Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity supports East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust’s vision to continue improving the patient experience and being an outstanding provider of health services.
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Healthcare Services
Organisation
Description
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust is an NHS foundation trust in the East of England. It runs Colchester Hospital in Colchester, Essex and Ipswich Hospital in Ipswich, Suffolk, as well as several smaller community hospitals in the surrounding area.
The Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) provides services to children and young people aged 0-25 years who are experiencing social, behavioural, emotional and mental health difficulties.
The NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) plans and buys healthcare services for Suffolk and East Essex. This function is commonly referred to as ‘commissioning’.
In the news
New animations to help breast cancer patients understand radiotherapy treatment
Breast cancer patients at Ipswich and Colchester hospitals can now access two new animations explaining radiotherapy treatment and breathing techniques.News
Local cancer survivor to abseil Ipswich Hospital this May
Ipswich man Joe Alexander will join fellow adrenaline junkies to abseil down the maternity tower at Ipswich Hospital on 3-4 May, raising funds for Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity.News
Suffolk donors part of historic NHS plasma milestone
Blood donors from Suffolk are contributing to a major breakthrough as plasma medicines made in the UK reach NHS patients for the first time in a quarter century.News
Royal seal of approval for Ipswich's answer to the NHS dental crisis
His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester has seen first-hand how the University of Suffolk is taking on the region's dental care challenges.News
Parents welcome 'bright and spacious' children's unit at Ipswich Hospital
Families who helped shape Ipswich Hospital's newly transformed children's department have praised its improved accessibility and dedicated facilities for young patients.News
East Suffolk and North Essex outpaces national rise in hospital allergy admissions
Local NHS data shows a significant increase in emergency allergy treatments, as experts explore possible causes behind the growing trend.News
Theatre project transforms lives through art
Participants have praised the life-changing impact of a creative wellbeing programme at Ipswich's New Wolsey Theatre, designed to support people with multiple health conditions.News
97% of Ipswich and Colchester hospital beds occupied at the start of February
Almost every bed at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust was occupied in early February, with norovirus and bed blocking adding to capacity challenges.News
Motorcyclist seriously injured in Burstall A1071 crash
A motorcyclist in his 60s has been hospitalised with serious injuries following a collision with a car on the A1071 in Burstall, near Ipswich.News
Complaints about Ipswich and Colchester hospitals rise by 60% in a year
The East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Trust (ESNEFT) received 119 complaints to the health watchdog last year, up from 74 the previous year, as the Trust's Chief Nurse emphasises their commitment to learning from patient feedback.News
New £12.8m ambulance hub takes shape in Ipswich
A steel signing ceremony has marked a key milestone in the construction of a new £12.8m ambulance hub in Ipswich, which will help keep more emergency vehicles on the road.News
Ipswich and Colchester hospitals hit 2,000 robotic surgeries milestone
A clinical nurse specialist has become the 2,000th patient to undergo robotic surgery at Ipswich and Colchester hospitals.News
Ipswich MP backs government's plan to clear 57,000-patient hospital backlog
Ipswich MP and East of England Mission Champion Jack Abbott has fully endorsed new government plans to tackle NHS waiting lists, as figures reveal more than 57,000 local patients are waiting longer than 18 weeks for treatment.News
Suffolk County Council reveals blueprint for improving Suffolk's SEND services
A comprehensive 177-page report analysing Suffolk's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services has been published, providing detailed recommendations for immediate improvements to the system.News
Record high for cancer referrals in Suffolk and North East Essex
More than 60,000 urgent cancer referrals were made in Suffolk and North East Essex last year, the highest number since records began in 2009.News
Two-thirds of frontline hospital workers not protected against flu as Ipswich Hospital asks visitors to wear masks
Just 32% of frontline healthcare workers at Ipswich and Colchester hospitals have received their flu vaccination, new figures from the UK Health Security Agency show.News
East of England Ambulance Service aims for 10,000 registered defibrillators
The East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) is pushing to register 600 more defibrillators across the region to reach their 10,000 target as part of a national campaign to map life-saving equipment.News
Ipswich hospital trust netted millions in parking profits before increasing fees for staff, patients and visitors
The East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), which runs Ipswich and Colchester hospitals, collected £3.5 million in parking charges in 2023-24, with more than half a million pounds coming from staff just months before increasing their parking fees by up to 226%.News
Suffolk ambulance service deploys 90 extra ambulances per day amidst unprecedented demand
The East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) received more than 39,000 emergency calls between Christmas Day and New Year's Day, an unprecedented spike of 7,500 calls above typical summer levels.News
Ambulance service moves to highest alert level, urges public to think before dialling 999
The East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) has moved to its highest alert level as hospitals struggle with unprecedented winter demands. The service warns that some patients may need to make their own way to hospital as it prioritises life-threatening cases.News
Family firm donates life-saving heart monitor to cancer unit 'close to our hearts'
A local family-run business has donated vital cardiac monitoring equipment to Ipswich Hospital's cancer unit, inspired by friends and customers who have received treatment there.News
Ipswich construction firm donates £44,000 to 26 local charities in 2024
Barnes Construction has donated an incredible £44,291 to charities across East Anglia in 2024, with staff fundraising contributing £10,000 to support causes ranging from homeless shelters to wildlife trusts.News
'My husband will never see me in my NHS uniform': Grandmother's bittersweet achievement
An Ipswich grandmother who lost her husband to cancer has spoken about achieving her 21-year journey to becoming an occupational therapist, sharing her story of perseverance through personal tragedy.News
Ipswich hospital's Parkinson's app wins national healthcare award
A smartphone app helping local Parkinson's patients monitor their symptoms has won a prestigious national award. The app, developed by Neu Health in partnership with East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), received the Health Service Journal's Digitising Patient Care Award.News
Ipswich women face record-high waits for gynaecology care
Women in Suffolk are facing unprecedented delays for gynaecology treatment, with waiting lists reaching their highest level since records began in 2018. More than 2,200 patients per 100,000 people are currently waiting for care in Suffolk and North East Essex.News
Five of eight mental health services at region's NHS trust deemed unfit by watchdog
Care watchdogs have rated most mental health services at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust as 'requiring improvement' or 'inadequate', raising concerns for local patients.News
Ipswich Hospital faces perfect storm as winter illnesses surge
A sharp rise in flu, Covid and norovirus cases has pushed East Suffolk and North Essex Trust, which runs Ipswich Hospital, to near capacity, with 97% of beds now occupied. Healthcare leaders warn this could be the most challenging winter in NHS history.News
One in nine Suffolk residents cannot get an NHS dentist
New figures reveal that 12% of people in Suffolk and North East Essex do not have access to a dentist, as health leaders warn NHS dentistry has "ceased to exist" for new patients.News
NHS trust helps 41,000 patients with health and lifestyle changes
More than 41,000 patients have received support for healthier lifestyles through a new NHS programme in East Suffolk and North Essex. The Making Every Contact Count initiative has already helped thousands quit smoking and improve their diet.News
Suffolk faces diagnosis crisis as autism assessment backlog doubles
Suffolk and North East Essex has seen a dramatic rise in autism assessment waiting times, with just 2% of long-wait patients receiving appointments.News
NHS Trust that runs Ipswich Hospital to hold public meeting tomorrow
The Council of Governors for the NHS Trust that runs Ipswich Hospital will meet tomorrow in Colchester, with members of the public invited to attend and raise questions about local healthcare services.News
Last chance to have your say on local pharmacy services
Residents have until tomorrow to share their views on local pharmaceutical services as the county-wide consultation draws to a close.News
One in 20 Ipswich residents accessed NHS mental health services last year
New NHS figures show that more than 9,090 Ipswich residents used mental health services in the year to March. However, local mental health leaders say these numbers only tell part of the story.News
Staff anger as lower-paid hospital workers face steeper parking increases at Ipswich Hospital
According to staff, lower-paid workers at Ipswich Hospital will see parking charges rise by up to 226%, while consultants face just a 2.9% increase.News
Hospital parking charges to rise by up to 54% at Ipswich Hospital
Patients and visitors to Ipswich Hospital face significant increases in parking charges from November, with some fees rising by more than 50%. The highest increase will see the cost of parking for up to 8 hours jump from £6.50 to £10.News
NHS complaints in Suffolk and North East Essex rise by nearly a quarter
New figures show that more than 2,000 formal complaints were made against NHS services in Suffolk and North East Essex last year. The 23% increase mirrors a national trend that has hit record levels.News
Multi-vehicle crash causing major delays on A12 between Capel St Mary and East Bergholt
Emergency services are dealing with a multi-vehicle crash involving an overturned lorry on the A12 northbound between Capel St Mary and East Bergholt, with motorists facing significant delays.News
Scabies cases surge in Suffolk hospitals amidst falling vaccination rate concerns
New figures reveal that dozens of patients were diagnosed with scabies after visiting A&E services at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust last year.News
University of Suffolk dental project receives national recognition
A University of Suffolk dental initiative has been highly commended at the NHS Parliamentary Awards, highlighting its innovative approach to providing NHS dental services in Suffolk and North East Essex.News
Health minister dodges meeting request on north Ipswich GP expansion plans
Health minister Stephen Kinnock has sidestepped a request to meet with Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP Patrick Spencer about expediting plans to expand primary care services in north Ipswich and surrounding villages.News
Diabetes cases among young people in Suffolk rise by a third
The number of under-40s with type 2 diabetes in Suffolk and north east Essex has increased by 34% since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, new NHS figures reveal.News
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott calls for urgent action on local mental health services
During a Westminster Hall debate yesterday, Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich, raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by the Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust (NSFT).News
Plans for new Cardinal Medical Practice 'super surgery' are scrapped in major blow for 30,000 patients
Health bosses and council officials are going back to the drawing board after plans for a new £7.5m Cardinal Medical Practice 'super surgery' in northwest Ipswich were scrapped due to "rising costs".News
Forty new ambulances to boost region's emergency services this winter
The East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST) will add 40 new ambulances to its fleet by December, enhancing emergency response capabilities in Ipswich and the surrounding areas.News
Community awaits police update following rescue operation at Ipswich waterfront
Residents are waiting for news after emergency services conducted a lengthy rescue operation at the town's waterfront on Wednesday.News
Couple's 'miracle baby' arrives after six-year fertility struggle
After years of heartache and treatment, and with no more embryos remaining, Natasha and Kieran Lawler welcomed their 'miracle' daughter Olive into the world.News
Hospital admissions for obesity fall in Suffolk, bucking national trend
Suffolk saw a 10% decrease in hospital admissions related to obesity last year, contrary to the national trend, which showed an 8% increase across England.News
Grandmother shares story of living with rare lung disease, praises Ipswich Hospital
Lesley Berry, 74, hopes her story will encourage others with symptoms to seek early medical help after being diagnosed with a rare and serious lung condition in 2020.News
Colour Run raises £22,000 for Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity
Around 400 people participated in the Colour Run event at Christchurch Park on Saturday, raising over £22,000 for East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT).News
Record number of ADHD medication prescriptions in Suffolk and North East Essex
A record 5,886 patients in Suffolk and North East Essex were prescribed ADHD medication last year, nearly triple the number from eight years ago.News
Junior doctor strikes led to nearly 15,000 rescheduled appointments at local NHS trust
Since December 2022, almost 15,000 appointments have been rescheduled due to strikes at the East Suffolk and North Essex Trust as junior doctors vote to accept a new pay deal.News
Black people in Suffolk are 3.5 times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act
Hundreds of people were detained under the Mental Health Act in Suffolk and North East Essex last year, with significant racial disparities evident in the figures.News
New cancer study gives Ipswich patients more control over care
Ipswich Hospital is offering head and neck cancer patients a chance to participate in a research study that could reduce hospital visits and increase control over their care.News
Autism diagnosis waiting times in Suffolk soar, new figures show
The number of children waiting for an autism diagnosis in Suffolk has increased dramatically since 2019, according to new NHS Digital figures.News
Number of children accessing mental health support triples in five years
NHS figures show a sharp rise in young people accessing mental health services in Suffolk, mirroring a national trend experts say is driven by pandemic impacts and societal pressures.News
NHS waiting lists in East Suffolk and North Essex Trust continue to grow
In July, almost 100,000 patients were waiting for routine treatment at East Suffolk and North Essex Trust, and thousands faced long delays for key procedures.News
Fewer hospital beds available than before the Covid-19 pandemic
According to new NHS England data, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) has seen a reduction in available overnight hospital beds compared to pre-pandemic levels.News
Hospital charity launches £100,000 appeal to ensure no one dies alone
Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity has launched the Butterfly Appeal to raise £100,000 annually for its end-of-life care service. The initiative aims to ensure no patient dies alone and provide support for families.News
University dental project shortlisted for national NHS award
A pioneering dental service in Suffolk has been recognised for its innovative approach to tackling oral health inequality in Suffolk.News
Ipswich Hospital to use AI to help detect fractures
Artificial intelligence is being used to scan X-rays and identify potential bone fractures at Ipswich Hospital, aiming to speed up diagnosis and treatment.News
Police report success with new mental health response policy
Suffolk Constabulary says its "Right Care, Right Person" approach has reduced unnecessary callouts and improved response times.News
One in seven with severe mental illness miss crucial health checks in Ipswich
New figures show 14% of people with severe mental illnesses in Ipswich and East Suffolk don't receive all their required annual health checks.News
Patrick Spencer, MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, issues statement on Cardinal Medical Practice
Following our investigation into Cardinal Medical Practice, Patrick Spencer, MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, has followed Jack Abbott by calling for urgent action as the practice continues to struggle three years after its formation.News
A&E waiting times improve but fall just short of national targets
The latest data from the NHS reveals that 74% of A&E patients were seen within 4 hours at East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust, falling just short of national targets.News
Nearly 89,000 patients awaiting routine treatment in East Suffolk & North Essex
The East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) is facing growing waiting lists, with almost 89,000 patients waiting for non-urgent elective operations or treatment at the end of June.News
From horses to healthcare: An unconventional career journey
Harriet Aitchison, 35, has swapped her riding boots for scrubs in a career change that's taken her from the stables to the wards of Ipswich Hospital.News
Cardinal Medical Practice: Three years on, have over 30,000 Ipswich patients been let down?
Three years after its controversial formation and more than two years after a Care Quality Commission inspection found the practice "requires improvement," our investigation reveals persistent issues and a practice that still appears to be struggling to meet patient needs.News
Colour run to splash Christchurch Park with fundraising fun
Ipswich residents can join a vibrant charity event next month, as Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity hosts a colour run in Christchurch Park.News
Local cancer patients report lack of GP support
One in five cancer patients at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust said they didn't receive adequate support from their GP practice during treatment, according to new NHS England figures.News
New radiotherapy fund launched to enhance local cancer care
A new fund aims to improve patient experience in radiotherapy at Ipswich Hospital and celebrates the career of Suzanne Isherwood, the long-serving Head of Radiotherapy.News
"Magic bullet" cancer treatment now available to Ipswich residents at Colchester Hospital
A specialist treatment for patients with rare neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) is now being offered at Colchester Hospital. The "magic bullet" therapy was previously only available in London or Cambridge.News
New £9.1m surgical hub opens at Ipswich Hospital
A state-of-the-art £9.1 million surgical hub has opened its doors at Ipswich Hospital, offering advanced keyhole surgery capabilities. The development aims to reduce patient recovery times and increase treatment capacity.News
Junior doctors set for further strike action over pay dispute
Junior doctors across the NHS will strike from 27 June to 2 July over a pay dispute with the Government, potentially impacting hospital services.News
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