What is an aneurysm? The aorta is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the body. It runs from the heart down through the chest and abdomen. In some people, as they get older, the wall of the aorta in the abdomen can become weak. It can then start to expand and form what is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm, also known as an AAA or 'triple A'. The condition is most common among men aged 65 and over. Large aneurysms are rare but can be very serious. As the wall of the aorta stretches it becomes weaker and…

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…

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…

Waterbirth has many benefits including: Lower chance of postpartum haemorrhage Lower chance of having an episiotomy Decreased need for stronger pain relief (epidural and pethidine) Lower chance of perineal trauma A more positive birth experience No difference in baby’s wellbeing at birth (Burns et al, 2022) Systematic review and meta-analysis to examine intrapartum interventions, and maternal and neonatal outcomes following immersion in water during labour and waterbirth | BMJ Open Waterbirth is offered routinely for women who have had an uncomplicated pregnancy. The criteria for women wishing to use water at Hereford are:  BMI < 35 Baby is in a…

The majority of people will experience some nausea and vomiting during pregnancy – around 80%.  Although it is often described as morning sickness, the symptoms can present at any time of day.  For most people, the nausea and sickness can be managed with changes to their diet and lifestyle and doesn’t impede greatly on their daily activities and will improve at around 12-20 weeks of pregnancy.  However, for some women, approximately 3%, the nausea and vomiting will be so severe that it affects their health and wellbeing, they cannot continue with their normal routine and they need hospital treatment –…

Close and loving relationships Babies are born very dependent on their parents. Their brains undergo huge development in the first two years of life. This development depends on a loving bond or attachment relationship with a primary caregiver, usually a parent. Research in a relatively new branch of science called Epigenetics is showing just how important close and loving relationships with our primary caregivers are to our long term emotional health and wellbeing. The experiences of infants with their parents actually impacts their DNA and can positively or negatively affect the next generation. The most important stage for brain development…

What is Lymphoedema, signs and symptoms

The County Hospital has its own Angiography Suite where cardiac diagnostic tests, heart pacing, and the fitting of pacemakers are carried out. The Suite has its own dedicated staff, which assists the doctor and takes care of patients during their visit. It is managed by the heart and lung department. Coronary Angiography Coronary Angiography is a special x-ray of the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries do not show up on a plain x-ray. Coronary Angiography involves a dye being injected down the coronary arteries, which together with their smaller branches, then show up clearly on an x-ray “like a road…

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…

Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) producing Organism information for patients This information will be given to patients in hospital if they have a positive result for this organism.