Whilst Strep A infections are usually mild, they can on rare occasions lead to a more serious infection called Invasive Group A Strep (iGAS). Parents should trust their judgement when their child is poorly. If they believe that their child has scarlet fever or seems seriously unwell, please contact NHS 111 or their GP. Parents and carers who are unsure where best to access help and treatment are encouraged to contact NHS111 by calling 111, or if their child is over the age of 5 using the online service via 111.nhs.uk Parents should call 999 or go to A&E if…

Membrane sweeps A membrane sweep or ‘stretch and sweep’ is when the midwife or doctor inserts two fingers into the vagina, through the cervix (if it is open enough) and uses a circular sweeping motion around the membranes in order to try and stimulate your body to release the hormone prostaglandin and create tightenings. NICE guidelines suggest that a sweep can be discussed and offered to women from 39 weeks. Although a membrane sweep isn’t a formal stage in the induction of labour process, it is still classed as a method of inducing labour and is often thought of as…

What is Lymphoedema, signs and symptoms

Macmillan Cancer Support Information, emotional & financial support for people living with cancer Helpline: 0808 808 0000 (8am – 8pm 7 days a week) Email: Complete the form on their website and submit. Macmillan Cancer Support information   Cancer Research UK Helpline free phone: 0808 800 4040 Mon-Fri 9-5pmPeaches Womb Cancer Trust  GO Girls Supports anyone diagnosed with gynaecological cancer Go Girl Supporting your cancer journey organisation  The Eve Appeal Charity offering support for women with any gynaecological cancers Helpline freephone: 0808 802 0019 Email: nurse@eveappeal.org.uk The Eve Appeal   Ovacome A National Support Group for all those concerned with ovarian cancer.…

Going home from hospital - being discharged from hospital

What will happen during my induction of labour? Your midwife will ask to take your observations (blood pressure, temperature, pulse, oxygen levels, breathing rate) The midwife will then ask to monitor your baby’s heartrate continuously for around 30 minutes on a CTG monitor Your midwife will then ask for your consent to carry out a vaginal examination to assess your cervix The midwife will then insert the prostaglandin (Propess) high in your vagina Your baby’s heart rate will then be monitored for another 30 minutes to check baby hasn’t immediately been affected To help encourage tightenings, it is important to…

After your baby is born your midwife will ask whether you would like your baby to have a Vitamin K supplement. It is known that newborn babies have about 30% to 60% of the vitamin K an adult would have stored in their liver. It isn’t known why this is or if there is a reason for this. However, a very small amount of babies are born very deficient in Vitamin K and go on to develop Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB). VKDB can cause bleeding from the nose, umbilicus, mouth or into the brain which can in turn cause…

If you have a fall stay calm and try not to panic If you are able to get up: Do NOT attempt the above if you have had a hip or knee replacement in the past 6 weeks unless taught by a physiotherapist. 1. Roll onto one side 2. Ease onto your elbows 3. Push up onto hands and knees into a crawling position 4. Crawl to a sturdy piece of furniture, e.g. table or chair 5. Put both hands up onto the furniture  6. Bring your strongest leg up, place your foot flat on the floor 7. Push up…

At Wye Valley NHS Trust we provide the following diagnostic tests: 1. Multi-night overnight oximetry – This involves wearing a watch-like monitor on a finger during sleep and is done at home. It is collected from the sleep clinic, worn overnight over a minimum of two consecutive nights and then returned for a recording of your night's sleep to be downloaded. 2. Limited Channel Sleep study – This is a slightly more in-depth test. It involves attending the sleep clinic for a ‘fitting’ session and then the equipment. This is worn overnight at home and returned the next day. It…

Where to go when you arrive at hospital Patients are asked to report to the reception area indicated on their appointment letter.  Patients attending appointments in Oxford Suite, Eign Suite and Audiology please check in at the main reception at the front entrance to Hereford County Hospital. When you receive a letter, giving you information of the date and time of your appointment, it should state which reception area that you need to attend. If you are unsure of where to go, ask at the main reception/information desk located in the main hospital entrance area. Outpatient areas have reception desks…