A A AText only | Accessibility | Privacy and cookies

Browse site A to Z

Search results

Go To Simple Search

Press release: Young patients set to celebrate 'everyday heroes' during fun-filled week

Description
Young patients at Southampton Children's Hospital are set to celebrate their 'everyday heroes' during a fun-filled week of activities from
Url
/AboutTheTrust/Newsandpublications/Latestnews/2018/October-2018/Press-release-Young-patients-set-to-celebrate-'everyday-heroes'-during-fun-filled-week.aspx

What to expect in the early stage of labour - patient information

Description
This factsheet has been designed to give you information about what to expect and how to look after yourself during the
Url
/Media/UHS-website-2019/Patientinformation/Pregnancyandbirth/What-to-expect-in-the-early-stage-of-labour-1035-PIL.pdf

Press release: Young heart patients showered with cards and gifts on Valentine's Day

Description
Young heart patients at Southampton Children's Hospital celebrated Valentine's Day on the wards with hundreds of handmade cards and gifts sent in by local schools and nurseries.
Url
/AboutTheTrust/Newsandpublications/Latestnews/2019/February/Press-release-Young-heart-patients-showered-with-cards-and-gifts-on-Valentines-Day.aspx

Children's emergency department appeal reaches £2 million target

Description
To celebrate reaching their target, the Murray Parish Trust and Southampton Hospital Charity thanked supporters and gave an exclusive preview of the new assessment unit.
Url
/AboutTheTrust/Newsandpublications/Latestnews/2018/November-2018/Childrens-emergency-department-appeal-reaches-2-million-target.aspx

Young patients to meet dog with a difference at emergency services event

Description
Young patients will get to meet a dog with a difference tomorrow (Friday) as the emergency services descend on Southampton Children's Hospital for a day of fun-packed activities.
Url
/AboutTheTrust/Newsandpublications/Latestnews/2017/August-2017/Young-patients-to-meet-dog-with-a-difference-at-emergency-services-event.aspx

Managing pain after surgery

Description
pain management after surgery v2.qxp_Layout 1 09/06/2022 12:21 Page 1 Managing pain after your surgery This leaflet explains what you can do to prepare for going home after surgery and to help your recovery. It describes the medicines used to reduce pain, and how to use them safely while you recover. pain management after surgery v2.qxp_Layout 1 09/06/2022 12:21 Page 2 Why have I been prescribed pain medicines? Some pain after an operation or surgery is normal. The amount of pain will be different for everybody. It’s known as acute pain and it can be lessened with pain medicines. You will usually be offered pain medicines straight after your operation. Your healthcare team will develop a plan that includes pain medicines you may already be taking. These reduce the pain. This makes it easier to cough, move, walk about and become steadily more active. These activities are vital to your recovery. It is normal to feel anxious about moving again after surgery. As you recover and gradually increase your activity level, you may notice that your confidence grows as well. It is important to have a plan to help you get there. Perhaps you might want to try something new or do things in a different way. Pain medicines also make it easier to follow the exercise plan from your physio team, so you recover more quickly. Being active reduces the risk of complications such as chest infection or clots in the legs or lungs. As you feel better, stronger and are more active, you should reduce and then stop your pain medicines. If pain persists, contact your healthcare team. 2 pain management after surgery v2.qxp_Layout 1 09/06/2022 12:21 Page 3 Opioid medicines: the basics Opioid medicines such as morphine are useful to help reduce higher levels of pain experienced after an operation or injuries like a fractured bone. They are usually prescribed when other pain medicines have not reduced the level of pain enough to allow you to comfortably increase what you are able to do e.g. physiotherapy, getting up and moving about. There are different types of opioid pain medicines and they might be used at different times in your recovery or vary depending on other medicines that you are also taking. You may only need opioid medicines for a short time after surgery. Most people stop them after a couple of days. If you need to take them for longer, it is important to reduce and stop them in a planned way. You may be advised to take other pain medicines as you recover. Your healthcare team will advise you on the type of opioid medicine to use. They can guide you to use pain medicines safely to reduce the chance of side effects or other problems. Your healthcare team will also recommend how you can best reduce and stop taking pain medicines as soon as you feel able to. 3 pain management after surgery v2.qxp_Layout 1 09/06/2022 12:21 Page 4 Before your surgery What can I do before my operation to improve my recovery afterwards? Be as active and fit as you can be Being as active and fit as you can be helps recovery to be quicker and the pain will reduce and stop sooner. Sometimes staying active can be tricky if you have pain or problems with joints or other areas of the body. So ask for advice about how to increase your body and heart fitness. Regular gentle walking several times a day, water-based exercise and exercises done in your chair can all help build fitness. Pace these activities so as not to cause pain or symptom flare ups. Steady and gentle approaches everyday are the most helpful. Eat healthily Healthy eating helps wounds to heal. So explore ways to eat more healthy foods, like fruit and vegetables. Losing extra weight helps reduce many complications, like wound infections. Even small weight loss helps better healing. 4 pain management after surgery v2.qxp_Layout 1 09/06/2022 12:21 Page 5 Reduce or stop smoking and vaping This helps lessen the risk of a chest infection, clots in the legs and lungs and other health issues that make your recovery tougher and longer. Reduce or stop alcohol This can help the body recover faster after your operation. Use enjoyable distraction and relaxation • Bring enjoyable and easy-to-read books into hospital • Listen to music or podcasts you enjoy • If you find relaxation or mindfulness techniques helpful, use them through the day, and at night if sleep is difficult • Audio versions of books, relaxation and mindfulness recordings are worth bringing into hospital too What if I’m already taking opioids? If you are already taking opioids, please talk to your healthcare team. Depending on timing of your surgery, you may benefit from reducing your opioids beforehand in a safe manner. This may help with recovery after surgery, particularly in terms of your pain management, wound healing or reducing the risks of infections in body areas like the skin, chest or mouth. 5 pain management after surgery v2.qxp_Layout 1 09/06/2022 12:21 Page 6 How medicines reduce pain Paracetamol is thought to relieve pain by blocking chemical messengers in the brain and spinal cord. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (also known as NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen block the production of certain body chemicals that cause inflammation and pain. Opioids (for example codeine, tramadol and morphine) provide pain relief by acting on areas in the spinal cord and brain to block the transmission of pain signals. Opioids are considered to be some of the strongest pain medicines. You should reduce and then stop taking opioids as soon as you can, or by the date on your pain management plan. This is because of the risk of becoming dependent or addicted to them. If you find it difficult to stop taking opioids by the time agreed in the plan, talk to your healthcare team to find other ways of stopping opioids and lessening your pain. For further information on all pain medicines, read the patient information leaflet provided with the medicine. 6 pain management after surgery v2.qxp_Layout 1 09/06/2022 12:21 Page 7 Using a pain management plan One thing you can do to help your recovery after surgery is to use a pain management plan. There’s a plan printed on the following pages for you to use. A member of your healthcare team will work with you on your plan to fill it in. This will then become your personal Pain Management Plan. It will show you which medicines to take, when to take them and when to reduce and stop them safely. Take the plan home with you and use it to remind you how to use your medicines safely and when you should be reducing and stopping them. 7 pain management after surgery v2.qxp_Layout 1 09/06/2022 12:21 Page 8 My Pain Management Plan My name Filled in by (healthcare team member) Date filled in 1. The pain medicines I have been given Opioids Tick the ones prescribed Tramadol Morphine Oxycodone Tapentadol Other? Codeine Dihydrocodeine Other? NSAIDs Ibuprofen Naproxen Diclofenac Other? Paracetamol Paracetamol The dose How often I should take them 8 pain management after surgery v2.qxp_Layout 1 09/06/2022 12:21 Page 9 NOTE: Paracetamol (shown below in green), the NSAIDs (shown in yellow) and the opioids shown in orange should be taken at regular times during the day. The opioids shown in red should only be taken when you need them. 2. When I should be reducing and stopping them The date I started Day 1 The date I should reduce and stop taking them 9 pain management after surgery v2.qxp_Layout 1 09/06/2022 12:21 Page 10 After your surgery Going for gentle, regular walks is a great way of staying active When you leave hospital, you will receive a pain management plan and a prescription for pain medicines. The pain medicines will help manage your pain levels so you can be as active and independent as possible. The pain levels will lessen as your body heals and you steadily increase your daily physical activities in your home and outside. If you are still struggling with high levels of pain even with pain medicines, you should ask for a review with your healthcare team. 10 pain management after surgery v2.qxp_Layout 1 09/06/2022 12:21 Page 11 What can I do after my operation to reduce pain and recover well? Manage your medicines safely Follow the advice on the best way to use your pain medicines so you make a good recovery. Remember to take pain medicines (such as paracetamol and ibuprofen) regularly, as written in your pain managment plan on page 8. Learn to pace your activity Try not to overdo things just because you’re having a ‘good day.’ This is sometimes called a “boom or bust cycle” and is unhelpful for a steady recovery. It can make you overtired so that you can’t do anything the next day. Steady pacing of activities is better. Choose activities that help build fitness and do them at regular intervals through the day. You’ll be more likely to keep it up if you choose activities that you find are fun or rewarding. Always stop before you get overtired and remember to build in rest breaks. Stay active Build up your physical activity and do enjoyable daily activities. Activity will help you distract yourself from the pain. For example you can: • go for gentle, regular walks • do enjoyable hobbies or crafts, indoor or garden activities (remember to do these within your recovery limits) Distraction and other techniques • use techniques such as watching fun or gripping films or TV programmes • practise mindfulness, use crosswords and mindfulness colouring books, and try relaxation and breathing techniques 11 pain management after surgery v2.qxp_Layout 1 09/06/2022 12:21 Page 12 More about opioids... Using opioid pain medicines to prevent pain levels increasing Using opioid pain medicines only when you need them will help you recover better. You’ll be able do more daily activities and keep to the exercise plan from your physio team. Think about which activities are likely to increase your pain levels (for example, a longer walk or an outing with friends). You can then plan for these expected increases in pain by taking your strong opioid pain medicines before the activity. This helps keep pain levels controlled. It is the most helpful way to take strong opioids. As your pain lessens, you can reduce pain medicines. Remember: you should aim to stop taking opioids sooner than other pain medicines like paracetamol. 12 pain management after surgery v2.qxp_Layout 1 09/06/2022 12:21 Page 13 Constipation: a common side effect of opioids Constipation is the most common side-effect of opioids and can really upset bowel movements. The most helpful way to reduce constipation is to take action before you are severely constipated. Three useful things to manage constipation well: 1. Drinking fluid helps. You should aim to drink plenty of fluids. 2. Eat foods that you know reduce constipation in you. For some people it can be figs, prunes, breakfast cereals, oranges, beans or pulses. Everyone is different. 3. Take a laxative medicine every day, to soften your ‘poo’ or stools and keep your bowels moving most days of the week. Get advice from a pharmacist or GP on the most useful type of laxatives. There are two types of laxatives: those that soften the stool and those that help move it through and out of the bowel. You might need to take both. Nearly everyone should take laxatives until they stop their opioids. 13 pain management after surgery v2.qxp_Layout 1 09/06/2022 12:21 Page 14 Stay safe while taking opioids after your surgery You should not drive if your ability to do so is impaired. Always lock opioids safely away. Keep them away from children at all times. Start reducing opioids as your pain level improves and interferes less with the things you are trying to do. Never keep leftover opioids at home. Do not throw them in the bin. Always take unused opioids to your local pharmacy for disposal. Tell your carers to call 999 if they can’t wake you up or if your breathing is very slow. Tell them to tell doctors or paramedics you take opioids for pain. 14 pain management after surgery v2.qxp_Layout 1 09/06/2022 12:21 Page 15 For further information: painconcern.org.uk my.livewellwithpain.co.uk flippinpain.co.uk versusarthritis.org My questions If you have any questions about your pain management plan or recovering from your surgery please make a note of them here, to help you remember to ask a member of your healthcare team. 15 pain management after surgery v2.qxp_Layout 1 09/06/2022 12:21 Page 16 Faculty of Pain Medicine College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland Thanks to Louise Trewern of the British Pain Society’s Patient Voice Committee, for her valuable input to the development of this booklet. Booklet design: Andrassy Media. Version 1, June 2022
Url
/Media/UHS-website-2019/Docs/Services/Pain/Managing-pain-after-surgery.pdf

The mind-body link: Looking at different ways to manage migraines and chronic headaches - patient information

Description
This factsheet contains information about the mind-body link in relation to migraines and chronic headaches, and looks at some different ways to manage your physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing.
Url
/Media/UHS-website-2019/Patientinformation/Brain-and-spine/The-mind-body-link-Looking-at-different-ways-to-manage-migraines-and-chronic-headaches-2370-PIL.pdf

covid19_advice_for_parents_when_child_unwell_or_injured_poster

Description
Advice for parents during coronavirus Whilst coronavirus is infectious to children it is rarely serious. If your child is unwell it is likely to be a non-coronavirus illness, rather than coronavirus itself. Whilst it is extremely important to follow Government advice to stay at home during this period, it can be confusing to know what to do when your child is unwell or injured. Remember that NHS 111, GPs and hospitals are still providing the same safe care that they have always done. Here is some advice to help: If your child has any of the following: • Becomes pale, mottled and feels abnormally cold to the touch • Has pauses in their breathing (apnoeas), has an irregular breathing pattern or starts grunting • Severe difficulty in breathing becoming agitated or unresponsive • Is going blue round the lips • Has a fit/seizure • Becomes extremely distressed (crying inconsolably despite distraction), confused, very lethargic (difficult to wake) or unresponsive • Develops a rash that does not disappear with pressure (the ‘Glass test’) • Has testicular pain, especially in teenage boys You need urgent help: Go to the nearest A&E department or phone 999 If your child has any of the following: • Is finding it hard to breathe including drawing in of the muscles below their lower ribs, at their neck or between their ribs (recession) or head bobbing • Seems dehydrated (dry mouth, sunken eyes, no tears, drowsy or passing less urine than usual) • Is becoming drowsy (excessively sleepy) or irritable (unable to settle them with toys, TV, food or picking up) - especially if they remain drowsy or irritable despite their fever coming down • Has extreme shivering or complains of muscle pain • Babies under 3 months of age with a temperature above 38°C / 100.4°F • Infants 3-6 months of age with a temperature above 39°C / 102.2°F • For all infants and children with a fever above 38°C for more than 5 days. • Is getting worse or if you are worried • Has persistent vomiting and/or persistent severe abdominal pain • Has blood in their poo or wee • Any limb injury causing reduced movement, persistent pain or head injury causing persistent crying or drowsiness You need to contact a doctor or nurse today. Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111 The NHS is working for you. However, we recognise during the current coronavirus crisis at peak times, access to a health care professional may be delayed. If symptoms persist for 4 hours or more and you have not been able to speak to either a GP or 111, then take your child to the nearest A&E If none of the above features are present • You can continue to provide your child care at home. Information is also available on NHS Choices • Additional advice is available to families for coping with crying of well babies • Additional advice is available for children with complex health needs and disabilities. Self care Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, call NHS 111 - dial 111 Published 2020 The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health is a registered charity in England and Wales (1057744)and in Scotland (SCO38299). RCPCH Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Leading the way in Children’s Health
Url
/Images/News/covid19-advice-for-parents-when-child-unwell-or-injured-poster.pdf

Press release: Staff celebrate first anniversary of specialist enhanced dementia ward

Description
Staff at Southampton's teaching hospitals are set to mark dementia awareness week (21 to 27 May) by celebrating the first birthday of a pioneering specialist ward dedicated to caring for patients affected by the condition.
Url
/AboutTheTrust/Newsandpublications/Latestnews/2018/May-2018/Press-release-Staff-celebrate-first-anniversary-of-specialist-enhanced-dementia-ward.aspx

Young hospital patients set for fun-filled superhero week

Description
Young patients are set to receive some visitors with a difference this week when a team of superheroes swoop onto the wards at Southampton Children's Hospital.
Url
/AboutTheTrust/Newsandpublications/Latestnews/2017/October-2017/Young-hospital-patients-set-for-fun-filled-superhero-week.aspx
1 to 10 of 30
Previous 1 2 3 Next