Sleep is often viewed as one of the top 3 issues for people we see at the pain self-management service, and because sleep is so necessary to our health and general well-being it makes it a high priority in establishing the best quality of sleep possible. Click on the links below for helpful information The 4 basics  How to sleep well with pain Getting a good night's sleep Sleep problems guide The 4 basics Below is a very simple and quick outline on four basic principles that help with sleep. Get a Routine and Relax A ‘winding down’ routine can…

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…

Our theatre team undertake more than 13,000 operations every year for inpatients and day surgery patients. We care for our patients by ensuring that operations are carried out in the safest, most modern surroundings, with high quality care and treatment, provided by our expert theatre surgeons and theatre teams. Our dedicated theatre team is always looking for ways to improve the service we provide.  We keep up to date with current research and progress, as well as assessing and review our skills regularly.  We operate on patients from Herefordshire and the surrounding areas, and patients from other areas can choose…

Before labour starts, the neck of the womb (cervix) is long, firm and closed. Even before labour begins, the cervix can be drawn up and gets thinner.  The ‘latent’ phase of labour is the very first part of your labour – the early part of first stage. During the ‘latent’ phase the neck of the womb thins and opens up to about 3 to 4 cm.  The latent phase can last several days or weeks before active labour starts. This is normal. Some women have bouts of contractions lasting a few hours, which then stop and start again later or…

Labour can be categorised into the latent phase of labour and the active/established stage. The pain relief options will be slightly different for each stage. The Latent Phase This is the early phase of labour where your cervix will be softening and getting ready for established labour.  You may experience some period type discomfort and irregular tightening’s, the sensations you feel will most likely be in your lower abdomen and lower back as your cervix softens. For this stage of labour, there are lots of things you can do to help yourself feel more comfortable: Use a hot water bottle…

  Safeguarding adults (7/5/25) Safeguarding adults - means protecting the most vulnerable from abuse and neglect.  Find out more and how to report adult safeguarding concerns.  All adults have the right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. Adults have a legal right to make their own decisions, even if they are unwise, as long as they have capacity to make that decision and are free from coercion or undue influence. Abuse and neglect can take many forms. It may be an isolated incident, a series of incidents or a long term pattern of behaviour and could affect…

What we do Children’s Physiotherapy is a specialist community physiotherapy service for babies, children and young people living in Herefordshire.  Children’s physiotherapists have additional knowledge and experience of child development and childhood disabilities.  Children’s physiotherapists are responsible for the assessment and physical rehabilitation of children and young people who are identified as having difficulties with the development of gross motor skills and mobility as a result of accident, injury, disease or disability.  They also see children with specific conditions such as Cystic Fibrosis, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, gait anomalies and life-limiting conditions.  Children’s’ physiotherapists use a variety of…

The ‘Macmillan Renton Unit’ is a purpose built outpatient facility at Wye Valley NHS Trust, in Hereford, which opened in 2011. Macmillan Renton is an outpatient unit caring for patients who have cancer or where cancer is suspected. Haematology outpatient appointments are also held in this unit. Outpatient clinics as well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy are held daily (Monday to Friday), as well as other treatments, such as blood transfusions.  The Unit is supported by a broad range of staff. These include Specialist Doctors, Nurses, Physiotherapists, Dieticians, Occupational Therapists, Radiotherapists, Health Care Assistants, and Support Workers.  Our multidisciplinary team are…

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.…

'Maddie's' story My waters had gone at around 11pm, my partner and I were in bed and I was actually eating profiteroles rolls before going to sleep at the time! It was strange that day…as we had put the car seat into the car, I had sorted all of the babies bottles and had literally got everything ready. After I had realised my waters had gone I phoned maternity triage, the midwife was very helpful and reassured me as I started to get very nervous. I thought I was going to go over my due date. She advised me to…