When dealing with a chronic health condition or the management of persistent pain it is best to consult with a physiotherapist to find the best exercises that work for you. Persistent pain (over three months) should not be treated the same way as acute pain. Staying active and mobile Keeping active maintains fitness and improves physical and mental well-being, both of which are of critical importance in the management of pain.   An excellent resource by ‘HealthTalk’ challenges some of the myths related to pain and exercise. It includes videos and shared experiences of those living with persistent pain. Also,…

Although it is safe to continue some DMARDs during the time of a surgery, some others may need be stopped at the discretion of the surgeon and/or after discussion with the Rheumatology team. Oral steroids (Prednisolone) should be taken at the lowest dose possible to reduce the risks of infection and delayed healing. Do not stop steroid tablets abruptly.Do not increase or reduce your dose without consultation with your GP or Rheumatology team. Biologic medication should be stopped before and after surgery under the advice of the Rheumatology team. Please seek advice from the Rheumatology Advice Line on how to…

An instrumental birth refers to the use of either forceps or ventouse (suction cup). An instrumental birth happens for 1 in every 8 births.   Forceps are metal instruments which fit together around your baby’s head to speed up the process of baby being born during the pushing phase.  The doctor will pull the forceps as you also push down during a contraction. Ventouse is a suction cup which is placed on baby’s head firmly and also pulled by the doctor while you push.   The choice of instrument will depend on the situation, how many weeks pregnant you are…

Continuation of Maternity Services during COVID-19 For the latest advice for pregnant women and their families see link below and information on this page. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) have guidance which is being regularly updated    Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic information for pregnant women - 19/8/20  Research produced during the COVID-19 outbreak has shown that pregnant women from Black, Asian and minority backgrounds (which we often refer to in the NHS as BAME backgrounds) have an increased chance of having severe symptoms of COVID-19 that require hospitalisation (4x the chance). Research is ongoing to explain the reasons for…

Research regarding people who have persistent pain suggests that the greatest long-term benefits are felt by those who keep practising relaxation, pacing and a gentle fitness programme, but when you have persistent pain, managing these and ‘everyday’ activities can be very difficult. It might feel like the pain is in control. There can be traps to fall into; pushing through pain, avoiding activity, or falling into a ‘boom and bust’ cycle.   For more information, helpful tips and experiences shared by other people dealing with chronic health conditions and/or persistent pain visit the Health Talk website. What is Pacing? Pacing…

Please ask your midwife about antenatal colostrum harvesting.  There are many reasons why you might choose to do this, regardless of your feeding goals. It is of particular benefit where your baby is at risk of having low blood sugars after birth for instance, if you are diabetic or taking certain medications.  Your midwife will give you a pack with all you need to get started and explain when it is safe to do so.  Colostrum is the first milk produced by your body.  This starts in pregnancy as your body prepares for the birth of your baby. It is…

Sands | Saving babies' lives. Supporting bereaved families Baby Loss Charity: for Bereaved Parents & Families (lilymaefoundation.org) The Miscarriage Association: Pregnancy loss information and support Together, for every baby - Charity for Babies | Tommy's (tommys.org) The Lullaby Trust - Safer sleep for babies, Support for families

Wye Valley NHS Trust is the provider of healthcare services at Hereford County Hospital, which is based in the city of Hereford, along with a number of community services for Herefordshire and its borders. We also provide healthcare services at community hospitals in the market towns of Ross-on-Wye, Leominster and Bromyard.  The Trust exists to improve the wellbeing, independence and health of the people we serve. Our workforce of around 3,000 provides a range of specialist and generalists functions. We have strong clinical network connections with trusts in Birmingham, Worcester, Gloucester and Cardiff. With an annual turnover of around £295…

What we do Children’s Physiotherapy is a specialist community physiotherapy service for babies, children and young people living in Herefordshire.  Children’s physiotherapists have additional knowledge and experience of child development and childhood disabilities.  Children’s physiotherapists are responsible for the assessment and physical rehabilitation of children and young people who are identified as having difficulties with the development of gross motor skills and mobility as a result of accident, injury, disease or disability.  They also see children with specific conditions such as Cystic Fibrosis, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, gait anomalies and life-limiting conditions.  Children’s’ physiotherapists use a variety of…

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…