HEALTHCARE workers at Wye Valley NHS Trust took part in one of the biggest local community health and wellbeing events ever put on in Hereford.

Staff from Hereford County Hospital and community services joined more than 40 stand holders to promote information and advice for all the family in High Town last week.

Four services from Wye Valley NHS Trust took part in the event including Herefordshire falls prevention service, the Expert Patient Programme – a self-help course for people with long-term conditions, epilepsy service for children and adults, and the breast care, lymphoedema and gynaecology cancer service.

Julie Hardman, falls prevention specialist occupational therapist at Wye Valley NHS Trust, who hosted the falls prevention stand at the event, said: “We welcomed lots of people to our stand and offered free advice on how to help prevent falls, such as eating a balanced diet to maintain healthy bones, wearing suitable footwear, using appropriate walking aids and ensuring your home is trip hazard free”.

Caroline Amos, children’s epilepsy nurse at Wye Valley NHS Trust, added: “This is a great opportunity to promote the health and wellbeing services available for Herefordshire.

"We talked to families of children and adults who suffer with the condition epilepsy to promote both services available for epilepsy at Hereford County Hospital and in the community.”

Specialist nurses for the breast care, lymphoedema and gynaecology cancer services were also available to talk to people about the services and support available after being diagnosed and throughout their treatment pathway and ongoing self-management strategies.

People with long term conditions were able to access information about the Expert Patient Programme, a free six week course of two and a half hour sessions per week, which provides people with practical ways of managing their condition, along with emotional support.

To find out more about Wye Valley NHS Trust services visit www.wyevalley.nhs.uk

And to contact the falls service for free advice or an assessment at your home or local clinic, call 01568 617309.