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.…

Welcome Welcome to the Special Care Baby Unit at Hereford County Hospital located on the second floor.  Your baby may be on the unit because they require additional care. Our staff are all here to support you and help care for your baby. On this website page, you will find helpful information about parental access to the unit, visiting arrangements, what you may need, quiet time, feeding your baby, and useful links to information and support.  Please see the menu on the right side of this page to access this helpful information. We have two video tours of the Special…

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…

If you have a flare-up of your Rheumatology symptoms and need advice, follow the steps below and we will help you: 1.     Contact the Rheumatology department: 01432 36 4020 orrheumatology.patient@nhs.net 2.     Leave a voicemail message and include following details: Your full name and date of birth Your hospital number and/or NHS number (if known) Explain that you are having a flare-up and need some clinical advice Please make sure you say you are on PIFU pathway 3.     The team will review your concerns and decide if you need a telephone or face-to-face appointment. 4.     If the team thinks you need…

Many parents cherish the time they were able to spend with their baby, and keepsakes can play a vital role in the grieving process following baby loss as most parents find making memories and having such reminders afterwards a great comfort. Other parents may feel that making memories and seeing their baby isn’t the right decision for them. There are lots of different ways we can support you in remembering your baby, some of these include: A memory box provided by a Baby Loss Charity Hand and foot prints Photography by the midwives Professional photography by www.remembermybaby.org.uk Dressing or bathing…

Pulse oximetry Once baby is born they will be offered pulse oximetry to screen for possible heart problems. This is a quick test where their oxygen levels in their blood is measured on their right hand and any foot.  If the results are not normal then they will be referred to the paediatrician for further investigations. Hearing screening Hearing screening will also be offered. If you aren’t having an early discharge after birth then this will usually happen on the maternity ward, otherwise you will be sent a letter with an appointment within four weeks.  Newborn and Infant Examination (NIPE)…

Information audiology (hearing) department at Wye Valley NHS Trust

As much as mother’s can be affected by the life changing event of pregnancy, birth and a baby, parenthood for the partner can also bring a variety of feelings which can include depression and/or anxiety. This is sometimes referred to as paternal depression. Having a baby can change the dynamic of your relationship and increase financial pressure. A lack of sleep and perhaps the need to look after more children can all contribute to poor mental health.  Some factors can make it more likely for partners to suffer with their mental health are: A lack of social networks Other life…

Your pelvic floor is a combination of muscles in your pelvis which act as a hammock, supporting your bladder, bowel and uterus. Due to the extra pressure on your pelvic floor during pregnancy and birth your pelvic floor muscles will likely be weakened. You might experience less sensation when you need to empty your bladder which can lead to incontinence. Your pelvic floor muscles should steadily improve, but you can aid your recovery with pelvic floor exercises. If you are having trouble controlling your bladder after having your baby then you may need to see a physiotherapist, speak to your…