Resources

1 in 7 adults in the UK are suffering from constipation at any one time. Constipation is having fewer than 3 bowel movements in a week, passing hard stools, straining or not emptying your bowel completely so you have to go back to the toilet. What should my stools be like? Aim to: While you […]

This information leaflet has been produced to give you general information and hopes to answer most of your questions when requiring a CT Guided Drainage. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your healthcare team but may act as a starting point for discussion.  If after reading it you have concerns […]

What is a Coronary Angiogram? This is a test that uses dye and special x-rays to show the inside of your coronary arteries. These arteries supply blood and oxygen to your heart. Why do I need a Coronary Angiogram? To find out if you have narrowing of the coronary arteries, which may be a cause […]

What is Clostridium difficile? Many different bacteria (germs) live in the normal healthy bowel.  Clostridium difficile (also known as C. diff) is a bacterium that can be present in the bowel of up to three percent of healthy adults. It does not usually cause any harm but if the number of the bacteria increases, in […]

This information leaflet is to help you to understand Clostridioides difficile, what it is and what can be done to prevent it. What is Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)? Many different bacteria (germs) live in the normal healthy bowel. Clostridioides difficile (also known as C. diff) is a bacterium that is present in the bowel of […]

A Contrast Enhanced Spectral Mammography Test (CESM) is a type of mammogram (breast x-ray) carried out using a special dye (contrast media) which shows up on x rays. This examination is used to highlight any areas of concern in your breast. The dye is injected into a vein immediately before the mammogram images are taken. […]

Your doctor has recommended a procedure called chest drain insertion. This leaflet has been written to help you understand what this means, what it involves and what you can expect after the procedure. What is a chest drain? A chest drain is a small flexible tube that is inserted into the space around the lungs […]

Important information to help you care for your urinary catheter. This booklet is designed to help you care for your catheter while in hospital and at home, and includes a catheter record section, which will be complete by healthcare professionals involved in your catheter care. Reason for Initial Catheterisation Please document reason for initial catheterisation. […]

This leaflet is designed for people considering a corticosteroid injection. Corticosteroid injections can be a quick and effective treatment for pain and inflammation, although the benefits are temporary. They are usually used in combination with a wider rehabilitation program. What are steroids and what do they do? Corticosteroids are an artificial version of cortisol, a […]

What is the Carer’s Passport? The experience of carers as well as our patients is very important to us here at Gateshead Health. To help us to achieve this, we have implemented a national initiative called “John’s Campaign” which we call the Carer’s Passport. The campaign was developed to raise awareness of the needs of […]