The Neurophysiology department at The County Hospital provides a comprehensive neurophysiology diagnostic service to both inpatients and outpatients. Investigations include EEG (Electroencephalogram), Ambulatory EEG, Multiple Sleep Latency Testing and Evoked Responses. The service also provides physiologist and consultant led nerve conduction studies and consultant only electromyography (EMG). We accept GP referrals for most of our investigations.  All GP referrals can now be made via the NHS e-referral system. The department consists of a Service Manager, Consultant Neurophysiologist, 2 Clinical Physiologists, a Medical Secretary and an Administrative Assistant. Links with other Services The department works closely with the neurology, paediatric and…

Health chiefs in England are encouraging parents to be aware of the signs of respiratory illnesses in young children, as data from Public Health England (PHE) shows cases are starting to rise in parts of the country. Respiratory illnesses, including colds and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are very common in young children and we see them every year. Last winter, due to the various restrictions in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19, there were far fewer infections in younger people. This means many will not have developed immunity and so we may see more cases this year than in…

Once baby is born, the midwife (or you!) will bring baby up to your abdomen or chest depending on the length of baby’s cord. Baby will be gently dried whilst on you and a warm layer will be placed over the top of you and your baby. We aim to keep baby skin to skin with you for at least an hour or as long as you like. Skin to skin has many benefits to you and baby: Calming for both baby and mother Helps to regulate baby’s temperature Enhances the bonding process Helps to regulate baby’s breathing and heart…

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…

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…

The first step is to get in touch with the Voluntary Services team. We will chat to you about volunteering and the areas you may be interested in supporting.

There are lots of simple things that you can do to help you stay steady on your feet, whether you are worried about falling, are fit and active, or have difficulty with your mobility. Be active You can help to prevent falls by staying fit and active. Physical activity helps to improve mobility, strength, balance, flexibility and stamina. There are a variety of ways to be active which can include gardening, housework, walking, swimming and exercise classes. If you are already active, Tai Chi and dancing are good activities to help you keep good balance and stronger muscles and bones.…

The Intensive Therapy Unit has six beds and provides both High Dependency (level 2) and Intensive Care (Level 3). We are able to provide all forms of multi-organ support for critically ill patients. We provide an Outreach service, staffed by experienced critical care nurses. This allows early intervention in critically ill patients, ward staff education and ITU patient follow-up. We are part of the Birmingham and Black Country Critical Network and submit data to the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre (ICNARC). This ensures that we regularly review the outcome of our patients and ensures the provision of a…

Parking, disabled people

Jaundice is a common condition which affects many newborn babies. It is usually mild and causes a yellow tone to the skin and sometimes to the sclera (whites of the eyes). It usually resolves after a few days and isn’t too much of a concern. However, occasionally babies will need treatment for jaundice. This is most likely to be in the form of phototherapy, but if it is severe then an exchange transfusion may be advised, this is rarer. Jaundice occurs because when babies are in the womb, they have many more red blood cells than average to allow for…