Back to Rapid Cardiology The two carotid arteries are the main vessels that supply blood to the brain. They originate from the main arteries of the body (the aorta and brachiocephalic artery) in the chest and travel up through the neck and into the skull. Atherosclerosis of the right or left carotid artery is the most common cause of a stroke. A carotid duplex scan is a technique to take a picture of these arteries using sound waves (ultrasound). A sound-wave transducer is placed gently on the neck. The walls and interior of the artery are visualised and the velocity…

Referrals are accepted from GP's and health or social care professionals as well as Educational Psychologists and Early Years Inclusion Co-ordinators. Self-referrals are not accepted; if you would like to be referred to our service please discuss this with your G.P. The service accepts referrals of children registered with a Herefordshire G.P where there is a concern about a developmental issue, disability, or other condition impacting on the child's health and wellbeing. All referrals are reviewed for urgency and subsequently considered at the weekly multi-disciplinary Referral Team Meeting The patient's/ parent's permission must be obtained prior to referral Written clinical…

Information for drop in sessions Please attend at least 15 minutes prior to the end of the clinic to ensure that you are seen. If you would like to book an appointment for our health visiting clinics please contact the health visitor advice line on 07870 682711 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm). Monday's 9.30am to 11:30am - Hinton Community Centre (Drop in only) Tuesday's 9.15am to 10.15am - Widemarsh Children Centre (Booked appointments) 10.15am to 11.45am - Widemarsh Children Centre (Drop in only)  Wednesday's 10am to 12pm - Ledbury Children Centre (Drop in only)  9.15am to 10am - Ross…

At our hospitals we have adopted the use of a forget me not flower for use with patients with diagnosed dementia. Where will the symbol be used? The Forget-Me-Not symbol is magnetic and should be placed: Next to the patient’s name on the multidisciplinary board on the ward On the board next to the patient’s bed What does the use of the symbol mean? The patient being cared for has diagnosed dementia Staff should ensure that the patient is not moved to another ward or bay unless absolutely necessary Prior to discharge, the patient should not be sent to the…

We advertise all of our nursing vacancies on our website. To apply for our posts you need to submit an online application via our Trust website or NHS jobs. Please ensure you read the advert text fully as this may include an assessment date you will be required to attend, if shortlisted. Interview Your interview panel will comprise of senior members of staff from your preferred area and human resources. This will last between 30 to 45 minutes and you will be asked competency based questions which aim to allow you to demonstrate your skills and abilities. If you are offered…

8 to 10 weeks during pregnancy Blood test Haemoglobin anaemia is caused by too little haemoglobin (Hb) in the blood. The Hb is tested as part of the full blood count.  HB carries oxygen and nutrients around the body and to the baby.  Anaemia can make you feel very tired and if you are found to be anaemic you will be offered iron supplements and diet advice.  Blood Group & Antibodies - it is important to find out if you are Rhesus Positive or Negative.  If you are Rhesus Negative you will require extra blood tests and be advised to have…

The maternity ward is located on the second floor at Hereford County Hospital. If you are not wishing for an early discharge from Delivery Suite or if you and your baby need some additional monitoring or support with feeding then you will be transferred to Maternity Ward shortly after birth. When you arrive a midwife will be assigned to care for you and they will come and introduce themselves. There are also Maternity Support Workers and Healthcare Assistants on the ward who can support you and help you with baby cares. Below is some useful information about how the ward…

The pre-operative assessment unit is situated at the back of the hospital which is clearly sign posted from the main entrance.  It is approximately a 5-10 minute walk from the main entrance but if you require assistance or a wheelchair please ask at the hospital main reception. The purpose of this assessment is to ensure that you are medically fit for surgery.  It also gives you an opportunity to ask questions you may have or discuss any concerns. You will be seen by an experienced pre op assessment nurse, who will ask you a range of questions about your medical…

The respiratory physiology service at Wye Valley NHS Trust provides a service in respiratory, exercise and sleep physiology, for inpatients and outpatients from the Trust. The department provides a comprehensive range of investigations in order to: Aid diagnosis Give an objective assessment of how a condition affects the patient’s functionally Display and define the contribution of any secondary condition Monitor improvement with treatment or deterioration with time  Investigations are performed on patients with various types of lung disease, cardiac and oesophageal conditions and, on occasions, patients being considered for non-thoracic surgery when their cardio-pulmonary state gives cause for concern. Patients…

Reduced fetal movements describes a reduction in the usual amount of movements your baby makes, a loss of movements or weaker movements.  There are a few reasons why you might feel your baby’s movements have changed, if baby is in a different position, if you are in a different position or where the position of your placenta is, for example, if your placenta is at the front of your tummy then you might feel less movements. You will probably have started to feel your baby move from around 16 to 20 weeks of pregnancy and from around 32 weeks you…