Ipswich Hospital (Part of the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust)

I went to an appointment with a consultant 2 weeks ago about my back, the clinic was on the top floor 9. For me it is a real difficulty to get transport to take me to the hospital but I did get a friend to take me, parking was difficult so he dropped me off and went to find parking, I made my way up to the clinic, the consultant hardly looked up from his computer at me, he didn't ask me any meaningful questions, and I was out in minutes, he told me that he would arrange with my GP some medication but two weeks later and I have heard nothing yet. I have to say that I was rather upset about it and felt guilty that I had put my lift out for something like this.

I have seen a consultant in the urology department, the consultant has amended my medications, he sent a copy of the letter to my GP and also to me, I recently asked my surgery if they had received the medication update and they said that they had not and could they take a photocopy of my letter? which I allowed them to do, but it is concerning that the hospital and the GP surgery are not communicating clearly with each other to effect an update of my medication.
Another thing is that medication names are so complicated and if you are dyslexic it is very confusing which makes life difficult with medication, I take 14 tablets a day and it is not easy.
Also I have arthritic fingers and I also find the medication blister packs difficult to remove the tablets from.
I think the use of symbols or colours to code medications for some people would be helpful especially for people with dyslexia and other neurodevelopment needs.

My teenager has a ganglion cyst on their wrist which is restricting the movement and is impacting their ability to take part in /play sports. After finally getting the referral, its been a year and we are still waiting for a date to have the operation.

Very positive c section experience. It all felt very organised, fluid and I was involved in all decisions . I had a very good maternity experience at the hospital.

I've had the same specialist nurse for 18 years, they are friendly and warm and the whole team are so lovely and go out of their way to help. I will be having dialysis at Colchester in the future and it will be a shame to not see them as they have been very supportive of my mental health.

I've received care from the renal department for years and they have all been amazing. I see the same consultant and wider team and that makes it really comfortable when attending because I know everyone. They provide good information and I can contact the specialist nurse by text, email or phone and someone always gets back to me quickly with any issues I have, they are really supportive.

The Doctor was very attentive, covered every aspect of my mother’s needs with great care. Excellent follow up organised.

After my GP did an urgent referral after I had concerns about cancer. I was seen in two weeks and then operated on really quickly too as a day case, everything was done in under two months. Staff have been great at all points.

The Urology and Oncology departments have been absolutely amazing and so supportive of both my husband and me. At all points of his treatment they have been wonderful. He was seen really quickly after the GP made the referral which was a relief.

My child broke their leg in three places and when the cast came off, there was no xray done or referral to physio and their walking had been affected. I raised the issue with our GP and they then did a referral and she got straight in to physio. They were clear why they hadn't automatically been seen by them. My child was was given appointments every 2 weeks which have then reduced to monthly but it has completely changed the way they are now walking. The physio spent an hour with my child in the first appointment, they was so lovely with them. We're still having appointments but I've been so pleased with the progress that has been made. I'd give the physios 5 stars but because we had to get the referral rather than them being referred automatically overall it wasn't great.