A major new study is set to put the region's three main hospitals under scrutiny in a bid to stamp out negative patient experiences.

From next week, Healthwatch Norfolk will be giving patients and staff from each Norfolk hospital the chance to have their say on the sites.

Teams will spend a week at each hospital - starting with the Queen Elizabeth in King's Lynn - to gather as much information as possible about life on the wards.

It is the first time any branch of the national organisation has carried out work in this way and will see family members given the opportunity to have their say alongside patients and staff.

Once each hospital has been visited for a week, the organisation will publish them in a report highlighting any concerns and improvements that could be made.

Eastern Daily Press: Alex Stewart, chief executive of Healthwatch NorfolkAlex Stewart, chief executive of Healthwatch Norfolk (Image: Archant)

Alex Stewart, chief executive of Healthwatch Norfolk, said: "This is one of the biggest projects of its type we have ever done and will be a great opportunity for patients and their loved ones to share their views with us.

"We will be across each hospital site from outpatients and clinics through the wards to chat with everyone that is happy to share their story and get a clear picture of treatment and care at Norfolk's three acute hospitals.

"Already we have been talking to hospital leaders too about the areas they are interested in so we can give clear, constructive, independent feedback while it is useful to them."

He added that much of the work will be centred around the urgent and emergency care departments.

Healthwatch Norfolk will have representatives based at the three main hospitals on the following dates:

May 22-26: Queen Elizabeth, King's Lynn

June 19-23: James Paget, Gorleston

July 17-21: Norfolk and Norwich, including one day at Cromer Hospital