Network aim

The Severn Major Trauma Network is committed to reducing avoidable deaths and life-limiting injuries. We aim to improve care for seriously injured patients across the whole patient pathway from the point of injury to rehabilitation. This is achieved by collaboration between multiple specialties, professions and organisations. We strive to ensure patients gain the best outcomes to regain independence after serious injury (which can sometimes be life-changing), getting patients back to their previous lives, roles within their family and social networks, work and education. 

Philosophy of Care

As a network, we aim to deliver exceptional care for all our patients. This care should be of the highest quality, delivered with respect and dignity in a safe environment, regardless of where in the region your incident happens or where you receive your care. This care is individually tailored for the needs of each patient and will involve their families or carers as appropriate.

Our Network strives to ensure care coordination and holistic management and support for patients throughout their stay in hospital, onwards to any local hospital/service; guiding patients through these transitions in their recovery. 

We constantly evaluate and improve the care that is delivered by adhering to a robust governance programme that includes participation in audit, education and research, feeding into national bodies to continually improve care and rehabilitation after Major Trauma. 

Why have I been given this information?

Every person admitted to hospital is screened for malnutrition risk. You have been highlighted as being at risk of malnutrition.

What is malnutrition?

Malnutrition is when your body does not get all the nutrients (e.g. energy or protein) it needs to function properly.

Malnutrition can occur if:

• You have a low body weight.
• You have recently lost weight.
• You have a reduced appetite.
• You have increased need for nutrition due to illness or surgery.

Malnutrition increases the risk of complications such as:

• Infection
• Falls
• Pressure ulcers
• Tiredness
• Heart and breathing problems
• Increased length of stay in hospital

Why is it important to eat well in hospital?

Eating well in hospital will reduce the risk of malnutrition and the associated complications.

Improving your food intake will help you to:

• Fight infection.
• Heal wounds and broken bones.
• Do more for yourself and make you feel brighter.
• Give you more strength to move around and breathe better.
• Stay in hospital for less time.

How to improve your food intake

If you find you can’t eat very much at meal times try eating smaller portions but more often.

• Ask for a milky drink such as a glass of hot or cold milk, Horlicks, Ovaltine or drinking chocolate between meals instead of tea or coffee.
• You will be offered a special high energy milkshake such as Meritene shake or Fortisip Compact protein.
• Have a biscuit or piece of cake with your drink between meals.
• Ask the nurse looking after you for a slice of toast or bowl of breakfast cereal at bedtime. These foods are always available in the ward kitchen.
• Ask your friends and relatives to bring in cartons or fruit juice (such as orange juice or cranberry juice), smoothies or non-diet fizzy drinks. Have them between meals rather than drinking squash.
• Desserts: The best choice is a small helping of sponge and custard, crumble and custard, milky pudding, bread and butter pudding or cheese and crackers.

What could my friends and relatives bring in?

Visitors may like to bring in food or drinks to help you get better.

We have to be careful that foods brought in won’t make you ill. For that reason, only foods that can be kept safely in your bedside locker may be brought in. Sandwiches and fresh cakes need to be eaten immediately. They cannot be ‘kept for later’.

Here are some ideas for foods you can bring in:

• Biscuits, breakfast and cereal bars.
• Small boxes of breakfast cereals.
• Cake portions, muffins, flapjack, shortbread.
• Individual pots of long-life rice pudding, crème desserts or custard. 
• Long-life yoghurts or milkshakes.
• Small cartons of fruit juice.
• Sachets of Build-up soup or milkshakes.
• Sachets of Complan soups or milkshakes.

Suggested meal plan

Breakfast

Porridge or cereal with milk and sugar.

Carton of fruit juice.

Mid-morning

Cup of hot or cold milk and a biscuit.

Mid-day meal

Main course followed by dessert.

Mid-afternoon

Milky drink or fruit juice and biscuits or portion of cake.

Evening meal

Build-up soup, sandwich or portion of hot meal.

Portion of milk pudding, yoghurt or blancmange.

During evening

Milk-based drink such as drinking chocolate or Horlicks.

Portion of cheese and biscuits, a slice of toast or a small bowl of breakfast cereal.

Other tips

• Ward staff are busy but they want to help you get better. Don’t be afraid to ask if any milky drinks or snacks are available. Milk, bread and breakfast cereals are usually available in the ward kitchens. 
• It is important for you to be as well-nourished as possible because it helps you get better

If you or the individual you are caring for need support reading this leaflet please ask a member of staff for advice.

If you’re an overseas visitor, you may need to pay for your treatment or you could face fraud or bribery charges, so please contact the overseas office: Tel: 0117 414 3764 Email: overseas.patients@nbt.nhs.uk

Purpose 

*This is not typically a patient facing role, if you are interested in volunteering within a ward based environment please look at our other opportunities, such as our Patient Befriender role.*

At North Bristol NHS Trust patients are the most important people in the health service and are at the centre of what we do. Patients and carers are the ‘experts’ in how they feel and what it is like to live with or care for someone with a particular illness or condition.

Patients and carers can be influential partners in driving, delivering, and supporting change. We want you to provide us with constructive feedback that will help to shape and improve the patient experience in our services.

We are looking for patients and carers from across our hospitals to work with us as Patient and Carer Partners. You can have received care as an inpatient or outpatient, in any department.  We want to provide accessible volunteer opportunities that make a difference. We understand that some people may not be able to commit to a long-term role and would prefer to offer occasional or one-off involvement and input.

Commitment level

This role is an opportunity to make a short-term commitment to improving patient experience, for occasional or one-off involvement that is relevant to your expertise. This may include working on a specific project, task, or activity. 

There is an opportunity to take part in other projects in the future. You will be welcome to attend the Patient and Carer Partnership Group meetings which are held every quarter (4 per year) during your role.

Summary of duties

•    To take part in occasional improvement projects, tasks, or activities. Constructively offering ideas and opinions which reflect the experience of patients, carers, and families. 
•    Helping staff to see issues through the eyes of patients, family members and carers.
•    If relevant to the project you are involved in, constructively challenging the organisation about the impact on patients of any service changes or developments. 
•    If relevant to the project, you may be able to help with developing and reviewing policy, procedures, patient materials and other information.
•    To give a written or verbal update to the Patient and Carer Partnership Group meetings on your involvement activity. 
•    Maintain strict confidentially about anything, you may see or hear.

Skills, experience, attitudes, and qualities needed

Essential

•    Are or have been a patient/carer using NHS services
•    Ability to communicate well (with or without support) in English
•    Passionate about ensuring the patient voice is heard and having an impact
•    Wanting to make a difference for patients and carers using NBT services
•    Ability to challenge respectfully and constructively
•    Excellent listening skills and a non-judgmental attitude
•    A friendly and open manner
•    To feel comfortable in an acute hospital environment
•    To adhere to the Trust values of always treating others with respect
•    Understand the importance of staying within the boundaries of the role description

Training and information provided

•    Induction to Trust (local handbook)
•    Training on Infection Prevention; Fire, Health and Safety; Safeguarding; Equality and Diversity.  
•    Guidance on how to constructively challenge staff. 
•    Training specific to activity undertaken.
•    NHS jargon (Glossary provided).
•    Information and support to understand the reported experience of patients at NBT e.g., survey data, themes from complaints, comments, compliments etc.

Challenges of the position

•    May be exposed to poor experiences of patients that may cause emotional distress.
•    Constructively challenging staff and ensuring the patient perspective is heard.
•    Any concerns raised by patients/carers or families while in your role must always be directed to the responsible staff member

Boundaries of the position

Volunteering within the NHS has clear boundaries to ensure that we are keeping our patients and volunteers safe. Please download the detailed role description below for further details. 

Reimbursement of expenses

•    Travel expenses to and from the hospital can be reimbursed
•    Meal vouchers for use in the staff Vu restaurant are offered if volunteering for over 4 consecutive hours in one day

Benefits of volunteering

•    Satisfaction of being able to make a real difference to the patient experience in NBT.
•    To develop working knowledge of NBT and wider NHS.
•    To develop skills in constructively challenging staff to make sure the patient voice is being heard throughout the wider organisation.
•    Develop skills and experience that may be transferable to paid employment, such as working as a part of a team.
•    References can be provided on completion of three months in the role, if required.
•    Making friends with other Patient and Carer Partners and meeting new people.
•    Awards in recognition for your contribution.
•    Free parking.

Recruitment information

You will be asked to provide two independent references from people who have known you for more than three years (this cannot be a family member)

For further informaiton

If you have any questions about this role or you are looking to give feedback but are not able to commit to being a Patient and Carer Partner, we would still love to hear from you. Please contact Emily Ayling, Patient Experience Manager by email on emily.ayling@nbt.nhs.uk or call 0117 414 4573.

How to apply

If you would like to apply for this volunteer opportunity, please click the link below to be taken to the application portal, where you will be able to apply online: 

Current Vacancies | North Bristol NHS Trust (nbt.nhs.uk)

If you would like an alternative method to apply, such as a paper application form, please get in touch with us directly on: 

Telephone Number: 0117 414 0110

Email: Volunteer.services@nbt.nhs.uk

Postal Address: Volunteer Services, North Bristol NHS Trust, Brunel building, Level 1, Gate 18, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB

Purpose 

*This is not typically a patient facing role, if you are interested in volunteering within a ward based environment please look at our other opportunities, such as our Patient Befriender role.*

At North Bristol NHS Trust patients are the most important people in the health service. They are at the centre of what we do. Patients and carers are the ‘experts’ in how they feel and what it is like to live with a particular illness or condition.

Patients and carers can be influential partners in driving, delivering, and supporting change. We want you to provide us with constructive feedback that will help to shape and improve the patient experience in our services.

We are looking for patients and carers from across our hospitals to work with us as Patient and Carer Partners. You can have received care as an inpatient or outpatient, in any department.

Commitment level

We would expect a minimum of a 12-month commitment. If you are interested in providing one off or occasional support, please see our short term-project partner role

We hope that our volunteers can attend the Patient and Carer Partnership Group which takes place every 3 months for 2 hours. 

You would also participate in other group work. This includes attending meetings, committees, or groups for which you are a member.

Summary of duties

•    To attend and represent the voice of Patients & Carers in relevant meetings. Constructively offering ideas and opinions which reflect the experience of patients, carers and families
•    Helping staff to see issues through the eyes of patients, family members and carers
•    To adhere to the relevant terms of reference for each group or committee you are a member of
•    Look at available data about the experience of patients at NBT (e.g. Friends and Family Test results, national survey results, complaints, compliments, concerns and comments etc.)
•    To use this data to help identify actions that may improve this experience
•    Constructively challenge the organisation about the impact on patients of any service changes or developments
•    Help with developing and reviewing policy, procedures, patient materials and other information
•    Attend and take part in Patient and Carer Partnership Group meetings (4 times a year)
•    Attend and take part in other Groups, Committees or meetings as required
•    Maintain strict confidentially about anything, you may see or hear
 

Skills, experience, attitudes, and qualities needed

Essential

•    Are or have been a patient/carer using NHS services
•    Ability to communicate well (with or without support) in English
•    Passionate about ensuring the patient voice is heard and having an impact
•    Wanting to make a difference for patients & carers using NBT services
•    Ability to challenge respectfully and constructively
•    Excellent listening skills and a non-judgmental attitude
•    A friendly and open manner
•    To feel comfortable in an acute hospital environment
•    To adhere to the Trust values of always treating others with respect
•    Understanding the importance of staying within the boundaries of the role description 

Training and information provided

•    Induction to Trust (local handbook)
•    Training on Infection Prevention; Fire, Health and Safety; Safeguarding; Equality and Diversity.  
•    Guidance on how to constructively challenge staff. 
•    Training specific to activity undertaken.
•    NHS jargon (Glossary provided).
•    Information and support to understand the reported experience of patients at NBT e.g., survey data, themes from complaints, comments, compliments etc.

Challenges of the position

•    May be exposed to poor experiences of patients that may cause emotional distress.
•    Constructively challenging staff and ensuring the patient perspective is heard.
•    Any concerns raised by patients/carers or families while in your role must always be directed to the responsible staff member

Boundaries of the position

Volunteering within the NHS has clear boundaries to ensure that we are keeping our patients and volunteers safe. Please download the detailed role description below for further details. 

Reimbursement of expenses

•    Travel expenses to and from the hospital can be reimbursed
•    Meal vouchers for use in the staff Vu restaurant are offered if volunteering for over 4 consecutive hours in one day

Benefits of volunteering

•    Satisfaction of being able to make a real difference to the patient experience in NBT.
•    To develop working knowledge of NBT and wider NHS.
•    To develop skills in constructively challenging staff to make sure the patient voice is being heard throughout the wider organisation.
•    Develop skills and experience that may be transferable to paid employment, such as working as a part of a team.
•    References can be provided on completion of three months in the role, if required.
•    Making friends with other Patient and Carer Partners and meeting new people.
•    Awards in recognition for your contribution.
•    Free parking.

Recruitment information

You will be asked to provide two independent references from people who have known you for more than three years (this cannot be a family member)

For further information

If you have any questions about this role or you are looking to give feedback but are not able to commit to being a Patient and Carer Partner, we would still love to hear from you. Please contact Emily Ayling, Patient Experience Manager by email on emily.ayling@nbt.nhs.uk or call 0117 414 4573.

How to apply

If you would like to apply for this volunteer opportunity, please click the link below to be taken to the application portal, where you will be able to apply online: 

Current Vacancies | North Bristol NHS Trust (nbt.nhs.uk)

If you would like an alternative method to apply, such as a paper application form, please get in touch with us directly on: 

Telephone Number: 0117 414 0110

Email: Volunteer.services@nbt.nhs.uk

Postal Address: Volunteer Services, North Bristol NHS Trust, Brunel building, Level 1, Gate 18, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB

This information is for women experiencing bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy.

Bleeding in early pregnancy can be very worrying. This leaflet aims to provide some information and guidance, and answer some commonly asked questions, which we hope will provide some reassurance for you at this uneasy time.

What is bleeding and spotting in early pregnancy?

Bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy is a common occurrence, with up to 25% of women experiencing spotting or bleeding in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Unfortunately it is sometimes an indication that you are having a miscarriage, but around half of women who experience bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy carry on to have a normal pregnancy.

Spotting in pregnancy is often identified when a woman notices spots of blood on her underwear or on tissue after wiping.

You may also notice some pink, brown, red or dark red blood. Sometimes women may pass fresh red blood, or clots. Some women also notice some string like tissue coming from their vagina.

Bleeding is sometimes associated with pain, but not all the time.

What can cause bleeding in early pregnancy?

• Implantation bleed (normal pregnancy). Many women experience bleeding when the pregnancy implants in the womb.
• Threatened miscarriage. This is where there is vaginal bleeding in women under 24 weeks pregnant, with no dilation of the cervix. The pregnancy continues as normal - this occurs in around 20% of all pregnancies.
• Miscarriage.
• Ectopic pregnancy. This is a pregnancy which develops outside of the uterus, this occurs in 1 in 80 pregnancies
• Bleeding from the cervix. Hormonal changes in pregnancy result in changes to the cervix, this commonly causes bleeding.
• No obvious cause. Sometimes it is not possible to identify the cause of bleeding.

Bleeding is not caused by anything you have done - even if you have had a miscarriage. Most miscarriages occur because there is something wrong which cannot be prevented.

What can I expect whilst in the Emergency Department?

Streaming

After you arrive in the Emergency Department you will be asked some brief questions by one of our experienced nurses. 
If you do not need emergency treatment, the streaming nurse may be able to refer you directly to a specialist service who will assess you within 72 hours. This avoids the need for you to wait in the Emergency Department.

Triage

If there is any uncertainty as to whether you need emergency treatment, a second experienced nurse will triage you. They will need to know the date of your last period, any symptoms you have, and any medical history. You will be asked for a urine sample and the nurse will check your pulse and blood pressure.

They may also take some blood samples and insert a cannula (drip) but this isn’t necessary for all women.
You may then be asked to wait to see an Emergency Department clinician, or be referred to the Early Pregnancy Clinic if you are well enough.

What next?

6-12 weeks pregnant

Over 12 weeks pregnant or in severe pain

Less than 6 weeks pregnant

How will I know if this is a miscarriage?

It may not be possible to tell straight away whether you are having a miscarriage, depending on your symptoms and your stage of pregnancy, even if you have an ultrasound scan. 

You may asked to come back to clinic for a repeat scan after 1-2 weeks or you may be advised to have a blood test. This can be an upsetting time and it may help to share your feelings with a partner or trusted friend or family member. There are also some support websites at the end of this leaflet which you may find helpful.

What can be done?

Unfortunately, if a miscarriage is going to happen, there is no medical treatment that can prevent it. 90% of miscarriages are due to a problem with fetal development and would never continue to be a normal pregnancy. 

Most women who miscarry can expect to experience bleeding like a period for up to 2 weeks.

If the bleeding is not due to miscarriage, it may settle on its own, or if it continues you may need to be monitored more frequently by your midwife.

If you have had your third miscarriage, there is sometimes an underlying cause which can be treated – speak to your GP who can refer you to a specialist.

If there is heavy bleeding you may need to be monitored in hospital, or if we think you may have an ectopic pregnancy you will need further assessment with an ultrasound scan. A specialist will discuss the treatment options with you.

What if I become more unwell, or the bleeding increases after I am discharged?

If you have any of the following symptoms, you should come back to the Emergency Department to be re-assessed:

• Bleeding: If you are filling more than 2 large pads per hour, or passing clots the size of your palm.
• Fainting or feeling faint.
• Severe or increasing pain in your pelvis, abdomen, or shoulder.

Frequently asked questions

Have I done anything to cause the bleeding?

Should I use tampons or pads?

Can I still have sex?

Can I still go to work?

Can I have a bath?

If you need any further advice or information 

Useful organisations and websites

© North Bristol NHS Trust.  This edition published June 2024. Review due June 2027. NBT003376.

This information is for patients who have attended the Emergency Department following an episode of self-harm. 

Thank you for attending the Emergency Department. We understand that this must be a difficult and distressing time for you.

Our team would like to be able to offer you an assessment of your current needs in order for us to identify any help that may be beneficial to you. 

It is also important that you have any physical healthcare needs addressed. We would therefore like you to wait to be seen by the triage nurse and the admitting doctor. 

Whatever your reason is for attending the Emergency Department, we aim to treat you with respect, dignity, and in confidence.

What is self-injury and self-harm and who does it affect?

Self-injury or self-harm can be many things that people do to themselves in a deliberate and often hidden way like cutting, burning, overdosing, scratching, biting, hair pulling and breaking bones. 

Sometimes people think they are the only ones doing it but research shows that it is very common. 

In the UK at least one in every 15 young people has experience of self-injury. That is two young people in every classroom. 

Why do people self-injure or self-harm?

People self-injure and self-harm for all sorts of reasons, but often it is because feelings like anger, sadness, and fear have got too painful to deal with. 

Sometimes people self-injure or self-harm because of the pressure and stress from things like relationships, family problems, school, work, finances, debt and sexual worries. It may be way of dealing with horrible situations like abuse or the death of someone close. 

You may not know why you self-injure or self-harm. If you think back to the first time, then you may understand what made you start. 

Notice what is going on for you when you get the urge to self-injure and you may get clues as to what your self-injury or self-harm is about.   

Wound care: 

If you require any advice or instructions around wound care please ask a nurse before you leave or attend your GP surgery as soon as possible for assistance. 

Please visit Wound care advice | North Bristol NHS Trust (nbt.nhs.uk) for advice about wound care. 

Sources of Support and information. 

Self Injury Self Help Group (SISH)
www.sishbristol.org.uk/support-groups

Self injury helpline 
Available Tuesday and Wednesday 7pm-9 pm
Thursday 3pm-5pm
Phone: 0117 230 8230     
Email: sishbristol@gmail.com 

Self injury support 
www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk

National Self Harm Network
Online peer support forums
www.nshn.co.uk

NHS direct 
Phone: 111

Bristol Mindline
Wednesday to Sunday, 8pm – midnight
Phone: 0808 808 0330

Kinergy-Sexual Abuse Counselling
www.kinergy.org.uk
Phone: 0117 908 7712

Next Link – Domestic Abuse services – Bristol
Phone: 0800 4700 280

Survive – Domestic Violence Support Service – South Gloucestershire
Phone: 0117 961 2999

DHI – Developing health and independence, drug and alcohol service 
Bristol Phone: 0117 440 0540    
South Gloucestershire Phone: 01454 868750
Email: info@dhi-online.org.uk 

ARA, Bristol Alcohol Misuse Service 
Phone: 0330 1340 286 

Your GP maybe able to offer you more information and support services

Samaritans 24hr helpline 
Phone: 116 123

© North Bristol NHS Trust.  This edition published April 2024. Review due April 2027. NBT002890.

​This information will help with any questions you may have after sustaining a burn or scald.

First aid

• Run the burn or scald under cool water for 20 minutes or until the burning feeling begins to settle.
• We may continue to cool the burn under water when you arrive to the Emergency Department (ED).
• Immediate cooling is vital to stop further damage to the skin.
• Cover the burn with a damp, clean cloth or clothing, you can also use loosely applied cling film, ensuring it is not too tight.
• Do not pop any blisters this will be done by someone trained and in a clean environment.
• Do not apply any creams as this can make the burn worse.

The healing process

In the ED we will apply a suitable dressing and advise you if any further dressing changes are required.

Further dressing changes can be done by your treatment room nurse based at your GP surgery; you will need to call them to arrange an appointment.

Healing can take 14-21 days. Smaller and very superficial burns may take less.

We may feel it necessary to refer you to the Burns Specialist team (Adults: Southmead Hospital, Children: Bristol Children's Hospital). If so, you will be given a follow up appointment before your discharge from the ED.

Staying hydrated by drinking well and having a healthy diet will help with healing.

Once the burn is healed it is important to protect that area from the sun, it will be more susceptible to burning. Use a high factor sun cream or keep covered with clothing when in the sun.

How to look after your dressing

• Keep your dressing dry and clean at all times and cover the dressing when bathing or showering.
• Ensure you have your dressing changed as advised by a health care professional.
• If your dressing becomes dirty or falls off apply a temporary covering such as loose cling film or damp clean cloth and seek medical advice for a new dressing.
• When a dressing is no longer needed you will be advised of this. The area can appear dry, you can apply a non-perfumed moisturiser to the affected area.

Monitor for signs of infection

If you notice any of these signs you must seek medical advice as you might have an infection.

• Redness surrounding the dressing.
• Feeling feverish or unwell.
• Severe pain at the sight of the burn.
• Unusual colour leaking through the dressing.
• Offensive smelling odour.

Pain relief  

• You will be given appropriate pain relief while you are in the ED undergoing treatment for your burn.
• You can take regular paracetamol and/or ibuprofen for your burn.
• You can take pain relief such as paracetamol and/or ibuprofen an hour before your next scheduled dressing change.

Reference

British Burns Association (2021) www.britishburnassociation.org/patient-advice

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published April 2024. Review due April 2027. NBT002439.

This page is for parents whose child has sustained a head injury. Following a thorough examination we are satisfied that the injury is not serious.

• Do expect your child to feel generally miserable and “off colour”. These feelings may include feeling sick (without vomiting), dizziness, irritability or bad temper, problems concentrating, problems sleeping or lack of appetite. Do not force them to eat but make sure that they have enough to drink.
• Do expect your child to be more tired than usual. Allow them to sleep if they want to. See them every hour or so. Do not be confused between normal sleep and unconsciousness - someone who is unconscious cannot be woken up. You need to be satisfied that they are reacting normally to you.
• Do expect your child to have a moderate headache. Children’s Paracetamol (sugar free) will suffice for this. A young child may only show a headache as fretfulness.

These symptoms should improve rapidly.

If you are concerned about any of these symptoms in the first few days, you should take your child to their doctor.

If these problems do not go away after two weeks, take your child to see their doctor.

Babies:

• Encourage your child to have plenty of rest and avoid stressful situations. Your baby should be alert and be easily arousable from sleep.
• Offer your baby milk feeds as normal. Avoid rich puddings etc. for the first two days.

Toddlers:

• Avoid vigorous play.
• Offer a light diet avoiding sweets/chocolates and fizzy drinks.
• Do make sure that there is a nearby telephone and that the child stays within easy reach of medical help.

Children:

• Do encourage your child to have plenty of rest and avoid stressful situations.
• Do not give them sleeping pills, sedatives or tranquilisers unless they are prescribed for your child by a doctor.
• Do not let them play any contact sport (for example, football) for at least three weeks without talking to their doctor first.
• Do not allow them to return to school until you feel that they have completely recovered.
• Do not leave your child alone in the home for the first 48 hours after leaving hospital.
• Do make sure that there is a nearby telephone and that the child stays within easy reach of medical help.

Even after an apparently minor head injury, complications may occur, but these are rare.

If you notice any of the following signs

• Unconsciousness, continuing drowsiness or difficulty in waking from sleep.
• Appears confused or not understanding what is said.
• Vomiting.
• Complaining of severe headache or trouble with their eyesight.
• Any loss of balance or problems walking.
• Becomes irritable.
• Has any kind of attack, which you think is a fit.
• Any weakness in one or both arms or legs.
• Clear fluid coming out of their ears or nose.
• Bleeding from one or both ears.
• New deafness in one or both ears.
• Cries more than usual or is more difficult to settle than usual.
• Fails to grasp objects.
• Any abnormal behaviour.

Then you are advised to contact your own doctor or contact the Emergency Department without delay.

If you are unsure of anything, please do not hesitate to telephone us. A nurse is always available to give advice and will be happy to help.

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published April 2024. Review due April 2027. NBT002266.

The results of the last three years of Pathology User Surveys are displayed below. We use a standard survey report available from the Royal College of Pathologists. This is fed into by a large number of laboratories and allows for some benchmarking and comparison to be carried out.

The survey undertaken in 2022 had a very poor response rate. We created a separate survey off the back of this to look at ways we could improve things. Your feedback was invaluable and increased the responses in 2023 as a result.

We have combined the 2022 and 2023 comment section to help us define our action plans. 

A new survey will be sent out towards the end of 2024. If you have any feedback in the meantime, please email BloodSciencesAdmin@nbt.nhs.uk.