Careers in Diagnostic Imaging
Local careers in diagnostic imaging
Love Cornwall? Stay Local and develop an exciting and stimulating career in Diagnostic (Clinical) Imaging at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust.
We have many apprenticeships and local jobs to offer local people.
Diagnostic Imaging is a very interesting, perpetually changing healthcare service with plenty of opportunities for a wide variety of jobs and career development.
Diagnostic Imaging uses x-rays, ultrasound, magnetic fields and isotopes to image and scan patients’ bodies in the diagnosis of injuries and pathologies such as cancer. Most patients coming into hospital will have some form of diagnostic imaging to inform their clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Work experience placements
Diagnostic Imaging sees it all! We can offer one week workplace experience to students studying for relevant BTEC or A level qualifications.
Our Clinical Imaging department at Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske in Truro is a great place to get some insight into careers in healthcare, including medicine.
You will be rotated through a variety of imaging modalities and functions including:
X-ray – observe Radiographers and Assistant Radiographer Practitioners taking x-rays of patients from the emergency department, in fracture and outpatient clinics and from their general practitioner [GP].
Ultrasound – spend time with Sonographers scanning inpatients, outpatients and pregnant women.
CT [computerised tomography] – watch experienced Specialist Radiographers scan patients to visualise body anatomy in cross section and to create 3D images of vessels and organs.
MRI [magnetic resonance imaging] – join the MR Radiographers as they scan patients using very strong magnetic fields, with an emphasis on working safely in this environment.
Nuclear Medicine – gain an understanding of how radioisotopes are used to visualise body function, impairment and extent of disease.
Bone densitometry – watch patients being scanned to ascertain their bone health and fragility.
Imaging IT – spend time with our specialised IT team to learn about the importance of data security, digital technology and artificial intelligence in medical imaging.
Administration & Clerical [A&C] team – observe reception functions, how appointments are booked and telephone queries answered in the engine house of the imaging service
Clinical Imaging Assistants [CIA] – accompany our CIA colleagues as they move patients between wards and imaging departments across the hospital, providing some insight into how the wider hospital functions.
Reporting – spend a session with the Consultant Radiologists or Reporting Radiographers as they interpret x-rays and scans into a written report using digital dictation software.
If you are interested in workplace experience within Clinical Imaging please apply here:
Get into Health and CareOpening doors to a career in health and care
Flexible working
Kernowflex – Join our hospital ‘bank’ as a CIA or A&C officer to work flexible hours around your other commitments.
£18,546 per annum or £9.50 per hour plus holiday pay and enhancements.
Weekend and evening work available as well as shifts during bank holidays and holiday periods.
You choose the shifts you can work. Also, allows the opportunity to Earn while you Learn as a student, whilst you continue your studies to gain higher education and degree qualifications.
Paid induction training and uniform provided.
If you are interested, you will need to complete a RECRUITMENT APPLICATION FORM:
Apprenticeships
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust has a variety of clinical imaging apprenticeships on offer. These are full-time with 30 hours per week based in hospital practice plus 6-7.5 hours per week for study, or equivalent.
You will need to join us on Kernowflex, or apply for a permanent job, as a Band 2 Administration and Clerical [A&C] Officer or Clinical Imaging Assistant [CIA] to access our Level 3 apprenticeships.
If you are interested, you will need to complete a RECRUITMENT APPLICATION FORM:
To apply for our apprenticeships as an Assistant Radiographer Practitioner (Level 4/5) or a Diagnostic Radiographer (Level 6). Level 4/5 and Level 6 apprenticeships are also subject to a university led selection process.
An expanded workplace experience over a fortnight, providing more information and insight into what a career in Clinical Imaging can offer before you commit.
You will rotate through modalities and spend time with Clinical Imaging staff working in a variety of roles as well as having more opportunity to interact with patients and experience the healthcare environment first-hand.
If you wish to pursue a career in Diagnostic Imaging after your ‘taster’ fortnight, you will need to join Kernowflex or be supported to apply for a permanent post with us through an interview process.
Direct entry onto our Level 5 and Level 6 Apprenticeships will be potentially available to the right candidates after a suitable selection process (application and interview).
Health science in radiography
This course is a level 3, 24 months, delivered by Truro College.
Equivalent of 3 A levels, including science, leading to careers as an Assistant Radiographer Practitioner or Diagnostic Radiographer.
Applicants must have Grade A-C/Level 4 GCSEs in Maths and English.
Full-time employment as a Clinical Imaging Assistant including flexible study time around service and study requirements.
Salary £18,546 p.a. or £9.50 per hour plus holiday pay and enhancements for weekend and evening working.
Assistant practitioner in radiography
This course is a level 4/5, 2 years, delivered by the University of Plymouth.
Applicants must have Grade A-C / Level 4 GCSEs in Maths and English, ideally the Level 3 Healthcare Science qualification.
Employed full time as a Clinical Imaging Assistant including study time aligned to university requirements.
Salary in training is £18,546 p.a. or £9.50 per hour plus holiday pay plus enhancements for weekend, evening and bank holiday working.
Applicants will be interviewed by the university as well as the Clinical Imaging department before being accepted onto the programme.
Upon qualification you will be able to apply for an Assistant Radiographer Practitioner post, current salary (July 2022), initially £22,549 per annum rising to £24,882 per annum after 3 years or £11.56 – £12.76 per hour plus holiday pay and enhancements for out of hours working.
Diagnostic radiographer
This course is a level 6 (degree level), 3 years, delivered by the University of Exeter or the University of Plymouth.
Applicants must have either 3 A’levels including at least 1 science or the Level 3 Healthcare Science in Radiography certificate which is an equivalent qualification.
Applicants will be interviewed by the university as well as the Clinical Imaging department before being accepted onto the apprenticeship programme.
This degree level apprenticeship leads to a Batchelor of Science (BSc) in Diagnostic Radiography.
A degree qualification of 2:2 or above entitles professional registration as a Diagnostic Radiographer with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) after which you can apply to work as a professionally qualified Diagnostic Radiographer.
Salary in training is £20,330 per annum rising to £22,549 after passing the exams at end of year 2 (the equivalent of the Assistant Practitioner qualification).
An HCPC registered graduate Diagnostic Radiographer earns £25,665 per annum or £13.16 per hour, rising to £27,780 p.a. or £14.22 p.h. after 2 years (as of July 2022) with holiday pay plus enhancements for weekend, evening, bank holiday and night shifts.
Career progression as a Radiographer over several years can ultimately lead to Consultant Radiographer practice with a salary of c£54-63,000 per annum.
Business administration
This course is a level 3a, 18 months duration, delivered on-line by Lifetime Training.
Equivalent of 3 A levels, leading to careers in project management, team lead / manager, data analyst etc.
Applicants must have Grade A-C / Level 4 GCSEs in Maths and English.
Full-time employment as an Administration and Clerical [A&C] Officer including flexible study time around service and study requirements.
Salary £18, 546 p.a. or £9.50 per hour plus holiday pay and enhancements for weekend and evening working.
University Life
Interested in becoming a Radiographer but want the complete university experience?
You can also qualify as a Diagnostic Radiographer through attainment of a full-time university undergraduate degree which includes clinical placements in hospital sites. Please apply direct to the universities through UCAS for this approach.
There are relatively local degree programmes in place at the University of Exeter, the University of Plymouth and the University West of England in Bristol.
If you are planning to study Medicine at University and are ultimately interested in training to be a Consultant Radiologist (a doctor who specialises in Radiology / Clinical Imaging), the South West Radiology Academy is based in Plymouth.
Clinical Imaging recruitment video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Wy6Y7SFjhEI
Links to further information
Diagnostic Radiographer (Level 6 BSc) | Degree Apprenticeships | University of Exeter
Diagnostic radiographer (integrated degree) / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
Therapeutic radiographer (integrated degree) / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
Healthcare assistant practitioner / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
Level 5 Diploma for Assistant Practitioners in Healthcare – Varsity Training
Business administrator / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
Further information regarding Apprenticeship Career Pathways for AHP [Allied Health Professionals] is available here:
For an informal discussion with one of our team please e-mail to arrange a date and time:
A&C / CIA roles and apprenticeships: Laura Biggs, Clinical Imaging Operations Manager laura.biggs@nhs.net
Assistant and Diagnostic Radiographer apprenticeships: Jackie Knox, Radiography Service Lead jackie.knox3@nhs.net
Kernowflex link for applications via email rch-tr.jobs@nhs.net with name, email address, identifying type of role you might be interested in such as admin and clerical in imaging or Clinical Imaging Assistant in Imaging
Pelvic health wellbeing is important throughout life.
The Perinatal pelvic health service has been set up to share information to support prevention of pelvic health issues during pregnancy and birth and ensure accessible support, advice and treatment for those with perineal or pelvic floor concerns in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.
We are a team of midwives and physiotherapists here to provide additional support you if you experience pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms or a perineal tear or episiotomy during birth. We provide information, education and individualised care and treatment to protect your postnatal pelvic health.
What is Pelvic health?
It is important to maintain positive pelvic health routines. These include bladder and bowel habits, healthy diet, good fluid intake and regular exercise including pelvic floor muscle awareness.
Some common pelvic health concerns include the following (Information on all conditions available further down):
- Stress incontinence- Leaking of urine (wee) with activities including coughing, sneezing, lifting and exercise.
- Urinary urgency – Sudden need to pass urine (wee) and/or unable to get to the toilet in time
- Flatus incontinence – Uncontrolled passing of wind (farting/gas)
- Prolapse – Change in the position of your pelvic organs which may cause a heavy or aching feeling in the pelvis and/or lump/bulge within the vagina
- Faecal incontinence – Leaking of faeces (poo) with activity, unable to get to the toilet in time or staining in your underwear.
- Dyspareunia – Pain and discomfort during sexual activity
- Pelvic girdle pain – Pain or discomfort within the joints that make up your pelvis (Hips, back, pubic area) that starts during pregnancy and may continue postnatally.
- Abdominal diastasis – Separation of the stomach muscles during pregnancy and postnatally causing pain, discomfort or doming of the abdomen during physical activity.
- Perineal injury – A tear, graze or cut to the genital area (perineum, vagina, labia, anus or surrounding areas) during childbirth.
- Constipation – Finding it hard to poo or going to the toilet less often than usual for you.
How common are pelvic health issues during pregnancy and birth?
What support can the PPHS offer?
- An inclusive, kind and experienced team approach
- A safe space to talk and share your experiences
- Signposting to accessible information for prevention and treatment of pelvic health concerns
- Support and education for service users and healthcare professionals
- Specialist midwifery support for wound care and management after birth
- Specialist physio support for pelvic conditions, pelvic floor exercises and relevant lifestyle advice
- Ongoing community based pelvic floor rehab and treatment for up to 12 months postnatal
Signposting or referral to specialist perinatal support in Cornwall including:
- Birth Reflections
- Perinatal Mental Health
- Infant Feeding
- Specialist Physiotherapy
- Bereavement care
- Urogynaecology services
Who can access support through this team?
Anyone experiencing:
- Episiotomy
- Third or fourth degree perineal tear
- Readmission to hospital for perineal wound complications
- Fistula
- Suspected wound breakdown or infection
- Female genital mutilation or cutting
- Manual removal of placenta
- An instrumental delivery (forceps, ventouse or assisted delivery)
- Breech delivery
- Shoulder dystocia
Anyone with single risk factor from following:
- Instrumental delivery
- Greater than or equal to 4kg baby
- Prolonged second stage (pushing for more than 1 hour)
Where to go if you don’t meet these criteria
Speak to your GP and/or midwife if you have concerns about your pelvic or perineal health. There are a range of alternative support services available including specialist physiotherapists, bladder and bowel services and urogynaecology services. We work closely with these teams and will endeavour to find appropriate support for anyone with symptoms. Please don’t suffer in silence, help is available.
How to access support?
The PPHS service aim to identify and contact anyone meeting our service criteria soon after birth. If you feel you meet the criteria but have not been contacted you can self refer with the form below or speak to your Midwife, GP or Health Visitor who can refer you into the service.
You can self refer by filling in the form below. You will be sent a more detailed form to provide an overview of your concerns within one week
Self Referral Form – to be added.
The team
Our Perinatal pelvic health service is run by our specialist midwife and specialist physiotherapists and they are supported by a consultant urogynaecologist, obstetric consultants and community physiotherapists.
Information for maintaining positive pelvic health routine
- Bladder Health
- Bowel health
- How to do your pelvic floor exercises
- Constipation
- Urinary tract infections
Information about perineal tears
- https://thepogp.co.uk/patient_information/womens_health/bladder_and_bowel_incontinence.aspx
- MASIC Foundation guides
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- 3rd and 4th degree perineal tears
- Episiotomy
- Episiotomy & perineal tears
Information for pregnancy – Links to leaflets, videos, infographics
- Pelvic floor muscle training
- Pregnancy, birth and postnatal pelvic health
- Exercise in pregnancy
- Bladder and bowel incontinence after having a baby
Information for preparing for birth – Links to leaflets, videos, infographics
General support for Pregnancy, birth and postnatal period
- Birth Trauma Association
- Postnatal depression awareness and support
- Postnatal depression and perinatal mental health
- Tommy’s pregnancy hub
How to feedback about the service
- Care opinionKernow MVP – https://www.healthwatchcornwall.co.uk/maternity-voices-partnership
- Learning from excellence
Clinical guidelines relating to pelvic health
Remember to drink water before, during and after exercising and to start slowly and warm up gently if you are new to exercising in water. Work at a level you feel comfortable at and
appropriate to your own level of fitness.
- Book your first appointment
- Arrange access to your Electronic Personal Health Record (ePHR)
- Read up on how to stay healthy during your pregnancy
Book your first appointment (your booking appointment)
Maternity Patient Contact Form
Alternatively, you can visit your GP surgery who will pass your details on for you.
Setting up your Electronic Personal Health Record (ePHR)
What is the maternity Electronic Personal Health Record (ePHR)?
ePHR is a web-based solution that allows people under our care to view their maternity notes online.
At the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, we use Euroking, a secure maternity IT software, to record the majority of your maternity care. After you’ve had an appointment or spoken to us, your midwife or maternity support worker will record the data and you’ll be able to see it in your ePHR.
What will you see in your ePHR?
You will be able to see summaries of the following:
- Antenatal appointments with your community midwife
- Antenatal visits to the Delivery Suite at the Royal Cornwall Hospital
- Antenatal visits to the Day Assessment Unit at the Royal Cornwall Hospital
- A summary of your labour and delivery notes including caesarean section
- Birth information about your baby(s)
- Information about your discharge to the community midwife team after you’ve given birth
- Postnatal contacts with the midwifery team
- Information about when we discharge you from the service
- You will not be able to see any sensitive information such as social concerns, or disclosures about domestic issues.
How can I get access?
You can only access your ePHR for your current pregnancy. Please fill out this Maternity Patient Contact Form to access this.
You can email the Maternity IT Team at rcht.maternityit@nhs.net
Or, call the Maternity IT Team on 07557 172389.
If you call, we’ll check your details and add your email address to the ePHR system (this has to be your personal email, we don’t allow work or general email addresses to make sure your personal healthcare data stays secure).
After we have received your email or you have spoken to us, we will authorise your account. You will then get an email from cwlmaternity.phrreg@nhs.net asking you to verify your email address and create a password for your ePHR. You must verify your details within 72 hours. If this expires then please call us and we can resend the verification email.
If you get stuck setting it up, please call 07557 172389.
Remember to keep your password secure and your personal data safe.
Staying healthy during pregnancy
- Your pregnancy and baby guide – week-by-week guides, videos, health advice and information about your NHS pregnancy journey
- Common pregnancy symptoms – A guide from the NHS on common pregnancy symptoms and how to manage them
- Screening tests for you and your baby – A leaflet from the NHS on the screening you will be offered during and after your pregnancy.
- Pregnant? There are many ways to help protect you and your baby – leaflet about the vaccinations you’ll be offered during pregnancy and for your baby after their birth.
- Stop smoking in pregnancy – information from Healthy Cornwall.
- Eating well for a healthy pregnancy – a practical guide from the First Steps Nutrition Trust.
- Information on alcohol in pregnancy – Guide from Royal Cornwall Hospitals on alcohol in pregnancy.
Mental wellbeing
The most common complication of pregnancy and birth is related to mental health.
If you or your partner are struggling with mixed emotions, sadness, irritability and exhaustion, you are not alone. You may also experience a lack of interest or pleasure in the things that you usually enjoy or in looking after your baby. For most women and their partners these emotions are relieved by spending time with family and friends, and with adequate support to allow you to rest and sleep. For around one in five women symptoms are more persistent and need additional support and treatment.
The most important thing is to talk with the people around you and with your midwife, health visitor or GP about how you feel. Your midwife is there to support you with your mental health as much as with your physical health.
We also offer a number of specialist services to support your mental health during and after pregnancy. These include:
- The perinatal mental health team – you can contact them through your midwife or directly by sending an email to rcht.pmhmidwives@nhs.net.
- The birth reflections service – they can offer you support and a debrief if you experienced trauma during a previous birth. You can contact the birth reflections midwives at rcht.birthreflections@nhs.net.
Further resources on mental wellbeing
Maternal Mental Health in Cornwall – a Facebook page run by Midwives alongside the Maternity Voices Partnership that provides pregnancy and postnatal mental health support during the Covid pandemic
Outlook Southwest – offer psychological therapy services for people in Cornwall and the Isles
Tommy’s Pregnancy and Post-birth Wellbeing Plan – a two-page plan that helps you start thinking about how you feel emotionally and what support you might need in your pregnancy and after the birth. It’s also helpful in working out how to start a conversation with your partner, friend, midwife, health visitor or GP.
You can email the Maternity IT Team at rcht.maternityit@nhs.net
Or, call the Maternity IT Team on 07557 172389.
If you call, we’ll check your details and add your email address to the ePHR system (this has to be your personal email, we don’t allow work or general email addresses to make sure your personal healthcare data stays secure).
After we have received your email or you have spoken to us, we will authorise your account. You will then get an email from cwlmaternity.phrreg@nhs.net asking you to verify your email address and create a password for your ePHR. You must verify your details within 72 hours. If this expires then please call us and we can resend the verification email.
If you get stuck setting it up, please call 07557 172389.
Remember to keep your password secure and your personal data safe.
Patient Care Hospital Passport for Spinal Cord Injuries
Clinical Resources
Moving and Handling
- (Video) Safe Moving and Handling of Spinal Injury Patients. Link opens in a new tab.
- Moving and Handling Patients with Actual or Suspected Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI). Link opens in a new tab.
- Positioning in bed – Pelvic twist
- Positioning of a twist pillow in a non-acute patient
- Positioning of pillows for pressure relief – 30 degree tilt (or Log–roll)
- Mobilising times following a change of cushion (Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust)
- Re-mobilising after a period of bedrest (Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust)
- Re-mobilising onto a healed pressure ulcer (Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust)
- The initial mobilisation of a SCI patient from the acute stage (Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust)
- Spinal Cord Injury Information Sheet 1 – Manual Handling and Tissue Viability
Information Sheets
Contact Information for Digital Rectal Evacuation of Faeces (DRE)
Royal Cornwall and St Michael’s Hospitals
- For Surgical Care Practitioners please contact Switchboard on 01872 250000
- For Marie Therese House please contact 01736 758 879
- For staff training on DRE please contact the Learning and Development department on 01872 256 489
Other Resources
Wheelchair Service
Spinal Patient Innovation Network Experience Service Group
If you are a member of staff and would like to be part of this Group, please email Safeguarding Services: rch-tr.SGAdults@nhs.net
Useful Links
- The Royal Marsden Manual: Procedure Guidelines – Manual Evacuation of Faeces (Sign in with an OpenAthens account)
- Guidelines for Management of Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction in Individuals with Central Neurological Conditions
- British Association of Spinal Cord Injury Specialists
- Spinal Injury Association (SIA).
- For contact details of the Support Network Officer for the South West of England and to book a support session please click here
- For Our counselling service please click here. This is a free service available to SIA members.
- Personal assistants continuing to support people during a hospital admission
Here at RCHT we promote early recognition and treatment of Sepsis. Patients are screened through our E-observation system at admission and throughout their stay.
To get in touch please email rcht.sepsis@nhs.net.
Signs of Sepsis
What to look out for in adults
Think SEPSIS:
- Slurred speech or confusion
- Extreme shivering or muscle pain
- Passing no urine (in a day)
- Severe breathlessness
- It feels like you’re going to die
- Skin mottled or discoloured
What to look out for in a child
- Is breathing very fast
- Has a ‘fit’ or convulsion
- Looks mottled, bluish, or pale
- Has a rash that does not fade when you press it
- Is very lethargic or difficult to wake
- Feels abnormally cold to touch
If you see any of these signs call 999 or go to A&E and ask: “Could it be Sepsis?”
A Child under 5 may have Sepsis if they:
- Are not feeding
- Are vomiting repeatedly
- Have not passed urine for 12 hours
If you spot any of these signs, call 111 or see your GP and just ask: “could it be sepsis?”
UK Sepsis Trust awareness video: Get Sepsis Savvy – UK Sepsis Trust
Sepsis Trust website
RCHT resources and policies
Bodmin
Bodmin Leisure Centre
Lostwithiel Road, Bodmin, PL31 1DE
01208 75715
www.betterleisure.org.uk/cornwall/bodmin-leisure-centre/
bodmin@gll.org
Hengar Manor Country Park
St Tudy, Bodmin, PL30 3PL
01208 228853
www.hengarmanor.co.uk
hengarmanor@parkholidays.com
Lakeview
Old Coach Rd, Lanivet, Bodmin, PL30 5JJ
01208 831808
www.lakeviewcornwall.co.uk
Camborne
Carn Brea Leisure Centre
Station Rd, Pool, TR15 3QS
01209 714766
www.carnbrealeisurecentre.co.uk/
enquiries@cblc.co.uk
Kernow Hydro
The Track, Parc Erissey Industrial Estate, New Portreath Rd, Portreath TR16 4HW
01209 211073
www.kernowhydro.co.uk
kernowhydro@gmail.com
Camelford
Camelford Leisure Centre
Station Road, Camelford, PL32 9UE
01840 213188
www.camelfordleisurecentre.co.uk
info@comelfordleisurecentre.co.uk
Falmouth
Falmouth Hotel
Castle Beach, Falmouth, TR11 4NZ
01326 312671
www.falmouthhotel.com/swimming/pool/
spa.falmouth@richardsonhotels.co.uk
Fountain Leisure Club
Penmere Manor Hotel, Falmouth, TR11 4PN
01326 211411
www.penmeremanorhotel.co.ukleisure-club/
reservations@penmere.co.uk
Merchants Manor
1 Western Terrace, Falmouth, TR11 4QJ
01326 312734
www.merchantsmanor.com/wellbeing/gym-swim/
info@merchantsmanor.com
St Michaels Hotel
Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth, TR11 4NB
01326 312707
www.stmichaelshotel.co.uk/spa
info@stmichaelsresort.com
Ships and Castles Leisure Centre
Castle Drive, Pendennis Headland, Falmouth, TR11 4NG
01326 212129
www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/cornwall/ships-and-castles
ships@gll.org
Helston
Helston Sports Centre
Church Hill, Helston, TR13 8YQ
01326 563320
www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/cornwall/helston-sports-centre/
helston@gll.org
Polurrian Hotel
Polurrian Road, Mullion, TR12 7EN
01326 240421
www.polurrianhotel.com/wellbeing
info@polurrianhotel.com
Liskeard
Lux Park Leisure Centre
Coldstyle Rd, Liskeard, PL14 3HZ
01579 342544
www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/cornwall/liskeard-leisure-centre
liskeard@gll.org
Looe
Hannafore Point Hotel Leisure Club
Marine Drive, West Looe, PL13 2DG
01503 263273
www.hannaforepointhotel.com
stay@hannaforepointhotel.com
Newquay
Atlantic Reach
Whitecross, Newquay, TR8 4LX
01726 862010
www.atlanticreach.co.uk
info@atlanticreach.co.uk
Hotel Bristol
Narrowcliff, Newquay, TR7 2PQ
01637 875181
www.hotelbristol.co.uk
reception@hotelbristol.co.uk
Newquay Hydrotherapy Centre
Quarry Park Road, Newquay, TR7 2NP
01637 839034
info@newquayhydrotherapy.com
newquayleisureworld@gll.org
Pentire Sports Complex
Pentire Avenue, Newquay, TR7 1NU
01637 872334
www.pentirehotelnewquay.co.uk
info@pentirehotelnewquay.co.uk
Piran Meadows Resort and Spa
Whitecross, Newquay, TR8 4LW
01726 860415
www.darwinescapes.co.uk/piran-meadows-resort
Retallack Resort and Spa
Winnard’s Perch, St Columb Major, TR9 6DE
0333 3700555
www.ariaresorts.co.uk/our-resorts/cornwall/retallack-resort-spa/
Sands Hotel and Spa
Watergate Road, Porth, Newquay, TR7 3LX
01637 872864
www.sandsresort.co.uk/spa/pool-and-gym
reception@sandsresort.co.uk
The Esplanade Hotel
Esplanade Road, Fistral Beach, TR7 1PS
01637 873333
www.esplanadehotelnewquay.co.uk
reservations@esplanadehotelnequay.co.uk
Waterworld
Trenance Leisure Park, Newquay TR7 2LZ
01637 853828
www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/cornwall/newquay-leisure-world
newquayleisureworld@gll.org
Par
Snowlands Leisure Group Ltd
Par Farm, Par, PL24 2AE
01726 816668
www.snowland.co.uk/pool-gym/
sales@snowland.co.uk
Trenython Manor
Castledore Road, Tywardreath, Par, PL24 2TS,
01726 814797
www.trenython.co.uk/leisure/
receptiontrenython@clcworld.com
Penzance
Harbourside Physio Practice
Wesley Place, Newlyn, Penzance, TR18 5AZ
01736 366224
www.harboursidephysiotherapy.co.uk
main@harboursidephysiotherapy.co.uk
Jubilee Pool
Battery Road, Penzance, TR18 4FF
07136 369224
www.jubileepool.co.uk/pool-info/geothermal/
contact@jubileepool.co.uk
Penzance Leisure Centre
St Clare St, St Clare, Penzance, TR18 3QW
01736 874744
www.leisurecentre.com/penzance-leisure-centre
Wheal Rodney
Gwallon Lane, Marazion, TR17 0HL
01736710605
www.whealrodney.co.uk
reception@whealrodney.co.uk
Redruth
Gwel an Mor Luxury Resort
Feadon Lane, Portreath, Redruth, TR16 4PE
01209 842354
www.gwelanmor.com
enquiries@gwelanmor.com
Penventon Park Hotel Health and Leisure Suite
Redruth, TR5 3TA
01209 203231
www.penventon.co.uk/leisure-spa-cornwall/
enquiries@penventon.com
St. Austell
Merlin Centre Hydrotherapy Pool
Bradbury House, He was Water, PL26 7JF
01726 885530
www.merlinmscentre.org.uk/what-we-do/hydrotherapy
hello@merlinmscentre.org.uk
Polkyth Hydrotherapy Pool
Recreation Centre, Carlyon Rd, St Austell, PL25 4DB
01726 839130
www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/cornwall/staustell-leisure-centre
staustell@gll.org
St. Ives
Tregenna Castle
Trelyon Ave, St Ives, TR26 2DE
01736 795254
www.tregenna-castle.co.uk/
hotel@tregenna-castle.co.uk
Truro
Ben Ainslie Sports Centre
Truro School, Trennick Lane, Truro, TR1 1TH
01872 246050
www.sirbenainsliesportscentre.com/swimming-pools-cornwall/
sport@truroschool.com
Chycara Pool
Chycara house, Chyreen lane, Carnon downs, Truro TR3 6LG
01872 865447
www.chycara.co.uk/pool/
info@chycara.co.uk
Roseland Parc Retirement Village
Fore Street, Tregony, Truro, TR2 5PD
01872 530972
Trewince Holiday Lodges
Portscatho, Cornwall, TR2 5ET
01872 580289
www.trewince.com
enquiries@trewince.com
Truro Swimming Pool
College Rd, Truro, TR1 3GA
01872 261628
www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/cornwall/truro-leisure-centre
truro@gll.org
Wadebridge
Hotel St Moritz
Trebetherick, Wadebridge, PL27 6SD
01208 862242
www.stmoritzhotel.co.uk
stay@stmoritzhotel.co.uk
The Olde House
Chapel Amble, Nr Wadebridge, PL27 6EN
01208 813219
www.theoldehouse.co.uk/facilities/swimmingpool/
info@theoldehouse.co.uk
The Point at Polzeath
St Minver, Wadebridge, PL27 6QT
01208 864603
www.thepointatpolzeath.co.uk
info@thepointatpolzeath.co.uk
Wadebridge Sports Centre
Bodieve Rd, Wadebridge, PL27 6BU
01208 814980
www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/cornwall/wadebridge-leisure-centre/
wadebridge@gll.org
Typically, we offer joint replacement surgery to adults aged between 60 and 80. For smaller partial knee replacement operations we see patients aged between 55 and 64.
The majority of people who have surgery feel free from pain and hip and knee arthritis disability. They also feel more independent.
An orthopaedic consultant will discuss with you and decide if you’ll benefit from a hip replacement or knee replacement operation.
Knee replacement surgery
Some patients may need replacement of the back of the knee cap (patella).
Most patients need a total knee replacement but you may only need one part or one side of your knee joint replaced. It’s known as a partial, or unicompartmental knee replacement.
When will I need knee replacement surgery?
It’s usually necessary if you have a worn or damaged knee joint. Your mobility may be reduced and you may feel pain in your knee when you rest.
We may offer you knee replacement surgery if you have:
- severe arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- haemophilia
- gout
- a knee injury
- knee deformity
- death of the bone in the knee joint following blood supply problems.
You may have knee replacement surgery if other treatment options don’t reduce your pain or increase your mobility.
What are the benefits?
In the long term, the majority of people who have surgery will eventually feel free from pain and knee arthritis disability. Some people may still have some pain when twisting or kneeling.
You will feel more independent but may find it difficult to do everything you were once able to do to start with.
What happens during knee replacement surgery?
Your operation will usually last 1 to 2 hours.
You’ll have an anaesthetic for your operation. The most common is a spinal anaesthetic but some people may need a general anaesthetic.
The surgeon will make a cut (incision) on the front of your knee and remove any excess arthritic bone. This helps to make a smooth base for your new implant.
When satisfied with the position of the implant, the surgeon will close the incision with metal clips (skin staples) or stitches. They may use a drain to allow any collection of blood or fluid to drain out.
You may experience numbness over the outside of your knee.
Find out more about what happens during knee replacement surgery.
Recovering from your knee replacement
Learn how to do knee exercises to help your recovery.
Hip replacement surgery
You may have chosen to have hip replacement surgery because of degeneration such as arthritis.
When will I need hip replacement surgery?
It’s usually necessary if you have a worn or damaged hip joint. Your mobility may be reduced and you may feel pain in your hip when you rest.
We may offer you hip replacement surgery if you have:
- osteoarthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- septic arthritis
- a hip fracture
- disorders that cause bone growth (bone dysplasias)
You may have hip replacement surgery if other treatment options don’t reduce your pain or increase your mobility.
Benefits
Surgery stops most, if not all pain in your hip. The majority of people who have surgery feel free from pain and hip arthritis disability. They also feel more independent.
What happens during surgery?
You will have an anaesthetic for your operation. This may be a spinal anaesthetic but some people may need a general anaesthetic.
Sometimes you may have an epidural which is similar to a spinal anaesthetic.
The surgeon will make a cut (incision) into your hip, removes the damaged hip joint and replaces it with an artificial joint or implant.
The surgery usually takes around 1 to 2 hours to complete.
Find out more about what happens during hip replacement surgery.
Watch this video to find out what happens during hip replacement surgery.
Recovering from your hip replacement
Watch this video on hip exercises to help your recovery.
Find out about looking after your new hip.
Risks and benefits for joint replacement
Benefits
People who have joint replacement surgery may benefit from:
- increased mobility
- freedom from pain
- improved sleep
- improved quality of life
- ability to carry out everyday tasks that were difficult or impossible before surgery
- ability to work again and socialise.
Risks
As with all operations, there are risks involved. There’s a low risk of serious complications, estimated to be less than one in 100 people.
Your surgeon will answer any questions you have and discuss the risks with you before your surgery to make sure you fully understand them.
These risks include:
Blood clots
Also known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Blood clots can form in the veins, usually your leg, after surgery. Because you’ll be moving less than normal after your operation, you’re at a higher risk of developing DVT.
You may need to take medication to reduce this risk.
The blood thinning medication can cause your leg to swell and bruise. The swelling and bruising may extend all the way to your foot and ankle area. If you have pain in your calf from the swelling, please see your GP. They may refer you for a scan to check for a blood clot in your leg veins.
More information about DVT
Watch these videos about how to prevent DVT.
Learn more about DVT including symptoms and how to treat it.
Watch this video on Deep Vein Thrombosis.
Bleeding
This is usually minor which your surgeon stops during the operation.
Pain
Your hip will feel sore after the operation but we’ll give you painkillers. Pain normally improves with time and for most people the hip will become pain free.
Implant wear and loosening
With modern operating techniques and implants, we expect your new hip to last more than 15 years. In some cases the implants may wear or loosen and may need further surgery for infection or instability.
Known as revision surgery, the surgeon will remove your original joint implant and replace it with a new one.
Joint dislocation
The muscles and ligaments around the hip hold the two sides of a hip replacement together. They can dislocate, particularly in the first few weeks after surgery. If this happens, the joint can usually be put back into place under general anaesthetic.
Infection
To minimise the risk of infection we use ultra clean air theatres. Our surgical team take special precautions including gowning and draping but some infections can still happen. If the wound becomes red or hot, it may be a sign of infection. If you develop any of these symptoms please contact the orthopaedic ward on 01736 758812 or call your GP.
Nerve damage
In rare cases, surgery can cause damage to the nerves around the hip joint including injury, stretching or cutting.
Joint School
You’ll also need to attend our joint school before your operation. It’s an educational session that will help you prepare for your surgery and learn more about what to expect.
It’s a session run by the clinical team to help you prepare and learn more about your joint replacement surgery. We recommend attending joint school a few weeks before your operation.
We’ll book your joint school session when we arrange your surgery date.
During the session you’ll meet other hip or knee replacement patients. You’re welcome to bring a relative or carer with you so that they can support you at home after your operation.
What are the benefits?
You’ll find out what to expect and how to maximise your recovery. It will help you leave hospital more quickly after your operation.
You should attend joint school even if you have already had hip or knee replacement surgery.
What will happen?
The clinical team will explain what will happen before, during and after your stay in hospital. It’s really important that you understand what to expect and how to recover so please ask as many questions as you need to.
What will I learn?
You’ll learn exercises that will help speed up your recovery. If they’re not too painful, you should start them before your operation to help strengthen your muscles.
You’ll find out how to use crutches, especially on stairs so that you can move confidently when you return home.
We’ll also show you how to manage everyday tasks including:
- getting dressed
- getting in and out of bed
- getting in and out of a car.
You’ll find out how to do these tasks without bending or twisting. It’s important to familiarise yourself with these new techniques before your operation so that you can speed up and maximise your recovery time.
Tell us about your experience at joint school
Your feedback is really important to us. Ask your care team for a ‘friends and family form’ at the end of your joint school session, or you can fill it in online. In the box labelled ‘ward’, scroll down and choose ‘SMH Joint School.’
It’s important to plan your discharge from the hospital before surgery to prevent any delays in getting home.
Preparing for your operation
- crutches
- operation booklet
- loose night and day wear.
We’ll give you the relevant equipment before your admission to hospital.
Preparing for enhanced recovery after surgery
The rapid recovery programme helps you prepare for your surgery, recover more quickly and let you get back to normal life and activities as soon as possible.
Watch this introductory video which explains what to expect from the rapid recovery programme for joint replacement.
Watch the following videos which will help you prepare for your surgery:
- getting fit for your operation and managing your lifestyle
- how to make preparations at home before your surgery
Before your stay in hospital
We’ll send you an admission letter. It will tell you:
- what you need to bring with you
- what you need to do before you leave for hospital
- which ward you need to go to
- what happens when you arrive.
We’ll also send you a booklet about your operation, and any mobility aids you may need when you return home (such as a long-handled grabber and shoe horn for total hip replacements).
You can find out more about what you need to know before your stay in hospital.
Regular medication
When you come in for your operation, please bring in all of your regular medications in their original boxes. If you usually have blister packs, please ask your GP or local pharmacy to have the medicines in boxes for your hospital admission.
Your stay in hospital
How long will I stay in hospital?
You should be able to go home 1 to 3 days after your operation.
Where do I need to go for my surgery?
Your hip or knee replacement surgery will take place at St Michael’s Hospital in Hayle or Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro. You admissions letter will tell you where to go.
Your operation
Your joint replacement surgery usually takes around 1 to 2 hours under a spinal and light sedation. After the operation, you’ll wake up in the recovery area before being moved to the orthopaedic ward.
What happens after my operation?
You’ll be encouraged to move around as soon as possible on the day of your operation to prevent DVT and maximise your recovery.
We will encourage you to wash and dress almost straight after surgery and you will be encouraged to do this independently where possible.
You will need to have an X-ray and a blood test before you go home.
A physiotherapist will make sure you can walk, climb stairs (where appropriate) and can do your exercises independently.
An occupational therapist will discuss your home circumstances with you to make sure you can manage and have enough support in place. They will give you any equipment you need.
Find out more about what happens during your stay in hospital
Watch this video about what happens during your stay in hospital.
Leaving hospital
Pain Relief and Medication
We recommend taking Paracetamol and a weak opiate to help with any pain you may have after your operation. We will give you a small amount for you to take home. If you already take regular pain relief at home we may advise to continue with what you have. Each patient will experience pain differently and we will make sure you are given the most appropriate pain relief.
You are also likely to be given a blood thinner to prevent a blood clot from forming. This may be a tablet or injection and depending on the type of surgery you have had. You’ll need it for between 2 and 6 weeks. If you already take a blood thinner we will assess the best options for you individually.
Moving around
During the first 6 weeks after your hip or knee replacement surgery, you must take extra care with your new joint and follow advice from our clinical team.
Crutches
You’ll need to use crutches to help you walk for around 6 weeks after your operation.
Sexual Intercourse
Please discuss this with your surgeon or therapist as it will be different for everyone.
6 to 12 week follow-up appointment
You’ll see your consultant or a member of their team 6 to 12 weeks after your surgery. You will normally have an X-ray which we’ll review at this appointment. If the consultant is happy with your X-ray, you will not usually need any further follow up.
Your surgeon will also talk to you about returning to:
- driving
- household chores
- hobbies and leisure activity
- work and employment
You will not need to see a physiotherapist or occupational therapist after you leave hospital. If you need more support, we will assess this based on your individual needs.
Find out more about what to expect when you leave hospital and how to access help if you need it when you return home.
Feeling low after your joint replacement
It’s common for people to experience depression after joint replacement surgery. It is really normal to feel low at times, but if these symptoms become severe or go on for a long time, please talk to your GP.
Who can I call for advice about my knee or hip replacement surgery?
For concerns about your knee or hip replacement and signs of infection after your operation, please call St Joseph’s Ward at St Michael’s Hospital on 01736 758812.
Your information, privacy and consent
Your information and privacy
We recognise the importance of protecting personal and confidential information in all that we do, and take care to meet our legal and other duties. Find out more about our approach to privacy and data protection.
Consent
You are in control of your treatment and care. We are committed to the principle of ‘no decision about me without me’, so please feel free to ask any questions at any time about your consent to treatment and care.
Find out more about what consent means.
Information and guidelines for healthcare professionals
Read the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline which covers care before, during and after a planned knee, hip or shoulder replacement.
Trauma & Orthopaedics Team and Contacts
Urgent, Emergency and Trauma Care Group
Clinical Director
Specialty Lead
Governance Lead
Palakkad Easwarran
General Manager
Jo Floyd
Trauma Lead Manager
Janine Webster
Matron
Kate Schroeder Hockey
Fracture Clinic Sister
Anita Beckerleg
Elective Orthopaedics at St Michael’s Hospital
Clinical Director
Mark NortonGovernance Lead
Manager – St Michael’s Hospital
Chloe Parr
Matron – St Michael’s Hospital
Nicola Goddard
Clinical Admin Lead
Kate Ford
Other useful numbers
Fracture Clinic
01872 253091
Plaster Room
01872 253234
For concerns or questions about boots, braces and splints
01872 252880
