We provide a number of items for your personal comfort whilst staying with us, and you'll be happy to hear that your partner can stay overnight in your room and with breakfast included at no extra charge. For more information, please contact our maternity team on 020 7390 6068.
COVID-19 – changes to admissions
Please be advised we are currently screening all staff and mothers-to-be for COVID-19 upon entry to our hospital and clinics.
We follow these additional precautionary measures to keep you safe during this time.
If you have any questions or concerns prior to coming into The Portland, you can speak to our maternity team on 020 7390 6068.
Testing for COVID-19
- Your 37, 39 and 41-week antenatal appointments at The Portland Hospital (if you’re planning to have these appointments with your consultant at another hospital or clinic, we will still need to test you at these stages of your pregnancy).
- At your pre-admission appointment, if you are having an elective caesarean section, or 48-72 hours before if you’re having an induction of labour. Your birth partner will be offered a test at this point too.
- If you are in spontaneous labour.
- If you are admitted during your pregnancy.
- In the unlikely event your baby is admitted to our Neonatal Unit, you will be required to have a test to safely visit your baby.
Isolation guidance
• Please do not go to work, visit public places or travel anywhere on public transport.
Testing positive for COVID-19
If you experience mild symptoms of COVID-19 you will have continuous electronic fetal monitoring during labour. For patients with more severe symptoms, please contact your consultant or midwife immediately.
In the unlikely event that we find you have COVID-19 through our testing programme, we will monitor you and your baby whilst you’re in hospital. You will be able to breastfeed as normal, but you will need to isolate at home with your baby for 14 days once you’ve returned home.
Declining the test for COVID-19
If you decline the test prior to coming to hospital, you will be offered it again on admission, and if you develop any symptoms during your stay. If you plan to have an elective caesarean section, surgery is likely to be delayed without a negative test result.
Keeping you safe inside the hospital
In addition to these ongoing measures, you and your birth partner will also be asked to wear a face mask when you’re not in your room. Our colleagues will be wearing face masks at all times.
Your admission
Prior to your admission you will have developed a birthing plan with your consultant or midwife, so you are as prepared as you can be for the birth of your child. Your midwife will discuss this with you again on admission.
When you arrive, you will be admitted into The Portland and shown to your room. If you have any last-minute concerns or questions our maternity team will be here to advise you.
Please ensure that prior to admission you have returned your completed pre-admission paperwork. We require the following completed documents:
- Admission/registration form
- Maternity Admission Agreement
- Paediatric Newborn Check form
- Confirmation of paid deposit
- If insured, your confirmation of cover is in place with your insurer
What you need to bring with you
At The Portland Hospital, we aim to provide you with as many of the essential items necessary for birth and a hospital stay as possible.
Below is a list of what you may want to pack for you, your baby and birth partner and what is provided.
For you
- Your pregnancy notes (including a birth plan)
- Massage oils/lotions (if desired)
- Lip balm
- TENS Machine (if desired)
- Hairband if you have long hair
- Swimwear if desired for possible water birth
- Essential oil diffuser is available (please bring your own oil)
- Birth balls and mats are provided
- Clothes (for potentially 3/4 days stay)
- Nightwear, lose or front opening for breast feeding
- Nursing bra, breast pads, nipple cream and feeding pillow
- Dressing gown and slippers
- Wash bag with toiletries, small set of complimentary toiletries are provided, hair dryers are also available
- Maternity paper pants/sanitary towels are provided
- Towels are provided
- Books/magazines/music on your phone (labour rooms have a Bluetooth speaker)
For your partner/companion
- Camera
- Toiletries
- Clothes/Nightwear for intended length of stay
- Partner meals and beverages included (bottled drinks and alcohol are charged)
For your baby
- Car seat
- Hats, Scratch Mittens
- Clothes for intended length of stay, appropriate for weather conditions
- Nappies and changing equipment are provided
- Towels and blankets are provided
- Formula milk is available upon request/medical need (please check brands with the hospital)
Parking at The Portland Hospital
Pick up and drop off
Visitors can pick up and drop off patients at the main entrance. No parking is allowed as the driveway is for emergency vehicle access.Local parking
There is no on-site parking and street parking is not permitted on a single yellow line between Monday to Saturday, 8.30am- 6.30pm. However, national and private car parks are available nearby. Please contact the admissions team if you require help to identify a local car park near to the hospital.
Disabled parking
Westminster Council operate a small number of disabled parking bays near the hospital, available to Blue Badge holders for up to four hours. The nearest one is on the corner of Bolsover Street, next to Tesco Express.
Hotels
We understand the importance of being close to your family at this important time. This is why we have put together a list of local hotels and apartments should you need additional accommodation for family and/or friends.
The Portland Hospital has negotiated special rates with all of the following hotels and apartments to make your time with us a little easier. In order to receive these special rates please call the numbers provided below and quote ‘The Portland Hospital’. Please note that all room and apartment rates are subject to availability.
HOLIDAY INN (0.1 MILE) – 4* HOTEL
Carburton Street, London
W1W 5EE
T: 0871 942 9111
THE LANDMARK HOTEL (1.0 MILE) – 5* HOTEL
222 Marylebone Road, London
NW1 6JQ
T: 020 7631 8000
THE LANGHAM COURT (0.3 MILE) – 4* HOTEL
31-35 Langham Street, London
W1W 6BU
T: 020 7436 6622
Melia White House
Albany St
London NW1 3UP
T: 020 3499 8651
Prices available upon request.
Contact The maternity team
Do you have some questions about our maternity care? You can contact us by phone or email and we'll be happy to help.