You don’t need to bring too much for your little one, here are a few suggestions: Newborn nappies Cotton wall/wipes Baby grows and vests Muslin A couple of hats A blanket for the car seat when leaving hospital Any colostrum you have expressed, keep this in a freezer bag, named and with the date and time you expressed. On arrival at the hospital give it to a member of staff who will store it in the freezer for you If you have chosen to formula feed you will need to bring a formula feeding starter pack which includes the…

What is an aneurysm? The aorta is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the body. It runs from the heart down through the chest and abdomen. In some people, as they get older, the wall of the aorta in the abdomen can become weak. It can then start to expand and form what is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm, also known as an AAA or 'triple A'. The condition is most common among men aged 65 and over. Large aneurysms are rare but can be very serious. As the wall of the aorta stretches it becomes weaker and…

Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy are procedures that are both performed in the Endoscopy Department at The County Hospital. They are both a form of investigation to examine the lungs but the way they are carried out is very different. They are both carried out by a respiratory consultant, sometimes two. In the case of thoracoscopy, there is also the addition of an anaesthetist. Bronchoscopy and Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) A bronchoscopy is a test where a Respiratory Consultant looks into the lungs using a flexible tube with a camera and light at one end. This procedure is performed under conscious sedation which means…

The third stage of labour is the time between when your baby has been born and the birth of the placenta. Your womb will continue to contract and will be reducing in size. As your womb becomes smaller the placenta will comes away from the side of the uterus and move down into your vagina. As this happens you will have some blood loss as the blood vessels that were connecting the placenta and the uterus will temporarily bleed. The blood loss reduces once the blood vessels constrict and close up the space where your placenta was attached. Physiological third…

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…

Introduction Wye Valley NHS Trust has temporarily paused its home birth service while it carries out a thorough review of how the service is delivered. Although no safety concerns have been identified, this decision follows a national request for all NHS Trusts to assess the sustainability and safety of their home birth provision. The temporary suspension will allow the Trust to ensure that the service continues to be delivered safely and consistently across Herefordshire. Home births remain a safe option for those with low‑risk pregnancies, provided they are supported by midwives with the appropriate skills, experience, and training. Complications during…

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Infant feeding and Baby Friendly Status Wye Valley NHS Trust was reaccredited by UNICEF in October 2024 for work with mothers and newborn babies and awarded Baby Friendly Status.  Recognising that best practice standards are in place to protect, promote and support breastfeeding and all mothers/parents with their informed feeding choices. This award also recognises best practice in strengthening and supporting mother-baby and family relationships. Guide about our policy to support new families to make informed choices about infant feeding. What we offer We provide a high level of support for all mothers/parents with infant feeding choices, which includes breast feeding and…

Russell Hardy MBE, chair Russell Hardy MBE became chair of Wye Valley NHS Trust in November 2016. He is also the Chair of South Warwickshire NHS FT’s Board and Council of Governors, having taken on the roles in 2015. Russell has a wealth of experience from working in both NHS trusts and private companies, with a firm understanding of working in large organisations and overseeing strategic developments. Russell also chairs the Remuneration and terms of service committee. Glen Burley, chief executive for the Foundation Group In April 2025, Glen's role changed to chief executive for the Foundation Group.  Prior to…

The maternity ward is located on the second floor at Hereford County Hospital. If you are not wishing for an early discharge from Delivery Suite or if you and your baby need some additional monitoring or support with feeding then you will be transferred to Maternity Ward shortly after birth. When you arrive a midwife will be assigned to care for you and they will come and introduce themselves. There are also Maternity Support Workers and Healthcare Assistants on the ward who can support you and help you with baby cares. Below is some useful information about how the ward…