Saffron Walden Community Hospital

I attended the Rheumatology department this morning to see my Consultant. I parked right outside the hospital and had a brief wait in the main outpatients waiting area, before seeing the Consultant in the Consulting room. As always, he was very enthusiastic, professional and interested. I have previously seen him at Addenbrookes and Haverhill but this is a lovely hospital. No queues, easy parking and nice atmosphere. And great 60s music on hospital radio!

Reply from Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Wed, 25 Jul 2018 16:54:19 +0100

Thanks you for providing positive feedback about your experience at Saffron Walden Community Hospital. I was but pleased to hear that you found the staff undertaking your ultrasound to be kind and reassuring. Your kind words will be passed to the staff involved and will be much appreciated. However, I was sorry to hear that you have previously found visits to Addenbrookes Hospital to be unpleasant - if there is any information which might help with future visits please do not hesitate to contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service, PALS, on 01223 216756 or email pals@addenbrookes.nhs.uk. Thank you again for providing feedback Head of Patient Experience

Rather similar to another patient who commented last September 2017 I found the process of trying to get an x-ray booked somewhat difficult. First of all one rings the hospital to be told that the switchboard is shut and that one cannot leave a message and then a list of other numbers is given for other departments. I wanted an x-ray. The numbers with dialling code of 01799 are then given. If one has a bad memory or no pen that is awkward so I had to get a pen and paper and re-dial in. X-ray had an answering service and I could not leave a message and was told to ring back. It is the lunchtime ie13.40. ? Why is it not possible to leave a message when people go to lunch? I this were a business this would not happen but of course it is not so therefore nothing matters. I am rather sad by all this. It is September of last year since another patient commented on this and nothing has changed. Ah well.....

Reply from Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Fri, 06 Apr 2018 08:20:59 +0100

Thank you for taking the time to let us know about your difficulties in making arrangements for an x-ray, we are sorry to hear that this was not straightforward. We have passed your comments on to the service, but please do not hesitate to contact PALS if you would like a personal response. Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) pals@addenbrookes.nhs.uk 01223 216756