Ipswich Hospital (Part of the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust)
Feedback Rating
Based on 1761 reviews
Reviews (1761)
Parking is difficult
February 6, 2019
Parking is the biggest issue, you end up going around looking for a space. You really need to have someone take you so you can be dropped off. It hassuch an impact on people running late for appointments. Care though has been very good.
9 day stay in hospital, mainly positive
Maternity
February 1, 2019
I was induced and after two days gave birth to my baby.
When I was moved up to the delivery ward following signs and symptoms showing that I had possible infection affecting the baby, I was left in a room for around 2 hours without anyone coming to see me and I was in absolute agony because of the start of labour but mainly my SPD. It took some stern words from my mum to the staff to even get someone to come and say hello and assess me and I was finally given gas and air a few hours after arriving on the ward. From then on I received one to one care, where a midwife was always present in the room.
The care for my baby was second to none and she spent a week on special care which I cannot fault.
The postnatal ward on the whole was a good experience however there were times I felt a little uneasy. I was forced to breastfeed at one point by an older midwife who was actually forcing my baby onto me and hand massaging my breast which did make me uncomfortable. My partner was allowed to stay with me the whole week, following my difficult birth via c section, and because of our baby being shared care between postnatal ward and special care.
At times they were very understaffed with lots of women having been bought onto the ward as well, and I was left for several hours which caused me to miss pain relief, and my antibiotics and even miss taking my daughter to special care because I hadnt been told they were expecting her! There was a couple of occasions where I remember saying to my partner ‘I actually think they’ve forgotten I’m here’. It was upsetting because I was poorly myself, in pain from the c section and the worry of my daughter need extra attention and regular antibiotics. However the care itself when I did get it, until I was more mobile and independent was good!
When I was moved up to the delivery ward following signs and symptoms showing that I had possible infection affecting the baby, I was left in a room for around 2 hours without anyone coming to see me and I was in absolute agony because of the start of labour but mainly my SPD. It took some stern words from my mum to the staff to even get someone to come and say hello and assess me and I was finally given gas and air a few hours after arriving on the ward. From then on I received one to one care, where a midwife was always present in the room.
The care for my baby was second to none and she spent a week on special care which I cannot fault.
The postnatal ward on the whole was a good experience however there were times I felt a little uneasy. I was forced to breastfeed at one point by an older midwife who was actually forcing my baby onto me and hand massaging my breast which did make me uncomfortable. My partner was allowed to stay with me the whole week, following my difficult birth via c section, and because of our baby being shared care between postnatal ward and special care.
At times they were very understaffed with lots of women having been bought onto the ward as well, and I was left for several hours which caused me to miss pain relief, and my antibiotics and even miss taking my daughter to special care because I hadnt been told they were expecting her! There was a couple of occasions where I remember saying to my partner ‘I actually think they’ve forgotten I’m here’. It was upsetting because I was poorly myself, in pain from the c section and the worry of my daughter need extra attention and regular antibiotics. However the care itself when I did get it, until I was more mobile and independent was good!
Induced labour, overall I felt 'okay'
Maternity
February 1, 2019
Whilst on Orwell Ward being induced, I was in a room with 3 other people (none of which were in labour) and when I started contracting I asked if I could be moved to my own room or a delivery suite (as it was then night time and I needed to breathe through my contractions and use the birthing ball etc) but was told until I was in active labour I had to stay where I was.
Whilst giving birth on Deben Ward, I felt VERY supported. My midwife was amazing and the MCAs afterwards were equally helpful.
I do find the aftercare isnt great for new mums. It's almost as if you're suddenly forgotten about. I ended up being on Brook ward post labour and was hardly checked on. Also, the consultants and midwived had arguments about whether I was able to go home or whether my LO had to have antibiotics for 48hrs.
Whilst giving birth on Deben Ward, I felt VERY supported. My midwife was amazing and the MCAs afterwards were equally helpful.
I do find the aftercare isnt great for new mums. It's almost as if you're suddenly forgotten about. I ended up being on Brook ward post labour and was hardly checked on. Also, the consultants and midwived had arguments about whether I was able to go home or whether my LO had to have antibiotics for 48hrs.
Really positive experience
Maternity
January 31, 2019
We had a great experience. Everyone was helpful. Only one hca told my husband he couldn’t stay with me over night after the birth (we got onto the ward at 5am!) so he left and had to drive home on very little sleep. But support from everyone else was great.
Very good
Maternity
January 31, 2019
Wonderful staff who were encouraging and friendly. The staff were caring and professional towards my baby and me. The only negative was from an anaesthatist who wasn’t involved in my care but felt it appropriate to chastise me for being vegetarian.
Amazing staff and amazing experiences
Maternity
January 31, 2019
Had a terrible time after having my daughter but the staff were amazing and caught all the problems I had very early and reacted quickly,
My husband was able to stay over night which was very much needed after everything that had happened and they made sure he was fully part of the experience. Could not fault them
My husband was able to stay over night which was very much needed after everything that had happened and they made sure he was fully part of the experience. Could not fault them
Pain controlled
January 28, 2019
They have offered great support and care on the ward and when I was discharged it all went well. My pain was well controlled during my stay which was good.
An hours wait for an appointment
Outpatients
January 24, 2019
We expect there may be delays but an hours wait when the electronic update tv says 20 minutes is misleading. The consultant was very difficult to understand and I had to explain to my husband everything he said.
No staff visible as we sat their and waited. Love the wonderful NHS services but this was awful. Ipswich is going down hill quickly. I will be asking to be referred to a different hospital next time. The merger with Colchester is just taking Ipswich down with it unfortunately.
No staff visible as we sat their and waited. Love the wonderful NHS services but this was awful. Ipswich is going down hill quickly. I will be asking to be referred to a different hospital next time. The merger with Colchester is just taking Ipswich down with it unfortunately.
Delay in receiving tablets
Accident and emergency services
January 17, 2019
Delay in receiving tablets, three hour delay in discharge letter.
All departments very good
January 16, 2019
All departments I've had contact with have been very good, rheumatology, pain management and x-ray. It takes time to be referred through and its taken a number of years for me to get a definitive diagnosis but I can understand things need to be ruled out.
