FAQs
We know that choosing your care requirements can be confusing and that there is a lot of information to take on board. Here are the most commonly asked questions. If the answer you were looking for cannot be found please don’t hesitate to call us on 020 8421 8537 or send us an email, where we’ll be more than happy to help and guide you through the options available.
Do I pay everything to one person, who pays everyone else?
No. The separate parts of the total cost will come from whomever supplied the service.
When do I pay?
The Birth Team fee: Mr Sheridan does not bill you during the pregnancy and in view of that requests prompt payment in full within 14 days of delivery. If you would prefer to pay some of the fee before delivery to spread the cost, Mr Sheridan is happy for you to do that. Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital fee: You will receive an invoice during pregnancy for your advance payment. Download the current Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital maternity prices. Other private doctors fees: You will be invoiced for these by the doctor concerned shortly after the service received. Pathology charges: these will be billed to you as and when they arise.
Are antenatal classes included in any of the packages?
No. The Knowledge Antenatal Classes are run at Spire Bushey Hospital as a separate service by Sarah; you will need to pay her directly at the time. For further information about the antenatal classes please visit www.theknowledgeantenatal.com.
What if I have medical insurance, am I covered for my care?
It is very unusual except for some select British & international medical insurers to cover normal antenatal care and birth. Some will cover complications of pregnancy, including emergency and medically indicated elective caesarean sections, but even then there is often a shortfall between the bill you receive and the level of cover provided. We strongly advise that you check your level of cover with your insurance company before receiving private care, if you are assuming payment will be made via them. IMPORTANT: If there is a shortfall, you will be responsible for payment of any unmet balance.
If I know in advance that I need a caesarean section, do I still pay in advance?
Not always. It will help to contact the finance department of Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital if this is the case.
If I have insurance and have an emergency caesarean section after I have already paid my advance hospital bill, what happens?
In this case, you need to contact your insurance company and advise them of your circumstances as soon as you can. Any reimbursement will be made via them.
Can I transfer to The Birth Team at any stage of pregnancy and from any other hospital?
Yes that’s not a problem, although we will draw the line if you are already in labour! It would be best to contact Mr Sheridan’s private secretary to discuss this.
If I started with the Antenatal Care Package, can I change my mind and have full care?
Yes of course, as long as we don’t already have large numbers of babies expected at the same time as yours. We also will not accept you as a full care patient if you have already gone into hospital in labour as an NHS patient, then decided you want The Birth Team when you are in the middle of giving birth!
I have a question that's not listed here, who should I contact?
Where do I have my appointments?
You can have your pregnancy appointments either at Spire Bushey Hospital or at The Sainsbury Wing of Queen Charlotte’s hospital. Please see the Location page for further details.
Where do I have my baby?
You will have your baby at Queen Charlotte’s Maternity Hospital in West London. No babies are born at The Spire Bushey Hospital; it has great outpatient facilities, but is not equipped for managing labour, birth or neonatal and postnatal care. The facilities at Queen Charlotte’s are world class. Please see the Location page for further details.
Can I have private postnatal visits or antenatal classes if I am having NHS care?
Yes of course. It doesn’t matter which hospital you are having your baby at, or whether your care is NHS or private, all are welcome to book postnatal care and/or antenatal classes with us. Contact Sarah (07810 205414) to see if we cover your area for postnatal visits.
