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%.
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.
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.
When Sophie Partlow felt sharp pains while cooking dinner last November, she couldn't have known that within hours, her daughter Magnolia would arrive at just 23 weeks and 5 days gestation. Now, as her miracle baby celebrates her first birthday just two days before World Prematurity Day, Sophie shares their extraordinary story.
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.