Avocet Ward is a female acute mental health ward based in Suffolk with 12 beds. We provide an age inclusive service if you meet our admission criteria. We offer care if your mental health is at its most acute and you are unable to receive the appropriate level of care in the community.

We are able to provide more intensive treatment and support than you could receive in the community, and you can receive any of the following treatments: medication (including access to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians), psychology, complimentary therapy, occupational therapy, art therapy, brief talking therapies and physical health screening and assessment.
We work with you and your identified carers towards your recovery and discharge from the beginning of your admission.

Avocet Ward is also providing 8 beds for Suffolk patients who have suspected Covid-19 for assessment.

We have close working links with Suffolk Family Carers and PALS. Suffolk Family Carers can provide telephone advice, individual appointments and drop-in sessions at Woodlands.

When you are admitted we send out information to carers and have information packs available on the ward.

We have a dedicated staff members allocated to make carer contact and offer support.

Both the Ward Manager and Matron are available for appointment with carers

Carer needs are assessed as part of your inpatient care plan and carers are routinely invited to case reviews on the ward.

You can be admitted to the ward in several ways. Your GP can contact the Access and Assessment Team to evaluate whether you can be supported in the community or need to come into hospital. Alternatively, you may have a care co-ordinator or community consultant who feels you need to come into hospital.​

What is the main address of this service?

Avocet Ward
Woodlands
Ipswich Hospital Site
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP4 5PD

Available facilities

Parking is available on site however charges apply.

We have full disabled access and toilet facilities.

Drinks and snacks are available on our ward with a wider selection available in the main Ipswich Hospital.

Ward Manager:

Ronnie Torkornoo

Ward contact details:

Call Woodlands reception on 01473 891700.

Call Avocet Ward's main office on 01473 891740.​

People who are treated by our service should call the Access & Assessment Team on 0300 123 1334 when in need of urgent help.​

If there is an emergency and people are in immediate danger, call 999 for an ambulance.

If you are not a service user but require urgent support, contact your GP or call:
Samaritans: 116 123

NHS 111 (NHS support for non-life threatening situations): 111

For more information, see Help in a Crisis. ​