 News and Information Index
 Director of Modernisation arrives at West Suffolk Hospital
August 5th, 2002
The West Suffolk Hospital gained a new Director of Modernisation as Jane Harper-Smith joined the Trust today (5/8/02).
Trust will work hard to regain three star status
24th July, 2002
The West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust will be working hard to regain its three star status, says its new chief executive John Parkes.
Team from Italy visit West Suffolk Hospital
19 July 2002
Word of the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trusts success in introducing family friendly policies for staff has reached the ears of European colleagues.
Trust chosen for assessment of health services
8th July 2002
The West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust looks forward to the review of its services by the Commission for Health Improvement (CHI).
Volunteering Opportunities in Accident and Emergency
8th July 2002
Volunteers are required between 12 noon and 7.00 pm to help support patients and relatives in the A/E Waiting areas to make their time as comfortable and stress free as possible.
West Suffolk Hospital run market stall
5th July 2002
Staff from various departments in the West Suffolk Hospital are once again running a stall on Bury St Edmunds market to encourage people to join the NHS.
Senior staff go ‘back to the floor’
5th July 2002
Chair of the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust, Veronica Worrall, will be going back to the floor and spending time as a Ward Clerk on G4.
Trust looks for help with race equality scheme
4th July 2002
West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust is appealing to people from ethnic minority backgrounds to help shape the services it provides.
Patients give West Suffolk Hospital the thumbs up
1 July, 2002
The vast majority of patients using the West Suffolk Hospital, in Bury St Edmunds would recommend it to their nearest and dearest. That’s the findings of a recent survey.
Local students take their pick from over 20 different careers at the West Suffolk Hospital
June 28th 2002
Fourteen students from King Edward V1 High School in Bury St Edmunds have been invited to choose from over 20 different careers in the West Suffolk Hospital and spend time finding out more about the one that interests them.
Nursery children try out the ‘dreaded’ dentist’s chair
June 18th 2002
Children from local nurseries have been invited to have fun and learn about the importance of looking after their teeth. A miniature dentist’s chair, equipped with lights, will help them to re-enact a visit to the dentist.
Go ahead given to buy site
June 12th 2002
The West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust has been given the ‘green light’ to spend over £1 million to purchase land for the new Sudbury Community Hospital development.
Befrienders help eye operation patients
June 10th, 2002
What better way to help take the stress and anxiety out of having an operation than to have a friend sit with you?
Falls Programme helps older people to keep their independence
June 10th, 2002
Media invitation: Older people at risk from falls are benefiting from Reducing the Risks of Falls classes at Sudbury's Walnuttree Hospital. Media are invited to attend a class on Friday 14th June at 10.30am to take photographs and interview the participants.
Cash bonus for Heartstart!
June 5th 2002
The organisers of Bury St Edmunds Heartstart project were pleased to receive a cheque for £1,325 from local chartered accountancy firm Knights Lowe on Tuesday 28th May.
Chapel garden opens at West Suffolk Hospital
May 15th 2002
An opening ceremony for a new garden next to the chapel at the West Suffolk Hospital will be held on Thursday 6 June at 6pm. Members of the public and the media are welcome to attend.
New car parking charges at West Suffolk Hospital
May 1st 2002
Car parking charges are to be increased at the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds.
Hospital holds special service of remembrance
April 18, 2002
A special service of Remembering and Sharing for all who have lost precious babies and children has been organised by the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust.
Save a life through Heartstart
March 28, 2002
A project aimed at saving lives by training the public in basic life support skills has been launched in Bury St Edmunds.
Tackling depression in older people
March 4th 2002
An 18 month, ground breaking study, which aims to improve patients psychological wellbeing and quality of life, has started on the medical wards at the West Suffolk Hospital.
Fast-track hip ops bring improved patient care
March 4th 2002
Following a successful pilot study, the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust is introducing fast-track hip replacement operations. In 1999 the average length of stay following a hip replacement was 13 days. The aim is to improve the service so that fast-track patients can be discharged six days after their operation. Sister Donna Taylor is leading the project.
New defibrillators help to save lives
February 26th 2002
Nurses at the West Suffolk Hospital NHS Trust are now able to give electric shocks to cardiac arrest patients (a process known as defibrillation ) in the absence of a doctor, thanks to the Trust investing £50,000 in 7 new Zoll defibrillators.
Help is at hand for sufferers of vulval pain
February 11th, 2002
Although it is not often talked about, vulval pain is a common problem affecting the lives of many women. To support people suffering from this painful condition, which is often under-recognised or misdiagnosed, a workshop will take place in Ipswich on Saturday 23rd February from 11am-3pm.
West Suffolk Hospital seeks patients’ views on standards of care
February 7th, 2002
The West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust in Bury St Edmunds is asking people who have recently been in-patients for their views on the quality of care provided by the hospital.
Launch of support group for parents of sick babies
February 7th, 2002
A support group is being launched in Bury St Edmunds for any parent who has ever had a child on a Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU).
Bus adverts to attract recruits to West Suffolk Hospital
January 10th, 2002
The West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust’s ongoing recruitment campaign entered a new phase with the launch of advertisements on four buses in Bury St Edmunds.
Open Day for Patient Advice Service
January 8th, 2002
On Tuesday 15th January between 2-4pm and on Friday 18th January between 10am-1pm all three members of the PALS team will be available in the PALS office which is situated in reception at West Suffolk Hospital. Heather and Thelma, the PALS Officers, will be on hand to talk about the service and Jo, the PALS Technical Support Officer, will be demonstrating the website and will have examples of the Trust's information sheets that she is helping to produce.
First nurse consultant for West Suffolk Hospital
November 29, 2001
The first new nurse consultant for the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust starts in post on December 1st. Linda Pearce has taken on the role of nurse consultant in respiratory medicine following a successful bid from the Trust for funding to develop the post.
The West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust has appointed John Parkes as its new Chief Executive
28th November, 2001
Currently the Director of Operations and Deputy Chief Executive at St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust, a teaching hospital in south London, John, who is 43, will be taking up his post at the end of February.
Long Service Awards for Hospital staff
November 16, 2001
Over 100 staff at West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust were given Long Service Awards at a ceremony yesterday (Thursday 15th November).
Success of flu jab campaign for hospital staff
November 16, 2001
A campaign to inoculate West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust staff against influenza in time for winter has been hailed a success after around 500 staff signed up to get the jab.
Advice for parents about children’s eyesight
November 1, 2001
Following a plea from the Royal National Institute for the Blind to the Government to introduce universal vision screening for primary school children, parents in West Suffolk have been given advice about caring for their children’s eyesight by orthoptists at the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust.
New video and playpack educates young children about what to expect in hospital
26 October, 2001
West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust has produced a new video and playpack designed to educate young children aged between 3 to 7 years about what to expect if they have to go into hospital.
Hospital chefs are the best in the East!
October 25, 2001
Two chefs from the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust have won a competition to find the best hospital caterers in the East of England.
West Suffolk Hospital receives £700,000 to improve Maternity Unit
October 11, 2001
The West Suffolk Hospital is to receive an extra £700,000 to improve facilities in its Maternity Unit, Health Minister Jacqui Smith announced on October 11th.
Chief executive takes on new challenge
October 8, 2001
The West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust is to look for a new chief executive following the decision of Johanna Finn to leave the organisation.
Market stall success for West Suffolk Hospital
October 3, 2001
The stall on Bury market ran by staff from the West Suffolk Hospital on Wednesday 26th September to encourage people to join the NHS has been hailed as a great success.
West Suffolk Hospital is a good employer, say staff
September 28, 2001
Two out of three people working for the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust rate it as a good employer, says a survey released today (28th September).
West Suffolk Hospital launches new service to help and advise patients
September 20, 2001
A Patient Advocacy and Liaison Service (PALS) to provide on-the-spot help, advice and support to patients at the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust, was launched on Thursday 20th September.
Midwives’ Information Day aims to help teenage mothers
September 13, 2001
A second Teenage Pregnancy Information Day will take place on Saturday 6th October as part of a new drop-in service run by the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust.
New era in medical education launched at West Suffolk Hospital
September 10, 2001
Professor Sir Alec Broers, Vice-chancellor of the University of Cambridge, marked the start of a new era in medical education in Cambridge on Tuesday 25th September when he came to the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds.
Careers on offer as West Suffolk Hospital runs market stall
September 10, 2001
Staff from the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust will run a stall at Bury St Edmunds market on Wednesday 26th September to encourage people to join the NHS.
Delivering a better working environment for West Suffolk Hospital staff
August 28, 2001
Staff facilities at the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust have been upgraded as part of a wider programme to improve the working lives of employees.
Shortlist of potential sites for new hospital
20 August 2001
Alternative potential sites for Sudbury’s new community hospital were discussed at a meeting of the committee steering the redevelopment of health services in Sudbury on Thursday 16 August.
West Suffolk Hospital launches career drive
July 25, 2001
West Suffolk Hospital staff went on the road to encourage people to join the NHS on Monday 23rd July.
New garden a welcome bonus for Hospital patients
July 4, 2001
Patients at the West Suffolk Hospital received a welcome bonus this week when a raised garden was opened in the courtyard of a rehabilitation ward.
Boom in consultant appointments at West Suffolk Hospital
July 3, 2001
Senior medical staff numbers have increased sharply at the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust over the last year.
New advisory service aims to help teenage mothers
June 28, 2001
Teenage mothers are to receive help and advice from a new ‘drop-in’ service launched by the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust.
Hospital launches new service to care for chest patients at home
June 28, 2001
Patients with acute chest conditions can now be cared for in their own homes with a new service from the West Suffolk Hospital.
Debbie raises £5,000 for West Suffolk Hospital Maternity Unit
25 June 2001
Midwives at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds will be celebrating on Tuesday 26th June when they receive a donation of £5,000.
West Suffolk Hospital celebrates NHS Week
22 June 2001
NHS Week 2001 (27 June – 5 July) is a celebration of NHS staff and their pioneering work. It aims to develop greater public understanding of the NHS and recognise the efforts and dedication of those who work within it.
Hospital chaplaincy breaks down barriers
13 June 2001
An ecumenical covenant was signed today (Wednesday 13 June) that commits the various Christian faiths active in the chaplaincy of the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust to work together as closely as possible.
Blow to plans for new Sudbury Hospital
12 June 2001
Plans to build a new £12 million hospital in Sudbury have been dealt a severe blow following the threat of a renewed objection to the site being used for health care development.
GIVE ME 5 Campaign
1st June 2001
The British Dietetic Association's GIVE ME 5 campaign is now entering its fourth year and will run through the month of June.
Hospital worker voted top of her profession
29 May 2001
June Carpenter, Head Orthoptist at West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust, has been elected as Chairman of the British Orthoptic Society.
More car parking spaces for hospital
29 May 2001
Work is underway at the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds to build an extra forty car parking spaces.
Ann retires after 40 years of nursing
May 25th 2001
Ann Eastwood, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Breast Care at the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust, is to retire after forty years’ service.
Hospital staff in Race For Life
22 May 2001
Female staff from West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds will be practising for a charity run on Hardwick Heath on Tuesday 5 June. The women will be training for the Imperial Cancer Research Fund's (ICRF) Race For Life campaign.
Hospital targets children for health awareness push
11 May 2001
Schoolchildren at Great Cornard Middle School will learn about different
aspects of health awareness when they watch a presentation on Friday morning as part of National Nurses' Day.
Hospital launches new service to help patients
8 May 2001
Patients at the West Suffolk Hospital NHS Trust are to benefit from on-the-spot help, advice and support from a new patient advocacy and liaison service (PALS) being set up following a successful bid by the Trust to be a pilot site, one of eleven in the Eastern Region chosen to do so.
New role for Jo means quicker treatment
4 May 2001
A nurse at the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds has completed a training course that allows her to perform minor surgical procedures.
Opening of Maternity Unit sitting room
(Media invitation)
30 April 2001
The sitting room of the Maternity Unit at the West Suffolk Hospital has recently been completely refurbished, and will be officially reopened on Tuesday 8th May.
Midwives matter - all over the world
26 April 2001
Local midwives from Bury St Edmunds are campaigning for safe motherhood with colleagues in 90 countries throughout the world on the International Day of the Midwife - Saturday 5 May 2001.
Two new non-executive directors for NHS Trust
26 April 2001
The Secretary of State for Health, Alan Milburn MP, has appointed two new non-executive directors for West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust.
Hospital holds special service of remembrance
20 April 2001
A special service of Remembering and Sharing for all who have lost precious babies and children has been organised by the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust.
Surprise gift for Hospital maternity unit
18 April 2001
Midwives at the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust were delighted when eight television and video sets arrived in the maternity unit last week. The sets, worth over £2,500, were donated by a couple who recently had a baby daughter delivered in the unit.
Health Services for Sudbury (Newsletter)
Issue 6, April 2001
Latest newsletter providing information for the people of Sudbury. (This document is in pdf format - requires the Acrobat PDF reader to view it.)
Support for younger women with breast cancer
9 March 2001
A support group has been set up for younger women, under the age of 50, who have breast cancer or are recovering from the disease.
Bob is stateside bound
1st March 2001
Bob Heavisides, the Director of Facilities at the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust has won an all expenses paid trip to the USA.
New fast track cataract service
27 February 2001
Long waiting times for cataract surgery are to become a thing of the past at the West Suffolk Hospital thanks to the introduction of a new fast track cataract service and appointment of a fourth Consultant Ophthalmologist and two specialist nurses.
NHS Regional Chair officially opens newly refurbished A&E
6 February 2001
The £600,000 newly refurbished Accident and Emergency Department at the West Suffolk Hospital was officially opened today (Tuesday, 6 February) by Mrs Rosie Varley, Regional Chairman, NHS Executive Eastern.
Alder Hey inquiry
30th January, 2001
The Chief Medical Officer Professor Liam Donaldson today published his national census on organ retention by NHS Trusts and medical schools in England along with guidance to the Government on the way forward in this sensitive area.
Heath Services for Sudbury (Newsletter)
January 2001 (issue 5)
This newsletter will keep you up to date with plans for a new hospital in Sudbury and provides an outline timetable for the project. (This document is in pdf format ~130kbits - hence it requires the Acrobat PDF reader to view it.)
Hospital trust recognized for improving working lives
19 January 2001
The West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust's commitment to improving the working lives of staff was recognised at a major conference in Birmingham last week (10 January 2001).
Rare book is a ‘thank you' present
8 January 2001
A grateful patient has presented a rare book in gratitude to the hospital which saved his life.
'Going green' will help hospital's parking problem
4 January 2001
The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds is asking staff to 'go green' to help solve the problems of parking on its site.
Social centre victim to changing times
19 December 2000
Lack of support by members is causing the closure of the Drummond Centre Sports and Social Club at the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds.
Zero tolerance message from hospital trust
8 December 2000
During the festive period the message from West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust is, have a healthy and enjoyable holiday but, if over indulgence results in a visit to hospital, please remember that violence and threatening behaviour towards staff will not be tolerated.
Nurse consultants for the West Suffolk Hospital
23 November 2000
The West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust has been given the green light to appoint two nurse consultants in Dermatology and Respiratory Services as part of the national commitment to have 1,000 Nurse Consultants in posts by 2004.
New car parking system for West Suffolk Hospital
22 November 2000
Work is due to start on Monday 4 December on a new car parking system for the front car park at the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds.
Critically ill patients helped by new service at the West Suffolk Hospital
10 November 2000
From January patients who have had a prolonged stay in intensive care at the West Suffolk Hospital will be offered an appointment at a special follow up clinic.
Hospital Trust to offer Booked Appointments
2 November 2000
The West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust will be introducing a new booking service for patients. The move is part of the Government's plan to replace all waiting lists with booked appointments by March 2005.
Staff Write their own Charter for Hospital Trust
1 November 2000
A Staff Charter, written and produced by hospital staff, will receive official approval today (Thursday 2 November) when Chief Executive of the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust adds her signature to the document.
Look Loud & Proud - and Help Save Lives
28 October 2000
Two displays are being held at West Suffolk Hospital on Friday (November 3) to promote the UK's second Loud Tie Day which is being organised by the Beating Bowel Cancer charity.
New Style Maternity Services
23 October 2000
Fewer trips to the West Suffolk Hospital and an improvement in the quality of care provided women with pregnancy complications is promised from a new style antenatal service.
Change recognises university link
17 October 2000
The West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust in Bury St Edmunds has been recognised as a satellite of the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine.
Annual Public Meeting
18 September 2000
The Annual Public Meeting of the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust will take place on Friday 29 September in the Committee Room at the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds
Join the Wrap and Raise Money for Eczema Sufferers
12 October 2000
The Dermatology Department at the West Suffolk Hospital is inviting people to wrap up and raise money for the National Eczema Society on Friday 20 October 2000.
Infection Control Team Tackles Hospital Acquired Infections
8 October 2000
Patients at the West Suffolk Hospital will benefit from a campaign during Infection Control Week to promote good handwashing amongst all hospital staff.
Volunteers Wanted for Breast Cancer Clinics
2 October 2000
The West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust is looking for Breast Clinic Volunteers to play a very important role in the Breast Clinic at the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds.
More Money for Critical Care
2 October 2000
This winter the West Suffolk Hospital will have more staff, more beds and more equipment thanks to an additional £1.44m from the government's modernisation fund.
Occupational Therapy Day
22 September 2000
An open afternoon is taking place at the West Suffolk Hospital on Thursday 5 October to mark National Occupational Therapy Day.
New strategy to improve maternity care
1 August, 2000
Midwives and obstetric consultants will have a new focus in their roles following the approval of proposals to improve maternity services in west Suffolk.
New strategy to improve maternity care
1 August, 2000
Midwives and obstetric consultants will have a new focus in their roles following the approval of proposals to improve maternity services in west Suffolk.
Hospital Flower Festival
5th June 2000
Patients, visitors and staff at the West Suffolk Hospital will be able to enjoy floral displays created by staff and volunteers at a special Hospital Flower Festival.
GNVQ student to spend day in theatres
30 May 2000
Bryony Salmon has won the opportunity to spend a day in the operating theatres to find out more about the role of operating department practitioners, ODPs, at the West Suffolk Hospital.
Health Care Support Workers to take on wider rehab role
23 May 2000
Health Care Support Workers, HCSWs, are to become more involved in patient rehabilitation thanks to a new scheme introduced by the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust.
New chairman for the Trust
22 May 2000
Veronica Worrall has been appointed as the new chairman of the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust.
National Anaesthesia Day
22 May 2000
On Thursday 25 May patients and visitors to the West Suffolk Hospital can learn about the role of Consultant Anaesthetists in the hospital as part of the first National Anaesthesia Day.
Nurses and pupils team up for Every Day is Nurses Day
11 May 2000
Nurses from the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust will be visiting two primary schools, Wells Hall, Great Cornard and Glemsford on Friday (May 12) to celebrate Every Day is Nurses Day.
Young fathers targeted during National Breastfeeding Awareness Week
10 May 2000
Campaign messages for National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, which starts on Monday 15 May, are targeting young fathers and encouraging them to be more supportive of breastfeeding.
Cambridge Graduate Course in Medicine - Newsletter
April 2000
Latest news ...
Hospital holds special service of remembrance
28 April 2000
A special service of 'Remembering and Sharing for all who have lost precious babies and children' has been organised by the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust.
Health Services for Sudbury
Issue 4 April 2000
The West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust has been asked to lead the project for the new Sudbury Health Services.
Disruption in Accident and Emergency
25 April 2000
From 1 May patients can expect some disruption when they visit the Accident and Emergency department in the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds, as modernisation work moves into treatment areas.
Hospital trust announces wheelchair amnesty week
28 March 2000
Wheelchairs, which are made available for the use of patients and visitors to the West Suffolk Hospital are disappearing from the site.
A child's world at the end of the rainbow
10 February 2000
Thanks to the generosity of the people of west Suffolk and dedication of hospital staff a special world for sick children has been officially opened today, Thursday, [ February 10th] at the West Suffolk Hospital.
Head of Personnel in the NHS visits local hospital
2 February 2000
Doctors and nurses at the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds will have an opportunity to put forward their views on working in the NHS when Director of Personnel for the Service, Mr Hugh Taylor, visits the hospital tomorrow ...
News Update: The Cambridge Graduate Course
From the Green Sheet, 23 January 2000
In June last year we heard that our joint bid with the University of Cambridge to boost the number of doctors in the NHS had been successful. The purpose of this article is to provide a news briefing as we prepare to receive the first students on the Cambridge Graduate Course (CGC) in 2001.
Trust appoints new board director
11 January 2000
Consultant anaesthetist Kwee Matheson has been appointed medical director and director of education at the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust.
New Nursing Roles
20 December 1999
Patients, including those with cancer, are receiving valuable support and counselling when they are feeling at their most vulnerable thanks to appointments to two new nursing posts.
West Suffolk Hospital ready for the winter
8th December 1999
The West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust is ready for the anticipated boom in demand for services this winter and has plans in place for dealing with the millennium date change or so-called 'millennium bug'.
New consultant in casualty
22 November 1999
The casualty department at the West Suffolk Hospital has received a major boost with the appointment of a second Consultant in Accident and Emergency and the creation of two new staff grade doctor posts.
Changes to hospital visiting hours
2nd November 1999
Patients at the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds have voted in favour of shortening visiting hours on surgical and medical wards to give them more time to rest...
Paper results have had their day
27th September 1999
The days of bits of paper carrying vital pathology test results are numbered at the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds. A £370,000 data handling computer system, which is currently being installed, will mean that soon doctors on wards and in GP surgeries will be able to receive ...
New non-executive directors join Trust Board
24th September 1999
Secretary of State for Health, Frank Dobson has appointed two new non-executive directors to the board of West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust.
New X-Ray Equipment
3 August 1999
A new, state-of-the-art, digital imaging system has arrived at the West Suffolk Hospital and will be fully operational from Monday 9 August.
Telemedicine links local hospital with specialists in London
29 June 1999
A pilot scheme has been set up which will allow Consultant Paediatrician Dr David Mabin to discuss a child's heart problems with Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist Dr Rob Tulloh at Guy's Hospital without him leaving his desk or the young patient having to travel to London.
Hospital Trust to get new teaching facilities for training future doctors
23 June 1999
The West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust has been chosen with the University of Cambridge to provide an innovative new course for an additional 20 graduate medical students as part of the national agreement to train 1,000 extra doctors each year.
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