When dealing with a chronic health condition or the management of persistent pain it is best to consult with a physiotherapist to find the best exercises that work for you. Persistent pain (over three months) should not be treated the same way as acute pain. Staying active and mobile Keeping active maintains fitness and improves physical and mental well-being, both of which are of critical importance in the management of pain.   An excellent resource by ‘HealthTalk’ challenges some of the myths related to pain and exercise. It includes videos and shared experiences of those living with persistent pain. Also,…

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…

Research regarding people who have persistent pain suggests that the greatest long-term benefits are felt by those who keep practising relaxation, pacing and a gentle fitness programme, but when you have persistent pain, managing these and ‘everyday’ activities can be very difficult. It might feel like the pain is in control. There can be traps to fall into; pushing through pain, avoiding activity, or falling into a ‘boom and bust’ cycle.   For more information, helpful tips and experiences shared by other people dealing with chronic health conditions and/or persistent pain visit the Health Talk website. What is Pacing? Pacing…

Mindfulness Do you feel that you are in a daily battle with your pain? Is your mind full of thoughts, fears, frustrations or muddle? Do you feel like you are always rushing? Do you hate the idea of “accepting your pain” or “coming to terms with it”? Mindfulness can help you find a calmer way to live life despite having pain. What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is merely paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgementally.  It is based on meditation practice which helps you Allow your mind to settle more in the present moment…

Welcome to our paediatric outpatient department and Children's Ward.  The Paediatric department (Children's ward) provides inpatient and outpatient treatment of medical and surgical conditions, in children from birth up to the seventeenth birthday. The Children's ward deals with medical conditions and also provides facilities for many surgical specialties. The majority of children needing surgery can be treated in Hereford.  However, surgery in young children (generally under two years of age) and specialist surgery is referred to a specialist Children’s hospital, usually Birmingham. Both the medical and surgical specialties at The County Hospital have good links with Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Several…

National Apprenticeship Week, 10 to 16 February  We are delighted to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, from 10 to 16 February, and showcase the difference apprenticeships make to individuals and to our organisation.   We’ve put the spotlight on some of our apprentices who are completing or have completed their apprenticeships and been successful in gaining employment at our Trust.  Find out more below.  Apprentice spotlight – Rachel, staff nurse at Hereford County Hospital  Hi, my name is Rachel and I am delighted to share my apprenticeship experience. What apprenticeship are you doing/ have you done? I have completed both the nursing associate…

The County Hospital has its own Angiography Suite where cardiac diagnostic tests, heart pacing, and the fitting of pacemakers are carried out. The Suite has its own dedicated staff, which assists the doctor and takes care of patients during their visit. It is managed by the heart and lung department. Coronary Angiography Coronary Angiography is a special x-ray of the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries do not show up on a plain x-ray. Coronary Angiography involves a dye being injected down the coronary arteries, which together with their smaller branches, then show up clearly on an x-ray “like a road…