospital preferences...and why

IMO if you have a choice - pick Winthrop - it is a better hospital and it has a better NICU in case there are any problems.

Re: Hospital preferences...and why

I am glad that my doctor is affiliated with Winthrop. I have heard nothing but great things about their hospital, and am very comfortable going there. I am going on a tour at the end of February. I also love the fact that they have a NICU that I have read is one of the best.

Re: Hospital preferences...and why

Re: Hospital preferences...and why

I delivered at Winthrop and was very happy their. Their delivery suite is so nice and believe it or not their food is really good. Their parking does stink but its not horrible.

Re: Hospital preferences...and why

I am a Winthrop fan too... . I had a wonderful experience.

Re: Hospital preferences...and why

I have heard great things about Winthrop and I believe the NICU is higher rated than South Nassau which a lot of people consider very important. Although I heard South Nassau was going to go up a rating after renovations but not sure if that happened.

That being said, my dr was only affiliated with South Nassau. I delivered there (was considered high risk but because of my GD and false labor) and my son was in their NICU for 5 days (hypoglycemia that wouldn't give quickly) and I had a great experience. I delivered pre-renovations and I can only imagine it being better with the renovations. I would deliver there again when the time comes. The nurses were very helpful and reassuring and the NICU was terrific. The dr there was great - called me at home for updates and was very warm and friendly in what was a very diffficult time for me - I took it very hard going home without my baby. I even saw their pediatric cardiologist there and that went well as well (it was only a heart murmur but dr was being cautious and wanted it checked out thoroughly before we left in case it was something else).

Message edited 1/9/2007 9:31:41 AM.

Re: Hospital preferences...and why

I delivered at Winthrop and had a great experience. They are now pushing South Nassau at my docs office. I am going to take a tour and will then decide. My regular doc sadi South Nassau just made great rennovations and is now considered a very good hospital.

Re: Hospital preferences...and why

I am taking a childbirth class through Dr. Hanauer's office and for the last class we meet at Winthrop and get a tour.

Re: Hospital preferences...and why

Thank you for the input. I did a LITTLE digging and found ratings. One didn't list Winthrop at all [ ] and the other rated the 2 hospitals the same. [quite well] I suppose I'll have to see both hospitals and do some more digging and really evaluate the drive as well. It's hard with soooo many hospitals on LI [thank goodness I only have to choose between 2].

Re: Hospital preferences...and why

Im delivering at Winthrop. My SIL recently did too. She said the new life center is great, large and clean and loved the L & D rooms...

The food she said was like at a restuarant....

I thought the Maternity ward seemed "Ok"...same as I had always seen.

Re: Hospital preferences...and why

I have the option of both of those hospitals as well. Where do you find the rankings????

Re: Hospital preferences...and why

www.healthgrades.com

It has 5 star ratings for maternity for:

Winthrop
North Shore Manhasset
Mercy
South Nassau

Re: Hospital preferences...and why

Re: Hospital preferences...and why

Just and FYI at South Nassau you get a private room (no extra cost) Winthrop you have to pay for it.