Hospital's plea to Christmas revellers|

14 December 2009

Party-goers and revellers have been urged to treat staff at West Suffolk Hospital with dignity and respect this Christmas – and warned that violent or aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated.

Extra help for alcohol difficulties|

09 December 2009

Patients facing difficulties with alcohol can now get more specialist help and support at West Suffolk Hospital after two new posts were created within the trust.

“Fantastic contribution” heralded as Liz celebrates first year|

04 December 2009

The “fantastic contribution” which a Police Community Support Officer has made to helping everyone using West Suffolk Hospital feel safe and secure has been heralded as she celebrates the anniversary of her first year in post.

Award-winning chefs showcase their skills|

01 December 2009

Two West Suffolk Hospital caterers who came second in a competition to find the region’s best hospital cooks will showcase their dishes on Friday.

West Suffolk appoints acting chief executive|

27 November 2009

West Suffolk has been heralded as the country’s best performing acute hospital for the length of time which patients stay following joint replacement surgery.

West Suffolk records UK's shortest stay|

18 November 2009

West Suffolk has been heralded as the country’s best performing acute hospital for the length of time which patients stay following joint replacement surgery.

Further investment to tackle infections|

10 November 2009

Around £275,000 of additional investment is being pumped into helping the continued drive to reduce infection at West Suffolk Hospital.

Chief executive to take up new post|

29 October 2009

West Suffolk Hospital chief executive Chris Bown is to leave the trust next year to take up a new post with Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Work begins on crèche for hospital staff|

28 October 2009

Staff at West Suffolk Hospital who juggle busy jobs with caring for young children are set to benefit from more convenient childcare once work to create a 96-space onsite crèche is complete.

Crucial work highlighted during national awareness week|

27 October 2009

Visitors to West Suffolk Hospital are to find out more about the journey taken by almost one million specimens sent to the trust every year during a series of events organised to mark National Pathology Week.

Ward closes due to norovirus|

27 October 2009

A ward at West Suffolk Hospital has closed to new admissions after several patients showed symptoms of norovirus.

Clean bill of health following rigorous inspection|

19 October 2009

The pathology department at West Suffolk Hospital has been heralded as a beacon of good practice following a rigorous inspection which checked its performance against more than 40 international standards.

Gemma's new role a first for West Suffolk|

16 October 2009

A dedicated nurse with a passion for working with children has become West Suffolk Hospital’s first ever advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) specialising in paediatric care.

"Modern day miracle" treatment helps 300 patients to better vision|

9 October 2009

Around 300 patients with a degenerative condition which can lead to blindness have had their eyesight saved thanks to a "modern day miracle" treatment available at West Suffolk Hospital.

Putting Patients First|

9 October 2009

New standards designed to ensure every single person using West Suffolk Hospital feels safe, cared for and confident in their treatment have been introduced as part of an ongoing programme to put "Patients First".

People urged to act FAST as new stroke treatment begins|

14 September 2009

Patients who have suffered a suspected stroke have been urged to act FAST and call an ambulance immediately to dramatically improve their chances of making a good recovery.

Longer opening proves a huge success!|

11 September 2009

An extra 1,500 patients every month are getting the blood test they need at a time convenient to them after longer opening hours were introduced at West Suffolk Hospital's drop-in phlebotomy clinics.

Unique artwork unveiled during 50th anniversary celebrations|

10 September 2009

A renowned illustrator, artist and print-maker is to unveil two limited edition lithographs to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a charity which brightens the lives of hospital patients through a valuable artwork loan scheme.

Patient's praise for innovative new service|

7 September 2009

A respiratory patient has spoken out in praise of an innovative new service which brings the expert help she needs directly to her doorstep – describing the reassurance it offers as like "being wrapped in a comfort blanket".

Quality of care and new COPD service showcased at AGM|

25 August 2009

Information on the quality of care provided at West Suffolk Hospital will be showcased at the trust's annual general meeting next week (2 September).

Doctors, nurses and friends prepare for a sponsored parachute jump in aid of the hospital's Special Care Baby Unit|

17 August 2009

A team of 17 brave doctors, nurses and friends from West Suffolk Hospital's Special Care Baby Unit will take a 15,000ft leap of faith next month when they complete a sponsored parachute jump in aid of the unit.

Howard Middle School raises money for 'Howard the Rocking Horse'

|21 July 2009

There's nothing like looking your best for special friends and thanks to pupils at Howard Middle School in Bury St Edmunds that's just what has happened to 'Howard the rocking horse' on the Rainbow Ward at the West Suffolk Hospital.

Regional Assembly chief executive appointed to Trust Board|

21 July 2009

The Appointments Commission has appointed Brian Stewart as a non-executive director on the board of the West Suffolk Hospital NHS Trust.

New website for people with chronic breathing problems|

10 July 2009

People with chronic breathing problems are to be asked to contribute to a special website which will be giving help, support and advice to those who suffer from the debilitating and even life-threatening condition.

Even more patients invited to share their hospital experience|

7 July 2009

Even more patients at West Suffolk Hospital are being invited to have their say and share their views on the care they have received as part of a continual drive to ensure everyone has the best possible experience when using the hospital.

10p increase announced following annual car park review|

29 June 2009

Patients and visitors will be asked to pay 10p more to park at West Suffolk Hospital for any length stay during the day following the annual review of parking on the site.

Tayfen House Residents Volunteer|

29 June 2009

Residents of Tayfen House, Havebury Housing Partnership's supported housing unit for homeless people in Bury St Edmunds, have been taking part in a programme of voluntary work which is helping to build their confidence and give them new experiences which they can add to their CVs.

Gearing up to Relay for Life|

24 June 2009

Two teams of therapists from West Suffolk Hospital are gearing up to walk through the night during a 21 hour relay event taking place to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

Hospital appoints new medical director|

23 June 2009

West Suffolk Hospital's new medical director has pledged to drive through continuous improvement while maintaining the trust's focus on high quality, safe services and patient-centered care.

Help us deliver better care for children|

15 June 2009

Parents and carers whose children have recently used West Suffolk Hospital have been invited to share their experiences of the care they received during two special workshops designed to ensure excellence in the future.

Top-of-the-range therapy bed to aid recovery|

15 June 2009

A new state-of-the-art kinetic bed has been introduced in West Suffolk Hospital's intensive care unit to aid the recovery of patients with severe chest infections and pneumonia.

Department wins international recognition|

12 June 2009

West Suffolk Hospital's Information Management and Technology team has achieved internationally recognised accreditation for consistently providing a high quality service which meets the needs of the Trust's 2,500 IT users.

"Bare below the elbows" to tackle infection|

2 June 2009

A new dress code has been introduced at West Suffolk Hospital to help in the ongoing drive to reduce the spread of infection.

Dr Damian Kershaw award presented as volunteers thanked|

1 June 2009

Dedicated volunteers who have together clocked up 415 years serving hospital patients, visitors and staff at West Suffolk Hospital are to be thanked for their efforts at a special awards ceremony.

New-look garden officially opens|

28 May 2009

A new-look cafe garden at West Suffolk Hospital is to officially open following an extensive make-over project which has seen the courtyard double in size.

Infection control exercise at West Suffolk Hospital|

22 May 2009

West Suffolk Hospital is today (22 May) testing its infection control measures in an exercise designed to make sure staff are fully prepared should a more serious outbreak of swine flu hit the region later in the year.

Important improvements planned as funding bid successful|

14 May 2009

Important improvement work to create separate bathroom facilities for male and female patients is to take place across West Suffolk Hospital following a successful bid for £566,000 in national funding.

Patients benefit as modern wet rooms installed|

1 May 2009

Orthopaedic patients at West Suffolk Hospital are benefiting after their ward's bathrooms were replaced with modern, easily accessible wet rooms.

Come along to "bosom buddies!"|

1 May 2009

Breastfeeding women and mums-to-be can get all the help, advice and support they need during a special coffee morning taking place next week.

Generous donation from the British Heart Foundation sees new state-of-the-art cardiac equipment unveiled|

1 May 2009

Thousands of cardiac patients are set to benefit after new diagnostic machinery was installed at West Suffolk Hospital following a generous donation from the British Heart Foundation.

Candlelit vigil to mark International Day of the Midwife|

28 April 2009

Midwifery staff at West Suffolk Hospital are to mark International Day of the Midwife by holding a candlelit vigil to raise awareness of the plight of mothers in developing countries.

Porter of the Year picks up his prize|

24 April 2009

One of West Suffolk's newest porters will be commended for his compassion, consideration and outstanding contribution to helping the hospital run smoothly at a special ceremony on Friday.

Hospital hits tough targets for tackling infections|

21 April 2009

The diligence of staff, patients and visitors has been commended after West Suffolk Hospital hit tough targets for reducing healthcare associated infections.

Patients benefit from doctor's marathon effort!|

8 April 2009

Extra equipment to help the recovery of stroke patients is to be introduced at West Suffolk Hospital – thanks to the marathon efforts of a dedicated junior doctor.

Broadcast awards bring music to patients' ears!|

31 March 2009

Volunteers at West Suffolk's hospital radio station are celebrating after picking up two commendations at a prestigious national awards ceremony held on Saturday night.

15 Centuries of Dedication!|

30 March 2009

Dedicated staff who have together clocked up 1,425 years' service at West Suffolk Hospital have been presented with long service awards in recognition of their achievement.

Celebrating our Shining Lights|

19 March 2009

The outstanding contribution of West Suffolk Hospital staff who go the extra mile to deliver excellent services to patients, treat everyone with respect and dignity and drive through new innovations is set to be recognised.

Innovative new service brings special care into Suffolk's homes|

16 March 2009

Thousands of Suffolk patients with respiratory problems are to receive specially targeted care in their own homes, in turn significantly reducing the need for them to be admitted into hospital.

More time for FT bid|

25 February 2009

West Suffolk Hospital NHS Trust has today announced that its request for additional time to prepare to become a NHS Foundation Trust has been accepted by independent regulator Monitor.

Ward closes due to norovirus|

19 February 2009

A ward at West Suffolk Hospital has closed to new admissions after several patients showed symptoms of norovirus.

More convenience for patients as new systems introduced|

16 February 2009

Patients undergoing surgery at the West Suffolk Hospital are benefiting from an innovative new system which allows them to arrange a date for their operation during their very first outpatient visit.

New team helps patients return home faster|

9 February 2009

An assessment service designed to help patients avoid an unnecessary stay in hospital has been expanded to help even more people return home as soon as possible.

Vote for your healthcare hero|

6 February 2009

People living in West Suffolk are being given the chance to nominate their healthcare heroes for a special national award which celebrates those staff who go the extra mile to ensure their patients' dignity and respect.

Helping save lives during National Heart Month|

2 February 2009

Staff from West Suffolk Hospital will be helping to save lives by supporting the British Heart Foundation's 'red for heart' campaign during National Heart Month.

Sudbury patients benefit from state-of-the-art x-ray facilities|

29 January 2009

New state-of-the-art equipment is being used to x-ray its first patients in Sudbury following a £130,000 project to install digital machinery at St Leonard's Hospital.

FT ballot set to begin|

20 January 2009

The vote to elect a board of governors to help manage West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is set to begin. By 30 January, around 4,300 public members will be sent ballot papers inviting them to pick from more than 80 people standing for election as a governor.

Patients receiving faster x-ray services closer to home|

26 January 2009

Patients are receiving faster x-ray services closer to home thanks to an innovative new partnership between West Suffolk Hospital and a Botesdale health clinic.