Wye Valley NHS Trust

The Ockenden Report was published in December 2020 and contained 7 immediate and Essential Actions for all Maternity Trusts. Information about the Ockenden Report is available on the NHS website. Take a look at some of the ways, outlined below, that we are implementing these actions at Wye Valley NHS Trust. Wye Valley NHS Trust is proud of the safe and kind service we provide to women and their families, but it’s important to always strive for improvement. Every member of staff has a part to play. Please contact our Matron for Quality and Safety if you have any ideas or…

Video: What positions are best for giving birth? In this video, a midwife talks through some of the best positions to give birth. Research shows that adopting upright positions in labour can: Aid in the descent of baby through your pelvis Reduces the pressure on your aorta, the large blood vessel which transports oxygenated blood from your heart to the rest of your body. This in turn increases the oxygen supply to baby, and decreases the chance of abnormal fetal heart patterns and therefore reduces the chance of caesarean section. Allows baby to get into an optimal position for birth…

Back to Cardiac Services Cardiology Cardiology is the medical speciality dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the heart. Cardiologists are specialists in diseases of the heart. The biggest area of heart disease treated is coronary artery disease e.g. angina. Also treated are abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure, high blood pressure and some rarer conditions. Cardiologists usually treat heart disease with drugs. Some of them are also able to provide treatment for coronary heart disease with coronary angioplasty (a procedure by which the arteries of the heart are widened). If heart surgery is required, a cardiologist…

Physiotherapists identify and maximise movement potential through health promotion, preventative healthcare, treatment and rehabilitation. Physiotherapy is an autonomous profession and practice is characterised by reflective behaviour and systematic clinical reasoning, both contributing to and underpinning a problem solving approach to patient centred care. Your Physiotherapist will: Assess current levels of function Identify treatment aims  Devise and offer a treatment plan  Liaise with and signpost to other professions where necessary Treat a wide spectrum of conditions including musculoskeletal, neurological, rheumatology, paediatrics, mental health, respiratory, palliative care and orthopaedic conditions, falls and vestibular Pre-op leaflets for patients  Pre-operative advice leaflet for elective…

Risk factors are conditions or habits that increase your risk of developing a disease. The good news is many heart and circulatory diseases are caused by risk factors that can be controlled, treated or modified. There are several things you can do to help keep your heart healthy and reduce the risk of further problems. If you smoke, stop. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Keep physically active. Keep to a healthy weight and body shape. keep your cholesterol level and your blood pressure under control. It’s important to have these checked regularly at your GP surgery. If you have diabetes,…

The advice below is for anyone who is pregnant and needs information about measles. It includes what to do if you have any symptoms of measles, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has measles. If you need to access maternity care and you have measles symptoms or you have been in close contact with someone who has, please phone ahead. This includes if you are coming to hospital in labour, as well as the Maternity Triage or routine appointments in the hospital or community. This will help us to provide care for you in the most…

The pre-operative assessment unit is situated at the back of the hospital which is clearly sign posted from the main entrance.  It is approximately a 5-10 minute walk from the main entrance but if you require assistance or a wheelchair please ask at the hospital main reception. The purpose of this assessment is to ensure that you are medically fit for surgery.  It also gives you an opportunity to ask questions you may have or discuss any concerns. You will be seen by an experienced pre op assessment nurse, who will ask you a range of questions about your medical…

During labour various assessments can be used to ensure your labour is progressing normally and your baby is not experiencing difficulties.  One thing we recommend is listening to your baby’s heartbeat. During labour when the uterus (womb) contracts the maternal blood flow does not flow as freely through the placenta and your baby has reduced oxygen supply.  This is completely normal and babies are able to adjust to this without any problems.  Occasionally babies have difficulty in adjusting and this may be reflected in the pattern of the heartbeat. Methods of monitoring Before we start to monitor your baby the…

Your perineum Your perineum is the tissue between your vagina and your anus.  During birth you can experience perineal trauma/tearing.  This can be classified into four degrees of severity: 1st degree – these only affect the skin, they usually do not require any repair and heal quickly on their own. 2nd degree – these affect the skin and the perineal muscle layer, repair is usually needed. 3rd and 4th degree – 3.5% of women will experience a more substantial tear which involves the muscle that controls the anus. This degree of tear will need to be repaired in theatre. Episiotomy…

 WVT is a member of the NHS pension scheme, which is generally considered to be one of the most advantageous schemes for the employee. If you are eligible you will be automatically enrolled into the NHS Pension Scheme.  The scheme is eligible to all NHS workers between the age of 16 and 75, who are directly employed by the NHS, are medical, dental and ophthalmic practitioners and trainees, are general medical practice staff, are staff working for certain approved employers, are non-general practice providers. There are six rates of member contributions, ranging from 5.2 per cent of pensionable pay for the lowest earners to…