"Fantastic, supportive staff and excellent services..."

What I liked

I was admitted to this hospital in an emergency situation, 30 weeks pregnant and very sick with Ketoacidosis. The immediate and subsequent care I received was excellent. I was very sick, very frightened and really didn't understand what was happening to me. All members of staff who cared for me were kind, helpful and very reassuring.

After being discharged from the hospital a few days later I then became a patient of a multi-disciplinary team for the duration of my pregnancy. The obstetrician and diabetic consultants were always on hand if I needed help understanding my new condition and to allay any fears I had. I was also kept well informed of decisions made regarding my care.

All of the questions and concerns my partner and I raised were met with honest and detailed answers from the consultants and we were never made to feel hurried or patronised if we didn't understand. This enabled us to feel secure, confident and in control in what was a very worrying time in our lives.

In particular I will never be able to express my gratitude enough for the compassion and kindness shown to us by the Diabetes Specialist Midwife who helped me understand my new Type 1 diabetic condition, who was there for me when I was scared and confused and who patiently put up with my endless questioning and frequent phone calls for advice. She genuinely felt like our own personal NHS angel!

The level of care I received on both the Deben and Orwell Wards when I was admitted due to the illness and when I eventually went into labour, was again outstanding.

Due to the levels of care we received and the knowledge we were equipped with, our beautiful daughter arrived safe and well and I now feel confident in the treatment I will receive in ongoing appointments within the Diabetes Centre.

This experience was very harrowing and these hospital departments and their staff have definitely restored my faith in the NHS and its supportive services. A huge thank you to every single one of them