A comprehensive guide Induction of labour (IOL) is the attempt to bring on labour when a woman is not showing any signs of being in labour, it is now a commonly used intervention, with 1 in 3 women experiencing it.  As with any intervention offered in pregnancy and birth, you, as the mother have the option to accept or decline. In order to make that decision you will need up-to-date, evidence-based information about that topic. We want all women to have the same information and to empower you to make the right decision for you, your baby and your family.…

We've created a portal for patients which brings together all the important information and leaflets that you need in one place.   What is the patient portal? The new patient portal is an online platform that allows patients to access information about their healthcare, securely via their chosen device e.g. laptop/phone/tablet. View a video about the portal by clicking here   What information/facility is available via the portal? The patient portal provides a convenient way for patients to view; Outpatient appointment details Maxims appointment letters and associated leaflets Clinical letters Relevant point of contact – telephone contact for each service…

Otoscopy – examination of the ears to identify any wax blockages, infection, etc. Tympanometry – a measurement that tests the condition of the middle part of the ear and mobility of the eardrum by making small pressures change inside the ear. Hearing assessment – see below for further information about the range of methods of hearing assessment for different ages. We will discuss any concerns you may have about your child’s hearing and any relevant medical history or family history of hearing loss. The results of the assessment will be discussed with you during the appointment You will receive a…

Travel by car, charges and concessions

What to do when you arrive at hospital Please go straight to the ward/department indicated on your admission letter. If you unsure of how to find the department/ward please ask staff or volunteers at the main reception (main entrance of the hospital). It is important that you arrive in plenty of time for your appointment. If you are delayed for any reason we ask that you telephone the relevant ward/department direct. Privacy and dignity We are committed to the delivery of high quality services, affording our patients the same privacy, dignity, respect and compassion that we would want for ourselves,…

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…

Mindfulness Do you feel that you are in a daily battle with your pain? Is your mind full of thoughts, fears, frustrations or muddle? Do you feel like you are always rushing? Do you hate the idea of “accepting your pain” or “coming to terms with it”? Mindfulness can help you find a calmer way to live life despite having pain. What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is merely paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgementally.  It is based on meditation practice which helps you Allow your mind to settle more in the present moment…

Preparing for your hospital stay and what to bring with you

There is now strong evidence to say that homebirth is as safe as giving birth in hospital with many other psycho-social benefits.  Hutton et al (2019) state that ‘The risk of perinatal or neonatal mortality was not different when birth was intended at home or in hospital’. The Birthplace Study which involved 17,000 cases showed that homebirth is just as safe as giving birth in hospital for second or subsequent births. A possible explanation for this is that labouring in hospital is much more likely to involve interventions, which can interfere with normal physiology and cause further problems such as…

Inform the dental team of your Rheumatology condition and any medication that you may be taking. This is important as it can affect the choice of treatment or how it is carried out. If you are having an invasive dental procedure you will need to stop your biologic medication before and after the procedure under the advice of the Rheumatology team. Please seek advice from the Rheumatology Advice Line on how to do this, as different biologic medications have different time frames to stop. NRAS – Oral Health - https://nras.org.uk/resource/oral-health/