Wye Valley NHS Trust

You should take a lateral flow test if you have COVID-19 symptoms, even if your symptoms are mild. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, please follow the guidelines on the NHS 111 website and temporarily stop taking your Rheumatology medication (see table below), EXCEPT for steroids (Prednisolone), Hydroxychloroquine and Sulfasalazine,until you are fully recovered. This advice applies for any infection. You may be eligible to receive anti-viral medication against COVID-19 If your test is positive, you must report your result athttps://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result  or by calling 119. Your local health board will contact you to arrange a telephone appointment with a healthcare professional who will decide whether…

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…

The Children's Hearing Centre receives referrals from: Newborn Hearing Screening Programme (NHSP) General Practitioners (GP's) Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Consultants Paediatricians Health Visitors Speech and Language Therapists School Nurses School Hearing Screener If you are concerned about your child’s hearing, please speak to your health visitor or GP about a referral to our service. We aim to see children within 6 weeks of receipt of a referral in most cases, or sooner if there is an urgent need (for example post-meningitis, or if there is a sudden change in hearing).   

Blood tests help us to ensure that the medication is being used safely and not causing any harmful effects. When you first start a DMARD, such as Methotrexate or Sulfasalazine, you will need 2 weekly blood tests for 6 weeks, then monthly thereafter. Once your condition is stable on the medication, your blood tests should be every 2 to 3 months, unless required more often. We also check your bloods when you are on a biologic drug, and we will let you know the required frequency for each specific biologic. Should there be any cause for concern, either your GP…

Herefordshire Tuberculosis Service

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)…

Inflammatory arthritis activity can vary and there will be times when it is manageable and other times when you may experience flare-ups. A flare-up of your inflammatory arthritis may include symptoms such as worsening of joint pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue and general “unwell” feeling. Flare-ups are unpredictable and can start suddenly or after an illness such as a chest or urinary infection or a stressful period (physical or mental). Triggers may not always be identifiable. You must seek urgent medical attention if you have a joint that becomes red, hot, swollen, and painful and a fever, as this may suggest…

Do not attend hospital/clinic if you have COVID-19 symptoms High temperature, a new, continuous cough, a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste   Visiting arrangements - updated 30/04/25  Visiting restrictions updated at the Trust's hospitals.  The latest information on visiting restrictions, including ward closures that may be in place are listed on our visiting page. Surgical face masks for staff, patients and visitors – updated 26/2/25 Staff - staff will be wearing a face mask on a case by case basis/or on personal preference. Patients and visitors - it is patient/visitor choice regarding wearing a face mask in our hospitals/clinics. …

COVID-19 Osteoporasis information for public   What is Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is the term used to describe bones when they become ‘porous’, when the struts which make up the mesh-like structure within bone start to disappear. This leads to a reduction in bone strength and an increased risk of fracture after injuries such as a low impact fall. These broken bones or ‘fragility fractures’ can occur in different parts of the body, although the wrist, hip and spine are most commonly affected. Osteoporosis is thought to affect 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men during their lifetime. It is…

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…