Colchester Hospital

We are currently holidaying prior school begins for September term. We were having a great chilling family time until my 7 year old fell off his scooter and landed very badly on his arm. As we are not locals, and checking the nearest A&E, of course Colchester A&E popped up and the first thing I saw was negative reviews. I thought to myself to be in the A&E waiting room for around 4hours on a holiday is going to be a horrendous experience. But my child’s health was of utmost priority. However, the A&E was very busy and I could hear via speaker most doctors being called in for emergency room as extreme situation was occurring, I was thinking at least it’s not us, hopefully nothing major happened to my child. The whole experience at this A&E was perfect. The staff were calm and polite even though I was asking question after question :) We have arrived at the A&E around 5pm and we did X-ray and cast appointment and left the hospital within 2hrs and 15min. I was very pleased for all the hospital staff: from reception, to nurses, to X-ray members. They all been so polite and in good spirits. I highly praise for their work. And to top it off, this was at the time when you’d be having family dinner time, I was with 7 year old (injured) and a 3 year old. Both anxious and hungry. What I was pleased is to find so many choices of food: M&S shop, another convenience shop where I found a healthy bowl option and Costa for warm cheese toasties. Yes, it is not a nice experience to be away from home on your family holiday and having to visit A&E, but I’m so pleased the whole A&E experience was so nice and we were taken good care of it. Especially in those days were NHS is understaffed and overwhelmed with back logs, we were blessed to say the least to have NHS. Thank you :) P. S. We are not from abroad (if someone would think), we were having holiday in another county not country😃

My partners dad has been in here for nearly 3 weeks and has deteriorated rapidly. There is no clear plan in place, communication is shocking. A pick line was inserted for us then to be told that it couldn’t be used because there were no staff trained in using it! The ward he is on is understaffed, hygiene is awful - dried blood on floors by beds. Other patients around him are also poorly cared for. Absolutely inadequate.

Absolute joke. My dad has been there a few weeks now, all staff spoken to agree a note of concern should be sent to PALS. Admitted with sepsis, operation cancelled for several days. Two days ago told he was very unwell and it could go either way to be given a phone call yesterday to say he’s fit to go into rehab an hour away from home. Conversation with a doctor took place who explained Dads results were clear to be told by a consultant today to disregard the other doctors they basically don’t know what they are talking about. Shame on you, yes these patients are elderly and nearing end of life but please give them the dignity they deserve. I’ve watched a palliative care patient being left his dinner at the side and you know full well he can’t eat it on his own. Avoid if you can.

Went to A&E and was admitted due to burst appendix. Was in a total of 7days. In that time was only offered help with personal care once and that was the day before i was allowed home. Was offered no assistance to the bathroom had to do it myself. did not see a cleaner clean the ward i was in and the toilets were only cleaned once a day and the bins were over flowing. My drain bag was not checked till the day i came home and i came home with MRSA and hospital informed me 3days after i was home and was told to go to see my GP.

Great staff very friendly. They looked after me so well after spending a few days after an accident. Ambulance crew and Police were brilliant.
Very happy with my recent all round experience.

nice modern facilities calm water area by entrance makes it a lovely setting. Was going through a difficult time and visited during a mental health crisis which the hospital dealt with efficiently with compassion and understanding i was pleased with how caring the staff were.

Went to colchester hospital on a Friday night at 20.00 and was seen by an excellent Dr called Dr Mike I went in with a back problem and left with a prescription and diagnosis by 20.15 didn't even have to pay for parking. I'd like to thank Dr Mike and to tell him to keep up the good work.

My husband was placed in the ‘nightingale’ temporary wing in the outpatient department today. Staff had volunteered from different departments to help. In particular, josh who said he was a physio but seemed more like a doctor. My word, the patience of that man! Dealing with difficult patients, confused patients, washing down beds, clearing up, not to mention making several holes in a belt so that a patient was happy his trousers wouldn’t fall down! Words fail me! He deserves an award!!! Emma, the occupational health practitioner showed such patience too. You are ALL incredible and should be so proud of how you worked that temporary ward today. Thank you so much.