Sep 23, 2016
A consultant at Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital is offering advice to runners, including his fellow colleagues, who are preparing to compete in the Bournemouth Marathon Festival this October.
The 26 miles of picturesque Dorset coastline, which make up the Bournemouth full marathon, are an extreme test of a human’s physical abilities. Mr Charles Willis-Owen, an orthopaedic consultant who specialises in sports injuries, is stressing the importance of following a structured training programme.
Mr Willis-Owen says: “Many people in Dorset are currently in the midst of training programmes as they prepare to tackle the Bournemouth Marathon. The best way a runner can reduce the risk of injury, during and after the marathon, is by being adequately prepared.
“If you’ve done all the training you have got nothing to fear. If you are going into it underprepared then you are likely to run into trouble. Be honest with yourself if you are underprepared then take it slower by walking at times.”
The sports injury specialist explains it is best to get any niggling problems looked at early and not leave it to the last minute. Mr Willis-Owen adds: “If you experience any pain after training that continues into the next day, or are getting pain at the start of a training session, those are warning signs that your body needs more help to recover.”
Mr Willis-Owen offers his top tips for marathon training:
• Address any problems early on
• Get a gait assessment and make sure you are running in the appropriate footwear; don’t make the mistake of training in new shoes just before the big day, this often leads to stress fractures and other injuries
• Make sure you factor in enough recovery time while you are training to avoid over-training
• Relax after your big event
As a big supporter of keeping the people of Dorset fit and healthy, the private hospital is partnering with the award-winning Bournemouth Marathon Festival, which includes the full marathon, half marathon, supersonic 10k, supernova 5k and junior races. Ten members of staff at Nuffield Health Bournemouth will be joining in the fun and racing over the weekend, including Hospital Director David McNair.
Those interested in attending Mr Willis-Owen’s weekly clinic are invited to contact the Nuffield Health Bournemouth customer services team on 01202 375032.
Sep 7, 2016
Half of the population don’t realise they have had one but Nuffield Health Bournemouth warns new research shows the silent heart attack is almost as harmful as a standard attack.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, and in many cases, can follow a silent heart attack which has gone unnoticed. Commonly confused with indigestion, a pulled muscle or even flu, the silent heart attack or silent myocardial infarctions (SMIs) occurs when the blood flow is temporarily restricted to the heart, resulting in potentially fatal scarring and damage.
Most sufferers never go to the hospital to have their symptoms checked out, missing out on vital diagnostics and treatments which could prevent it from developing into a more fatal attack at a later stage.
The research team from North Carolina revealed that women are most at risk and 50 per cent more likely to die within a decade of suffering a silent heart attack. While the risk in men increases by a quarter.
Consultant cardiologist at Nuffield Health Bournemouth, Dr Talwar, said: “The very nature of SMI is that there are no or very mild symptoms which are depriving patients of treatments which can prevent an early death. It is vital to make the public aware of the dangers of leaving SMIs undetected and untreated.
“In recent years the diagnostic equipment available has improved substantially, with the introduction of the first state-of-the-art private cardiac catheter suite at Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital, allowing for an increase in more detailed and accurate diagnosis. Those in any doubt should be investigated fully to screen for risk and prevent more serious cardiac episodes in the future.”
Part of a major £5 million renovation project, the new cardiac catheter suite enables patients to receive a full cardiac service, including echo, CT scanning of the heart, out-patient diagnostic and an in-patient day case cardiology facility at Nuffield Health Bournemouth.
The Nuffield Health cardiology team offers a rapid access chest pain clinic on Monday, Wednesday and Friday to ensure a speedy response for all patients seeking treatment for heart issues.
Those interested in finding out more about the rapid access chest pain clinic and self-pay options are invited to contact the Nuffield Health Bournemouth customer services team on 01202 375032.
Sep 1, 2016
The increasing popularity of cheap cosmetic surgery abroad has given rise to concerns about the availability of adequate aftercare for ‘botched’ plastic surgery in the sun.
Due to the current ‘nip and tuck’ tourism boom, many patients are being forced to pay thousands of pounds on top of the surgery abroad to correct the procedures on their return to the UK.
According to Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital, it is important for the public to understand the critical differences in care between reputable cosmetic surgeries and those that could have lasting negative effects on their health.
Mr Ian Whitworth, consultant plastic surgeon at Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital, explains: “If the offer of cheap cosmetic surgery treatment plus a holiday sounds too good to be true, it probably is! A hospital or clinic with a good reputation will provide aftercare and follow-up appointments to check patients are recovering well from the surgery.
“It is worth bearing in mind that if the surgery is undertaken abroad there will be no emergency cover or follow-up care available, once the patient has returned to the UK. If the operation is performed locally it reduces the need to pay more or to travel for aftercare treatment.”
Current guidance from the General Medical Council (GMC) for cosmetic surgery recommends having two consultations with the surgeon who will treat you before any surgery, allowing for a cooling-off period of two weeks. The guidelines stress to never pay to go to a hospital you’ve never seen and a surgeon you’ve never met without any real understanding of what that surgeon can provide.
Mr Whitworth agrees: “Before committing to surgery, it is important to meet with your surgeon to discuss what you want to achieve. Any doctor can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon, when in fact they may not even be a qualified surgeon. A responsible surgeon will run through what the procedure involves, possible complications and side effects and give a realistic expectation of results.”
Despite media portrayal of quick and easy ‘lunchtime cosmetic procedures’, all treatments will require a period of recovery. For major surgery, such as a ‘tummy tuck’ (abdominoplasty), this can be a couple of months. Mr Whitworth adds: “If the patient is disappointed with the results once the swelling has reduced, they will either have to travel to be retreated or pay for further surgery here in the UK.”
The risk of developing deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism increases after major surgery and this risk is doubled if the patient flies home soon after an operation, especially a long haul flight.
The Nuffield Health Promise guarantees patients unlimited aftercare to ensure that the patient is happy with their treatment and the results every step of the way.
A member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), Mr Ian Whitworth has been working as a consultant plastic surgeon for more than 15 years at Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital. Those interested in finding out more are invited to call the customer services team on 01202 375032.
Jun 21, 2016
Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital has welcomed a new addition to its family. The fertility clinic, which is run by Nuffield Health’s consultant gynaecologist Mr Julian Pampiglione and fertility nurse Jackie Coleman, opened in April.
IVF/ICSI (in-vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is provided via the link to the Woking Nuffield IVF programme, where Nuffield Health Bournemouth fertility clinic are registered as an official HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority) satellite.
Mr Julian Pampiglione has been a consultant for more than 24 years and has been a part of the Nuffield Health Bournemouth hospital since 1993. Mr Pampiglione specialises in gynaecology and fertility and offers comprehensive male and female fertility investigations, local monitoring of fertility cycles including IVF/ICSI.
Jackie Coleman who has worked as a fertility nurse for more than 15 years, recently joined Nuffield Health Bournemouth hospital to work alongside My Pampiglione at the fertility clinic. Jackie said: “There are several factors to consider when deciding to seek out fertility advice. Young couples should try to fall pregnant for at least a year before visiting their GP, unless aware of a prior problem such as PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease).
“For those in their late thirties and struggling to conceive we would advise you visit your GP for basic investigations sooner rather than later, but there are no hard and fast rules. Same sex couples and women who wish to conceive on their own should make an appointment at the fertility clinic when they’re ready, taking age into consideration.”
People can ask to be referred to the Nuffield Health Bournemouth fertility clinic through a GP or an appointment can be made directly via Customer Services on 01202 375032.
Mr Pampiglione will also be offering complimentary, 15 minute consultations at the fertility clinic on Wednesday, July 20 and Wednesday, August 17 between 12:00pm and 13:00pm. Spaces are limited and will operate on a first come, first served basis. Please call Customer Services on 01202 375032, to book your complimentary consultation.
May 12, 2016
A hospital director praised the hard work of ‘emotional leaders’ at Nuffield Health Bournemouth in honour of national Nurses Day, Thursday May 12.
David McNair highlighted the work ‘our unsung heroes’ do across the world to safely welcome a new life, provide comfort while saying goodbye and offer care through all the challenges in between.
Hospital Director at Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital, David McNair, commented: “As emotional leaders, our nurses have a big impact upon the wellbeing of their patients during their time in our care. Through their diligence and skilled care, they work tirelessly to safeguard the health of the community. We celebrate Nurses Day each year on Florence Nightingale’s birthday to mark this contribution to society. ”
The nursing team at the hospital are overseen by Matron Anne Richardson who is responsible for all the clinical teams, including radiology, pharmacy, wards, theatres and out-patients.
With more than 25 years’ experience in nursing, Anne has been the matron at Nuffield Health Bournemouth for nearly eight years. Anne said: “My role is to make sure our patients are well cared for and that the care is effective and safe. I oversee a wonderful clinical care team, who are dedicated to making sure the whole of the patient journey is the best it can possibly be.”
To maintain the hospital’s high standards of patient care, Anne visits the clinical areas and observes a great deal personally. Anne explained: “It is important to me to be visible in the clinical areas, so if patients, consultants or staff have concerns they are able to raise these with me. I like to meet our patients and get to know them and gather feedback on the care they have received. Nurses report back to me regarding how they are managing and able to give that care.”
Deputy Matron, Anita Brennan, manages the wards and outpatients and is responsible for deputising for Anne in her absence. Having previously worked at the intensive care unit at the Royal Free Anita’s level of critical care experience complements Anne’s background in intensive care which played a vital role in the launch of the new cardiac catheter lab at the beginning of the year.
Anne added: “As Matron, you never know what life is going to throw at you and that is what is so great about my job. There is no such thing as a typical day, no matter what is planned a patient will always take priority.”
Those interested in booking a private consultation with Matron or her team are invited to call 01202 375032.
