Question about birth at non-local hospital

Hi all!

I had a question about delivering in a non-local hospital and hoping you can give me some perspective! I am 6 weeks pregnant❤️

I live in North Essex (Colchester) but work in London. I have epilepsy and thyroid issues, and the specialist that follows me for my epilepsy is in St Thomas hospital. The thyroid issues are more routine and followed by my GP.

I am seriously considering giving birth (probably elective c-section due to epilepsy) at St Thomas. I have read great things about this hospital and I love my neurologist. I think also it would be good to have him and my maternity care in the same trust. Also, my local hospital has been consistently rated (requires improvement’ and friends have had bad experiences here. But of course, this means a possible difficulty if I go into early labour/have to travel in from Essex for this. My parents live near Hampton Court so technically, I could stay with them for the last month of my pregnancy and would be nearer to St Thomas.

Further context, I self-referred to Colchester 2 weeks ago and have heard nothing whereas I self-referred to St Thomas yesterday and already got an appointment for September. So potentially, the difference between the two is already starting to show.

I would be grateful for everyone’s thoughts and experiences. Thank you xx