Treatment for Lymphoedema

National Apprenticeship Week, 10 to 16 February  We are delighted to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, from 10 to 16 February, and showcase the difference apprenticeships make to individuals and to our organisation.   We’ve put the spotlight on some of our apprentices who are completing or have completed their apprenticeships and been successful in gaining employment at our Trust.  Find out more below.  Apprentice spotlight – Rachel, staff nurse at Hereford County Hospital  Hi, my name is Rachel and I am delighted to share my apprenticeship experience. What apprenticeship are you doing/ have you done? I have completed both the nursing associate…

Reasons you may be offered an induction of labour  The following circumstances in pregnancy may result in an induction of labour being offered to you: Post-dates pregnancy Advanced maternal age (40 years of age or more) Suspected big baby Suspected small baby Diabetes Pre-eclampsia Reduced fetal movements IVF If your waters break before tightenings start Obstetric Cholestasis Skip to the factsheet that is relevant to you, so you can start to make a fully informed decision on whether you would like an induction of labour.  Post-dates pregnancy A term pregnancy is classed as anything between 37 and 42 weeks. The…

What to bring with you for your induction

If you are on a Rheumatology medication that suppresses your immune system (table above) and you come in close contact with someone who has shingles or chickenpox, you should contact your GP for advice as treatment may be required.   Close contact is: Being in the same room as someone who has shingles or chickenpox for more than 15 minutes or Having contact with someone who has chickenpox or shingles on many parts of their body or exposed (e.g., on the face).   If possible, you should keep away from someone you know who has chickenpox or shingles.

Pregnancy, labour, birth and having a baby can bring a huge range of emotions to both you and your partner. Although you will have lots of positive feelings while you build a relationship with your baby, you may feel overwhelmed, exhausted and a loss of freedom and/or identity. It is important to realise that these feelings are normal while you adjust to being a parent. However, if these feelings are all-encompassing and you feel that it is affecting your daily life then it may be worth seeking some support. This section outlines the different types of mental health difficutlies that…

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…

Everyone reacts to having a heart problem in different ways. Some people take it in their stride, but others may have more trouble coming to terms with it. Don’t worry if you do experience emotional upheaval, this is a natural reaction to the stress of an unexpected or traumatic event like a heart attack. They’re also common reactions to having heart surgery. Emotions like feeling worried, anxious, angry and low may come and go. You may have good days and bad days. On bad days, you may feel less able to cope with things you’d normally deal with just fine.…

It is often very difficult to distinguish between different causes of pain, especially when it has been present for a long time. As well as having inflammatory arthritis you may have wear and tear (Osteoarthritis), or a new injury, or chronic (ongoing) pain, and these will all be treated very differently. Chronic pain is particularly difficult to treat as there is no medical target. This is best managed with exercise, relaxation and stress management. You may find some of the links below relating to ongoing pain helpful.   Useful links: WVT Pain Management Service https://www.wyevalley.nhs.uk/services/community-services/pain-management-service.aspx Pain UK https://painuk.org/ Live Well…

We strongly recommend that you continue your Rheumatology medication as normal, unless advised otherwise. Not taking your medication would mean you are at risk of having a flare-up, which puts you at a higher risk group than those on medication.  You should keep lateral flow tests at home.  You can use any lateral flow tests supplied by the Government. Please go to https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests  or call 119 to order a pack of lateral flow tests. Only use them if you develop symptoms. If you run out, you can order more. Please note that tests bought from a shop (including pharmacies) cannot be registered…