We encourage all patients to take an active role in their care, and we want to make sure your follow up appointments work better for you. We know that attending appointments can be time consuming, costly and cause worry. We are learning from you that follow up appointments are not always useful or needed. Now, you and your healthcare professional can work together to decide the best option for you, this may include: No follow up appointment at all. A follow up appointment for an agreed date, for example in six months.- Follow up appointments may be at the hospital,…

The County Hospital children's ward has been transformed into a colourful magical wonderland thanks to a local artist. Nurses on the children's ward, inspired by the work of local artist, Tom Roberts, fundraised for the design of a mural, to create a welcoming, familiar, and colourful environment for the children they care for. The beautiful mural meanders through the corridors, playroom, treatment rooms and patient bays and gives a brighter outlook for the children, parents and staff. The mural gives the children a focal point to help distract them when having procedures, and helps aid their recovery by creating a…

When your baby is born they are still receiving oxygen and blood through the umbilical cord and placenta to allow a smooth transition into life outside of the womb. At any one time, a third of a baby’s blood volume is in their placenta. Therefore it is recommended that the cord is left unclamped until baby has received all of their blood. If the cord is left until it has stopped pulsating, baby can benefit from increased iron, oxygen and weight gain.Delayed cord clamping is now routinely practised. This is when the cord is left for at least one minute…

This page is specifically for Children and Young People and their parents and carers.  Below you will find a list of leaflets, resources and advice that you may find useful.   Sensory workshop workbook You may find this workbook useful when creating strategies for your child or young person. Sensory workshop workbook   Bathing Skills Bath time Visual aid for bath routine - boys Visual aid for bath routine - girls   Examples from workshops Examples of applying this knowledge to everyday activities   Feeding skills Feeding skills leaflet Meal times    Hair and nail care skills Hair care Nail…

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…

  All patients are given verbal advice on self-care at initial assessment and this is followed up with written information. Information is reiterated at follow-up appointments. Carers often attend with the most vulnerable and we include them in the discussions where appropriate. Patients and carers can often manage simple foot care if shown how to use nail nippers or a good nail file effectively. We advise on where to obtain the appropriate equipment. We also advise on appropriate footwear again giving advice on where to obtain suitable accommodating footwear e.g. for oedematous feet. A range of information leaflets are available…

Skin to skin Extensive research tells us the many benefits of skin to skin immediately after baby is born. It helps to regulate baby’s heartrate, breathing and temperature, reduces their stress levels, aids with their first feed, as well as enhancing your milk supply.   It has also been shown to have beneficial effects for the mother if they have experienced a traumatic birth.    A minimum of an hour skin to skin and offering baby their first feed during this time can help to realise these benefits.  However, there is no limit, as baby grows, skin to skin can…

Many Rheumatology conditions are life-long, but, with the right treatment, the symptoms can be well controlled for prolonged periods of time, enabling you to get on with your daily life. However, because things can change over time, we usually arrange follow-up appointments at regular intervals. This may mean that you take time off from work, or other activities, to attend the appointments when they are well. PIFU allows you to have a greater control over your appointments. Instead of being offered regular follow-up appointments, you can request your own appointment when you need it (e.g., when you are experiencing a…

Otoscopy – examination of the ears to identify any wax blockages, infection, etc. Tympanometry – a measurement that tests the condition of the middle part of the ear and mobility of the eardrum by making small pressures change inside the ear. Hearing assessment – see below for further information about the range of methods of hearing assessment for different ages. We will discuss any concerns you may have about your child’s hearing and any relevant medical history or family history of hearing loss. The results of the assessment will be discussed with you during the appointment You will receive a…