Press office We request that all press and media enquiries are directed to communications team, Press Office, in the first instance. We will endeavour to respond to your request promptly. The press office at the Trust is contactable:  Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, excluding Bank/Public holidays.    We have a duty of care to our patients, service users, their carers, and staff on Trust premises. This means that interviews, filming or photography cannot be carried out on the Trust sites without the express permission of the communications team. All requests for interviewing/photographing patients or staff must be made through…

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…

You can find contact details for our hospitals on the Visitors and Patients page and community service contact details on Our services page.  To contact Hereford County Hospital and for general Wye Valley NHS Trust enquiries, call 01432 355444 for switchboard.   Virtual visiting arrangements We have updated visiting arrangements in place.  However, we recognise that due to COVID 19 not all family members are able to visit loved ones and this can be a difficult time. We therefore have virtual visiting arrangements in place.  Click here to find out more.   Patient experience team  Please contact our Patient Experience Team if you…

Your perineum Your perineum is the tissue between your vagina and your anus.  During birth you can experience perineal trauma/tearing.  This can be classified into four degrees of severity: 1st degree – these only affect the skin, they usually do not require any repair and heal quickly on their own. 2nd degree – these affect the skin and the perineal muscle layer, repair is usually needed. 3rd and 4th degree – 3.5% of women will experience a more substantial tear which involves the muscle that controls the anus. This degree of tear will need to be repaired in theatre. Episiotomy…

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…

'Maddie's' story My waters had gone at around 11pm, my partner and I were in bed and I was actually eating profiteroles rolls before going to sleep at the time! It was strange that day…as we had put the car seat into the car, I had sorted all of the babies bottles and had literally got everything ready. After I had realised my waters had gone I phoned maternity triage, the midwife was very helpful and reassured me as I started to get very nervous. I thought I was going to go over my due date. She advised me to…

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

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