Back to Rapid Cardiology The two carotid arteries are the main vessels that supply blood to the brain. They originate from the main arteries of the body (the aorta and brachiocephalic artery) in the chest and travel up through the neck and into the skull. Atherosclerosis of the right or left carotid artery is the most common cause of a stroke. A carotid duplex scan is a technique to take a picture of these arteries using sound waves (ultrasound). A sound-wave transducer is placed gently on the neck. The walls and interior of the artery are visualised and the velocity…

When you are on biologic drugs (or biosimilar) you are more likely to get food poisoning, because part of your body’s immune system is being altered. In order to avoid the risk of salmonella, listeria and e.coli you shouldn’t eat the following foods: Unpasteurised milk and dairy products, e.g. cheese made from unpasteurised milk. Mould ripened soft cheeses (e.g. Brie and Camembert) and blue cheeses (whether pasteurised or not), feta and goats cheeses. Raw eggs, or foods containing uncooked egg (e.g. home-made mayonnaise). Raw or undercooked meat (e.g. rare steak) and fish. Cooked rice over 24 hours old and not…

Viral gastroenteritis (norovirus) patient information. Viral gastroenteritis is when the gut lining becomes irritated by a virus, and can have many causes. One of the most common is Norovirus. It results in sudden onset of profuse vomiting with or without diarrhoea.

The Coffee Cup The Coffee Cup, at Hereford County Hospital, is located on the ground floor near the main entrance area.  It is open 7 days a week, 7am to 7pm (this may vary for public holidays)   The Coffee Cup serves Costa beverages, as well as bottled drinks and hot and cold snack item foods. All items can be eaten in or taken away. Spires Restaurant Spires Restaurant, is located on the first floor at Hereford County Hospital. It is accessible via the visitors lift on the ground floor or stairs next to the lift.  The restaurant is near to the hospital pharmacy. It…