Southend Hospital NHS Trust Reviews 33

Dreadful Oncology team and consultant. Often can't get thru on the phone (consultant's secretary only works part-time); total lack of follow-up care following a round of chemotherapy. My husband now losing the will to live and feels totally ignored and says they don't care. I thought a consultant would be a professional but the word doesn't appear to be in his vocabulary.

The MRI team from reception to delivery were excellent.
Both informative, helpful and caring.
Thanks you for your professional application in a busy site within MRI.
its 4th march 2026.
My names Alan Long.

My husband was admitted with Alzheimer Paranoia, saw some phycologists, was referred to ROCHFORD Assessment Hospital BEECH Ward, there he died from neglect, was over Medicated, he was always asleep, I was told it was due to his Alzheimer's decline, he was not helped with eating or drinking, I started to notice his dramatic weight loss, I feel the staff were to busy for him, and noticed on a rare occasion I went in on a meal time, which usually had to book outside meal times he was left, he couldn't feed himself. so I intervened, a worker there advised I got intouch with Pals Southend, they didn't help either, only one staff member was capable her name was Ali, he died there, awful Hospital, doctor Shamly and the whole team gave the impression my husband was safe,he wasn't.

My husband and I recently attended Southend A&E, and the experience was extremely disappointing from the moment we arrived. The triage process is completely unacceptable. Everyone is expected to wait in a single line regardless of symptoms, urgency, or mobility. This is unsafe and shows no understanding of patients’ differing medical needs. On top of that, there is absolutely no privacy. Personal and sensitive medical conversations are carried out in the middle of the main reception area where everyone can hear. It is uncomfortable, undignified, and entirely inappropriate for a healthcare setting.
There was also a constant sense of confusion throughout the department. People had no idea where they were supposed to go next, and staff made no effort to guide or assist. Patients were left wandering around, clearly unsure, while staff simply watched on. Communication from doctors was virtually non-existent, and patients were passed from one area to another with no explanation or reassurance.
I also witnessed things I found genuinely concerning. People who had been waiting for hours were eventually having their observations taken — and even cannulas inserted — in the middle of the crowded waiting room, in full view of everyone. Aside from the obvious lack of dignity, this raises serious questions about infection control and basic safety.
The reception staff were abrupt and rude, which only added unnecessary stress to an already tense situation. But the most upsetting part of the visit was the attitude of some of the medical staff. At no point did we feel respected, listened to, or treated with compassion. It felt as if having the title “doctor” gave them permission to speak down to people and dismiss concerns without any explanation. There is a difference between being overwhelmed and being unkind, and unfortunately the behaviour we experienced fell into the latter. We were often spoken to in a patronising, condescending manner that left us feeling small, dismissed, and powerless in a situation where we already felt vulnerable.
In particular, the young female doctor we dealt with showed a clear lack of basic manners and respect. Her tone was abrupt, her manner was dismissive, and she showed no empathy at any point. Being busy does not excuse speaking to patients without courtesy, and the way she handled the interaction left us feeling deeply disheartened. At times it felt as though decisions were being made with no communication or explanation, almost as if some staff were “playing god” and expected us to simply accept it without question.
No one expects perfection, and we fully understand that A&E departments are under immense pressure. But pressure does not take away the responsibility to treat people with dignity, respect, and humanity. Unfortunately, the lack of organisation, communication, privacy, and basic compassion made an already stressful situation far worse than it needed to be. These issues urgently need addressing to prevent others from going through the same distressing experience.

My dad was admitted to Southend Hospital and placed on Shopland Ward. While waiting by the lift, I noticed posters everywhere promoting Martha’s Rule—encouraging families to call if a loved one’s health was deteriorating, promising investigation and support.

After five days, my dad’s physical and mental health had clearly worsened, so I called Martha’s Rule, hoping for help. Instead, I was told that unless he was in the ICU or had already passed away, they weren’t interested. The two staff members I spoke to were not compassionate, not helpful, and gave the impression they simply didn’t want to be bothered.

Martha’s Rule at Southend Hospital felt like a false promise. In my experience, it was a waste of time—and deeply disappointing when we needed support the most.

When my dad was admitted to Shopland Ward at Southend Hospital following surgery, instead of receiving the rehabilitation he needed to return home, he was left in bed with no physiotherapy or support. He lives with his family, yet there was no effort to help him regain independence.

What made things worse was the behaviour of the staff and doctors. They would ask when family were visiting, and if we gave a specific time, they’d deliberately see him beforehand—avoiding us entirely.

We witnessed staff repeatedly pressuring elderly patients to agree to care home placements, even when it was clear they had families willing to care for them. It felt manipulative and wrong.

Despite my dad living at home, staff insisted on visiting his property and demanded door and lockbox codes without giving a valid reason. The whole approach felt calculated and intrusive.

The care was poor, the staff were often rude, dismissive, and at times aggressive—even during medical emergencies. I had to fight hard to get my dad discharged, and I never want to step foot in Southend Hospital again. This experience has left me shaken and distrustful of a system that should have supported us.

I have contacted PALS to file an official complaint, but they have refused to accept it and are now ignoring my emails. Southend Hospital is, in my opinion, a terrible hospital.

My father was admitted to Shopland Ward after breaking his hip. What followed was a shocking display of neglect, indifference, and cruelty.
He lay in bed for four days without surgery, receiving only paracetamol for pain relief. After the operation, he remained bedbound for another eight days without any physiotherapy—until I complained. When a young physiotherapist finally arrived, they were rude, aggressive, and shouted at my father, who was already vulnerable and in pain.
From day one, his glasses were lost and never recovered. He was left with a blocked catheter for over 10 hours, despite our repeated pleas for help. When it was finally changed, his bladder contained 1300ml—an amount that could have caused rupture or serious harm.
The ward culture was appalling. Staff were often aggressive and uncaring. Rehabilitation was virtually non-existent. Patients were routinely placed in nappies, regardless of need, stripping them of dignity and independence.
Most disturbingly, a healthcare assistant named Michelle was overheard by multiple family members saying she hoped my father would hurt himself so they could recruit more staff. Despite this horrifying comment, she faced no disciplinary action and continues to work on the ward.
I submitted a formal complaint to PALS, but it was dismissed without meaningful investigation. The lack of accountability is staggering.
This experience has left our family traumatised. Shopland Ward failed my father in every possible way—medically, emotionally, and ethically. Vulnerable patients deserve compassion, safety, and respect. We received none.

Visited a relative on the surgical assessment ward yesterday. It was clean, the staff were smart and friendly. The phone was answered immediately when I rang in the morning. Staff were professional. I was impressed.

I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment regarding the complete lack of response from Eleanor Hobbs Ward on the phone.

Yesterday, I called twice from Switzerland to enquire about a very poorly friend who has been hospitalised there for the past three weeks. On both occasions, I was left on hold with background music for several minutes — no one ever picked up the phone.

I then contacted the hospital operator/receptionist, who was kind and helpful, and personally attempted to put me through to the ward. I explained that I was calling from abroad, but she confirmed what I had already experienced: no one was answering. She further mentioned that she herself had only ever managed to reach the ward once, when the Sister happened to be present.

To make matters worse, another close friend of mine living locally in the Southend area tried calling the same ward 14 times yesterday over a 12-hour period; again, not once did anyone answer. This is not acceptable.

As a nursing manager myself, this level of inaccessibility reflects poor communication practices and a severe neglect of duty. Whether deliberate avoidance or disregard, it places both relatives and friends under unnecessary distress and creates additional workload, as callers will continue to ring repeatedly in desperation.

The staff on Eleanor Hobbs Ward clearly need reinforcement training and managerial oversight regarding their professional responsibility to answer telephone enquiries promptly, courteously, and informatively. Communication with relatives and friends is an integral part of nursing care, not an optional extra.

Patients deserve dignity, and families deserve respect. When phones go unanswered, care becomes invisible and trust is broken. I urge hospital management to take immediate and decisive action to address this unacceptable culture of silence — because compassion is shown not only at the bedside, but also on the other end of the phone.

Again I have been let down by this hospital. Firstly 12 years ago they implanted a morphine pump for my arachnoiditis pain,but I was allergic to the morphine used,so I was told no worries we will give you something else. After two pump failures the manufacturer said the pump would not take that medication . I asked meditronic to make me a suitable pump which they did 5 stars for them. After 7 years on the meds given I started to have real health problems,I had been transferred to UCLH by then for care I was told I should never have been given the meds for long time use. I then started to be a regular ambulance rider to A&E , each time being sent home not much better. Three years ago a medical doctor said it could be hormonal and he would have me back in 7 days to sort it ,never happened,and I didn't get his name. Two years ago I told them about research by Saint Mary's on Adrenal glands ,it fell on deaf ears at Southend hospital and my GP practice. Southend hospital then gave me blood pressure tabs that reacted with the pump med so together it gave me a terrible skin reaction,It took Southend hospital 9 months to diagnose it and it would take upto 2 years to heal . Because of this I told UCLH to wean me off the drug in the pump they agreed, I started too have nightmares,sweats etc severe pain ,UCLH told GP to give me a blood test for adrenal function turned out low ended up in Southend hospital again emergency spent 5 hours in a wheelchair that the seat would make a better door than a seat for somebody let alone for me with a crippling spinal disease to end it all was given to me in 1968 by NHS . Some of the staff are dedicated but the majority are not fit for purpose. Nobody seems to be in control. One member of staff was scooting about on a stool with castors on . You couldn't do that at school let alone a hospital. Sorry it's so long

Arrived by ambulance to Shopland Ward. Diagnosed with broken leg and fractured pelvis. The best care by nurses, i am in a room with other woman all helping each other. Its lovely to see staff smiling, dancing and interactive to all patients. Special shout out to Michelle and team

very caring staff on chemo ward but husband now on 5th visit. The letter confirming says expect to be there for 2 hours. On every occasion we have been they have been running over 2hrs late and we are there for 5-6 hours. its not possible to wait with my husband - I drop him and return home and go back later to collect.

And he has still never met his oncologist or spoken to him. It's always a junior on the team who calls the day before each chemo to check he's well enough for the treatment.

its not a question of just giving them more money; the admin staff are simply incompetent.

The telephone system that has been implemented for Southend hospital is appallingly bad. You ask for the department and the system repeats it back to you and asks you to confirm Yes or No. The system doesn't understand or accept any response at all and chucks you back at the beginning of the process. I assume that some manager somewhere received a nice fat bonus for implementing this rubbish

Been waiting 13.5 months for an ENT appointment at Southend Hospital due to dentist concern about Mouth Cancer, I have already had breast cancer in the last 2 yrs and am disgusted at having to wait so long.
I have now received a call asking me to attend Broomfield Hospital as Southend so backlogged. But this appointment was only because my dentist and I have chassed things up. This is a disgrace and both NHS and Government should hang their heads in shame.

E N T, visit today , Consultant sorted my ears and the staff were very nice ,also Urology 3 weeks ago again all the staff friendly and a bit of banter to take my mind off my procedure so all was well in the end. Many thanks to all the staff.

I had been visiting the eye department over the last few months & when my treatment was finished, I wrote a very good review. I had another appointment for a cataract yesterday in the same department. I was so pleased with the service I had. Firstly I saw a lovely young man who did the first checks & was very helpful. I can't remember his name. He may remember me, as it was an 8.30 appointment & I told him he could go home after seeing me! We had a laugh! I then saw Lynette, who was lovely & afterwards Dr. Ahmad. He was so helpful, charming & explained everything. Please thank them for me. Gillian Mitchell

Had a Gastroscopy today 26/1/25 in the endoscopy unit.
Amazing kind and knowledgeable staff.
I was a bit nervous but made me feel at ease.
The theatre was ready and clean.
The doctor was efficient, I had a sedation and did not feel anything.
You get your results straight away.
I was there for 90 minutes.
Very professional.
And I want to mention the Endo.Admin, he was very helpful and going the extra miles to welcome you when you come in .

Recently I attended Southend Hospital A and E with a suspected stroke fortunately it turned out I had only suffered Transient Global Amnesia. Following a lot of tests in A and E I was transferred to the Stroke ward. I spent 2+ days in there and the staff were brilliant! I must say that Jenna in particular (hope I've spent you name right love) never stopped for a moment and was cheerful all the time. During my time in the hospital everybody from the porters and cleaners to the Doctors and Surgeons are excellent. However I think the upper overpaid Admin need a drastic shake up. Car park pricing is a total rip off and should be time actually spent there. Getting through on the phone is virtually impossible. From what I understand money in the NHS is spent without control is this incompetence or back handers? Finally whilst I appreciate young doctors there at times have to put in very long stressful hours etc once they climb the ladder is a very lucrative occupation. Our farmers, fishermen, military ,firemen,police etc also experience these conditions plus many dangers but for the doctors to strike is disgusting. Keith

I’m sat here with a lovely lady who has a blood clot sat here for 9 hours and another lovely lady who has suspected appendicitis who has been sat here for 12 hours it’s a joke if we go France and get on a dinghy we get free private health sort this out stop spending my tax money on a poxy war in Ukraine and employ some staff yeah

Elizabeth loury ward staff were amazing, kind, caring, considerate and even the tea lady was so kind and caring, shout out to mr Ahmed urology team ln minor ops centre, including Margo the specialists nurse and the nurse that held my hand, I’m so glad that you have Made me more relaxed and more confident, also the radiotherapy team the guys were amazing and made me more relaxed as I didn’t no what to expect on my 1st time, only down fall was the radiologist explaining the side effects of the radiotherapy, not very well explained

Never been to any hospital A&E Department where many of the staff were so rude. Reception women in A&E were disgusting, the way they spoke to people including me. Abrupt, barking orders and with bad attitudes and too full of self importance. If they don’t want to work there, then why do the job?? The place looks like a dump. Changed so much in the years since l left Southend. That can be accepted, but the rudeness and arrogance of the staff is not acceptable. It was the women in particular behind the Reception desk and the nurses? that triage you when you arrive that were the problem. Not good when people are feeling poorly.
Disgusting treatment. Who do they think they are to treat people like that???