The Portland Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK

I had my baby at the Portland Hospital and unfortunately, the experience was very disappointing given the reputation and the high cost. The delivery room was very old and unattractive. There was no sofa or proper place for my husband to rest, so he had to spend the entire night in a small armchair, which is unacceptable for such a hospital. The only positive aspect was the staff on the delivery floor – they were genuinely kind and friendly, which I really appreciated. However, once we moved to our room (a so-called “deluxe room” at £1,800 per night), things got even worse. The environment was depressing – old, small, and far from what one would expect for this price. I delivered at 5 a.m., and starting from 7 a.m. people from the staff began coming in and out, speaking loudly, with no respect for privacy or consideration that I had just given birth and was completely exhausted. On top of that, the checkout process took two hours because we had to wait for someone to come. Once we got home, we discovered that they hadn’t even given us the baby’s red book, which is essential. Overall, for the amount of money we paid, the experience was extremely poor. Apart from the friendliness of the delivery staff, everything else felt outdated, badly managed, and inconsiderate of patients’ needs. Sadly, I cannot recommend this hospital.

Lovely visit to The Portland Hospital, a nice warm welcome when we arrived. All staff were happy and friendly. Clear direction as to where we needed to go. Waiting area was clean with a good selection of things for children to do while waiting. Consultant was really nice and communication was clear and to the point. All questions were answered and we left satisfied with our appointment. Thank you! Would recommend and would happily return in future.

We had a very good experience at the Portland Hospital. My three year old daughter needed to go in for a minor operation as a day case. We were warmly welcomed and made to feel at ease. Our nurse, Nektare, was wonderful and reassuring and we are very grateful for everything she did. All of the staff we met were friendly and helpful. The facilities were great and we felt very well looked after. Highly recommend.

Yesterday (February 2025) I had an endometrial ablation, again with Dr Amelia Davison. I had Nurse Kelly, the same lady who helped me with my two procedures in September. And this time, I had another lovely nurse, Aika, who popped in to check on me when Nurse Kelly wasn't around. They were very attentive with me as my blood pressure was low after surgery, and I appreciate the care before discharging me. This surgery gave me a feeling of period pain but no cramps, so I was able to eat a bigger meal, a burger, which was great as I'm anaemic. I'd like to thank the ever-so friendly Dr Mark Esler, the same anaesthetist I used for my September procedures. And also to the lovely nurse who humoured me as I was going into surgery with my rambling about my orange allergy, and tucked me in when I said I was feeling cold. I think her name was Zam, possibly. While I hope to not need to go in a third time, if I do, Dr Amelia and the Portland will be my preferred choice. --------- In September 2024, I had a hysteroscopy and myomectomy here with Dr Amelia Davison. I felt relaxed from day one and was treated exceptionally well by everyone who attended to me at the Portland. I was so relaxed and comfortable in my room that I took a nap before going to theatre. My two nurses (one wearing a uterus badge) were friendly and explained what I should expect before and after the procedure. The anesthetist was Dr Esler and came to see me before the procedure and also when I was in recovery, which I've never experienced before, but made me smile as I felt he genuinely cared for me as a patient. One of the nurses, a lovely American lady with the uterus badge whose name I've forgotten, reminded me that feeling pain is pain, and this was nice; not being gaslighted and having my pain dismissed. Dr Davison was attentive, explained the procedure to me and made me feel at ease, well-informed, and that I was safe in her hands. The bonus was that the food choices were excellent, and they cared enough to take my food allergy seriously and ensure it wasn't in my food. Exceptional service by wonderful people. Thank you all!

My husband and I attended the Portland Hospital for an allergy review for our 18 month old. Thank you for an excellent, professional service from start to finish. We were kindly led through registration and our appointment by welcoming and diligent administration staff and practice managers. We were recommended the Portland and Professor Lack's clinic from multiple sources and with very clear reason. The clinic was clean and the waiting room well suited to the paediatric patient population. Professor Lack gave us a clear and comprehensive clinical diagnosis and plan. He listened attentively to all our concerns and questions and provided us with evidence base and rationale for our daughters care. We left with clarity and reassurance. The follow up to our GP was quick and very clear. Thank you for reviewing our daughter and helping us understand her clinical concerns and diagnosis, we really appreciate all you do.

👏 A huge thank you to the teams at HCA Healthcare UK and The Portland Hospital for Women and Children for the outstanding care they’ve given my daughter over the last 10 days. As a parent, there’s nothing more worrying than seeing your child unwell – and nothing more reassuring than knowing they’re in safe, skilled, and compassionate hands. 💜 From the clinical teams to the support staff and play team, everyone we encountered treated Hallie with kindness, professionalism, and dedication. It made a difficult time that little bit easier – for her, and for us. Having worked in healthcare myself for many years, I know how hard it can be behind the scenes. But the warmth and genuine care never faltered. If you didn't know, The Portland Hospital is one of the UK's leading private Children's hospitals, and I believe the only one in the UK with paediatric intensive Care. Thank you again, sincerely, for all you’ve done for our family.

From the moment of arranging the pre-assessment for surgery, HCA handled the process with great care and attention to detail. Communication regarding the appointment, including the clarity of information provided and the flexibility in scheduling times and dates, was excellent. On arrival, I was warmly welcomed by the friendly reception staff, which immediately created a positive impression. The nurse who carried out the pre-assessment was both professional and approachable, clearly explained each step of the process, and completed the assessment efficiently and on time, exactly as communicated beforehand. Overall, the experience was smooth, well-organized, and reassuring, and I am very satisfied with the level of service provided.

Prof. David Dunnaway and his team have been incredible. My daughter recently underwent surgery for her birthmark, and the care we received was exceptional from start to finish. Prof. Dunnaway’s expertise and compassionate approach gave us so much reassurance, and the results of the surgery have exceeded our expectations. The reception team were also wonderful — very welcoming, professional, and supportive throughout the whole journey. This made the experience much easier for us as a family. We are truly grateful for the excellent care and highly recommend Prof. Dunnaway and his team to any parent seeking the best for their child.

My daughter was born here in June, 2013. We have since relocated back to San Francisco but if I were to have another baby I would insist moving back to London so I could give birth again at this hospital! I had a scheduled C-section by choice. All the doctors and nurses were some of the kindest and caring people I have ever met. The hospital is beautiful and located in central London. We were given a nice size room with a small second bed for my husband and my own lovely bathroom. I had my daughter sleep in the nursery for all four nights we were there. The staff helped me with nursing, staying away from too much pain and also provided physical therapy. The food was amazing, just like a five star hotel. The hospital owns it's own champagne region in France - you can't make this stuff up! My doctor was Cathy Roberts - if you're having a baby in London, schedule an appointment with her! Thank you Portland Hospital for making the best day of my life truly unforgettable.

We were referred to Great Portland Street hospital by our doctors from Northwick Park due to this hospital being full with covid.. when we arrived at Great Portland Street hospital the receptionist was brilliant direct us to where we need to go not long before our name called out put in our own private room.. soon after my daughter was seen by nurses to talk her her through the procedure she was having the nurse made her at ease soon after our doctors were meat by my daughter from Northwick Park to see familiar place. The whole experience in Portland Street as a whole excellent service and later seen by nurse by Northwick Park who made her feel at ease I would say if you had a chance to go Portland Street recommended by doctors at Northwick Park I would at least you be at ease knowing the same procedure is done or you be waiting a long time

I am very fortunate to have private ex-pat insurance (Cigna) that covered my antenatal care + c-section, hospital stay and postnatal care. I know nothing else, as I have one baby and he was born here. So, having gotten that out of the way (read: I'm not a "too posh to push" gal) -- even if I HAD paid out of pocket, I would've been utterly and completely impressed with my experience at The Portland Hospital in London. Also in comparison to the prices in the US, the Portland is a deal! (All in, would've cost roughly $20k). I began my experience with a highly recommended consultant (Cathy Matthews) and was with her until about 6 months along. Some personal circumstances meant that she needed to move her lower-risk patients to another consultant in her practice (Dr Maryam Parisaei ). Both were wonderful, but I really loved Maryam, obviously she got me through the finish line and truly is a special human being. So far beyond my expectations. Funny, endearing, professional, skilled, great bedside manner and extremely reliable and competent. Went far above and beyond for me and my baby and I couldn't have asked for more. Some higher power was looking down upon me by giving me Maryam, I really lucked out. Their practice works exclusively (privately) for the Portland, and Cathy and Maryam both also work at The Homerton via NHS. Highly recommend them if you are seeking a consultant. Their office is located very close (across the street) from the hospital. Annnnnnd, back to the hospital. Conveniently located right next to Portland Street station. Cabs all over the place (important for pregnant ladies!). It is the 5-star resort of hospitals. Top notch, super efficient, private midwife (mine was very excited I hadn't scheduled a c-section, though I ended up with one in hour 20 regardless!), great meals (seriously!), private recovery room, excellent midwives, lots of support, a party gift with Neal's Yard goodies and wonderful aftercare. I actually never wanted to leave. I was also able to access the birthing pool, which I used for 4 hours. It's quite a good setup for this type of thing. I won't say it was the "amazing" experience that other (probably amnesic) mothers rave about but it did get me through a few hours and is right in a private room so felt very private and secluded. They also play pretty good music! I know that's weird, but its true. After laboring for what felt like days (15 hours) it was decided that my bundle of joy was a melon-headed brut, and thus an emergency c-section was required. All that work and still getting sliced! Luckily I felt very confident in Maryam and she was very reassuring the entire way through, I knew I was in good hands. Of note, the anesthist was so sweet. Truly, an angel. It was an older gentlemen, and obviously I was on a lot of drugs at that point but I just remember thinking that he didn't need to be so caring or nice to me, but that he was, and I was really grateful for it at a particularly scary/vulnerable moment. Can't ask for much more than that. If you need a private hospital or have great insurance, I highly recommend The Portland to birth your babe. From Week 6 to Week 46, this place was fantastic. Made having a baby away from the homeland a little bit less scary! PS -- I'm happy to answer any questions people might have. If you are deciding on whether to use the Portland please feel free to message me. Maryam's info: http://www.theportlandhospital.com/medical-professionals/find-a-consultant/obstetrics/miss-maryam-parisaei/ Website: http://drmaryamparisaei.co.uk/

I had an amazing birthing experience and prenatal care here. The midwives are caring, intelligent and I never would have made it through my delivery without Linda Harrison.... Seriously, I sent her flowers afterwards. She's the best. We were randomly upgraded to a suite after I delivered because all of the basic rooms were full. We had two rooms, two bathrooms and my husband was able to sleep on a pullout bed (which was incredibly uncomfortable), but who cares about him... I'm the one who gave birth! The best thing about this hospital was the food. Three meals a day (you can pick from a huge list of foods, and they accommodate all types of diets) plus afternoon tea. SERIOUSLY?! So amazing. Plus they will also bring you whatever you want whenever you want it if you just call the kitchen. I will definitely be back here with my second child :)

My newborn son almost died at the hands of a negligent doctor at the Portland hospital. He was a week old when Dr. Cowan severed an artery in his little body during a routine circumcision. My son was discharged immediately after the procedure and I took him home. By the time I woke him up for his scheduled feed he was haemorrhaging badly and had a nappy soaked with blood. We rushed him back to the hospital where the it took eight staff to stabilise him. He endured another operation that night. In the morning, after no sleep and still worried sick about my son, I received a phone call from from the hospital accounts department asking how we were going to fund his treatment. Considering my son was only there because they almost killed him the day before, I thought the cheek was beyond comprehension. When we complained about the doctor and treatment, the Portland staff actually lied about the time we left the hospital to cover his negligence, even though we have documents proving otherwise. Since the time my son almost lost his life, the Portland have tried to buy our silence and bill us for other costs associated with his lifesaving treatment. I also gave birth to one of my other children here and found the whole experience they offered a new mother disgusting even compared to the NHS. Keep your precious children away from this old, dirty, corrupt and dangerous establishment.

It was not worth the money (self funding outpatient)! I would certainly NOT visit again. The scan (£140) took 2-3 minutes. I was complaining of severe abdominal pain therefore a more thorough examinations was needed. The doctor's consultation was better but not worth £220. I'm sure the doctor is knowledgeable but 'guess work' is not appropriate when one charges this kind of money for a 20 minute consultation! The doctor asked for my records which were provided but I never heard from him again. Took my money and did not even bother to update me, regardless how nice of a person he was during the consultation. I received a better explanation and a more thorough examination through NHS when I went for a second opinion and it was all free!