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

Three weeks ago I was taken to A&E at Ipswich Hospital with severe abdominal pain. Noting my pain and how unwell I was, I was fast-tracked through the line and into triage very quickly. Then I had bloods taken, was set up in a bed and given pain relief. Every step of the way, from the moment of arrival I was talked to, had things explained and was treated so very well and gently, with reassurance. So many staff whizzed by doing their amazing things, I will wheeled here and there (I was dipping in an out by this time). I had finally felt I could float off and I was in good hands. After tests, I was then taken to the Surgical Assessment Unit where again every staff member made eye contact and good communication (very patiently as I didn't always grab what was being said). Finally my results showed that I had Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Ovarian Cysts, but also Sepsis. I was then moved to Stour Ward, so gently and carefully all the way in the dead of night. For the next two weeks I was there and I was very ill. But the dozens of staff, regardless of their position or duty gave me the treatment and care I needed to get me well. It was hard and scary, but made better because I was in such good hands. I am so grateful. I am so lucky. Thank you. I was discharged last Tuesday (13th September 2022), am due to come in again for an MRI scan and to meet with my Consultant, but I am now on the road to recovery and getting my life back.

Had amazing treatment and care from the hospital and staff. The after care following an operation has been great and I received a call today to check how I was recovering which was wonderful.

I have had a CT scan at the hospital and no one tells you who will give you the results. They said to me I will get them in 10 days. I have heard nothing and it is now more than 2 weeks. I am so worried about the situation it just leaves you hanging when you are not told who is telling you things. I had assumed it would be the hospital as they did the procedure. Now at the doctors today for something else. (CDO encouraged patient to ask the GP about it as they would like to have access to results or be able to tell them if the hospital will be in touch).
AFTER THE APPOINTMENT - I have seen the GP and thankfully they had the results when I asked. I am thankful it is nothing too serious, but I was so worried, thank you for encouraging me to ask. They tend to say you can only talk to them about 1 thing, so was not sure whether I could ask.

With no English the new mum needed her birthing partner. A interpreter was provided at certain times, but with the midwife popping in and out for a quick check, we did not know what was happening. They could have taken a little time to use certain words in her language. Such as 'examine you.' 'blood pressure' 'general checks' 'it is all good.' some simple basic phrases written down perhaps would help. as it was Covid they would not let partner in. Having the partner there would have helped staff more than hinder and they had a negative test, so it seems silly at a crucial time in difficult situation they did not allow it.

They were very prompt today, running on time for my CT scan. I was referred last week by my GP practice and I was impressed how quickly they were able to see me.

They dealt with my mum who had really bad Covid, to the point of nearly losing her. Thank god for them as she has made an amazing recovery.
Also thanks to the ward (cannot remember which one), who looked after my step dad last year, right up to the end. It will be a year this August.

Unfortunately, I have been admitted to hospital recently several times and if you are in for a week you see a different DR every day and there seems to be all having different opinions. Only one ward (Brantham) did I see the same staff and it was so much better for me, and it just felt so much more organised with each other and their communication with me felt better too.

I could not fault the service. Was called in on time. A very thorough service. Dr was very friendly and helpful, as were all staff

Whilst droppping my son at A&E I noticed that the pedestrain crossings to access the department from the main hospital have been painted in rainbow collours which looked brilliant, however this seemed to cause huge confusion for many old and vulnerable users of the crossing as well as drivers. I witnessed several older members of the public struggle to cross safely and at least two car drivers hesitate and clearly be unsure whether to stop or not. Whilst these crossings look lovely and clearly show support for the LGBTQ+ community they would appear to be very hazardous for more vulnerable users and confuse drivers as pedestrian crossings are black and white not rainbow coloured therefore they are unsure whether to stop or not.

I injured my hand at home and was taken to hospital. The staff were amazing and so caring. They have time for you and treat you so well, I really can't fault them.