HertsNursing

When my little one (on the picture) was born in 2013 I had no idea what sleep training is or what is to have a bedtime routine. I assumed that him waking up every 45min - 1 hr it’s normal and I should just get on with it and “survive” it.

He would wake up screaming for milk, very angrily and every hour. I was tired 😪 and I was clinically depressed… because I was so sleep deprived! I now understand that actually he wasn’t feeding properly and he was in pain because of an infant colic! 😭

Now looking back at how I managed it, there was so much more I could have done for him! If I only knew fraction of things I know now.

Being a registered children’s nurse and completed a Professional Diploma in Sleep Consultancy alongside Dr. Karen E. Wells I can help to guide you through gentle and effective sleep methods tailored to your child's and family’s needs.

From newborns to young children, I can help you create a bedtime routine that works for you and your family. I have number of methods which can be used on its own or in combination with other. Every method can be tailored to your own needs. I will be there to guide you how to use them and make it work.

Your child will start sleeping better, for longer giving you restful nights which will have a positive impact on you and your child’s physical, emotional and mental well being. It will improve relationship with your partner as well as ensuring your child’s healthy future.

I am here to give you all the help and support you need 💕

I respond same day ✉️

** ATTENTION, PARENTS ONLY**

I would enormously be grateful if you could complete a very short survey for me , if you have spare few minutes🙏 it is super quick to fill in ❤️

It is about caring for your child/ren at home when they are unwell. 🤒

Thank you xx

New Survey

We should only be your first choice when it’s a life threatening emergency.

For everything else by going to an Urgent Treatment Centre, your GP or a pharmacist.

If you’re not sure where’s best for you, call NHS 111 or go online: www.111.nhs.uk

Excessive insulin "directly contributes" to pancreatic cancer initiation Excessive insulin common in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes “directly contributes” to pancreatic cancer initiation, experts say. The new research has provided, for the first time, a comprehensive explanation of why there is a greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer in people with ob...

🌍 Today, on World Diabetes Day, let's raise awareness about the impact of diabetes on millions of lives worldwide. Together, we can support and empower those affected by diabetes. 💙 Let's work towards a healthier future for all.

To donate please follow this link:

https://donate.diabetes.org.uk/~share?cid=163&lang=en_EN

Winter season 🥶 is coming and what comes with it is unfortunately many admissions of “bronch babies” to A&E departments all over the country. Almost all children by the age of 2 had bronchiolitis at least once.

What is it? How do you recognise it and how do you treat it? 💡

Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection that affects babies and children under 2. It's usually mild and can be treated at home, but it can be serious.

Bronchiolitis is different from bronchitis, which causes a cough with lots of mucus and can affect people of all ages.

Check if it's bronchiolitis 🤔

The early symptoms of bronchiolitis are similar to a cold, such as sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, a cough and a slightly high temperature of 38C. Although, fever is not always present.

A child with bronchiolitis may then get other symptoms, such as:

breathing more quickly
finding it difficult to feed or eat
noisy breathing (wheezing)
becoming irritable
Symptoms are usually worst between days 3 and 5, and the cough usually gets better in 3 weeks.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:
your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
there are pauses when your child breathes
your child's skin, tongue or lips are blue
your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake

As a parent, you may know if your child seems seriously unwell and should trust your own judgement.

Find your nearest A&E

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if:
your child has had a cold and it's getting worse
your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more, or shows other signs of dehydration
your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39C or higher
your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
your child is very tired or irritable

Treatments for bronchiolitis 💊

There's no specific treatment for bronchiolitis. It usually gets better on its own and you can look after your child at home.

But it can be serious in some children, who may need to be treated in hospital.

Do❗️

Give children's paracetamol to babies and children over 2 months old or ibuprofen to babies and children over 3 months old – but do not give aspirin to a child under 16
try using salt water (saline) drops if your child's nose is blocked
keep your child upright as much as possible when they're awake – this will help them breathe more easily
encourage your child to drink lots of fluids – try smaller feeds more often in babies, and give older children extra water or diluted fruit juice

Don’t❌

Do not smoke around your child
do not try to lower your child's temperature by sponging them with cool water or taking off all their clothes

Preventing bronchiolitis 🛡️

There are some things you can do to lower the chances of your child getting bronchiolitis or spreading the viruses that cause it, such as:

wash your hands and your child's hands often
wash or wipe down toys and clean surfaces regularly
use disposable tissues and throw them away as soon as you've used them
keep newborn babies away from anyone with a cold or the flu – especially if they're under 2 months old or were premature
It's also important not to smoke around your child. Children who breathe in cigarette smoke have a higher risk of getting bronchiolitis.

Children at risk of severe bronchiolitis ❗️

Some children may have a higher risk of getting seriously ill with bronchiolitis.

This includes children who:

Were born very prematurely
have a heart or lung condition
have a weakened immune system
These children may be able to have treatment in the winter (between October and March) to stop them getting severe bronchiolitis.

Causes of bronchiolitis 🦠

Bronchiolitis is caused by a viral infection, usually the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

RSV is very common and spreads easily in coughs and sneezes. Almost all children have had it by the time they're 2.

In older children and adults, RSV may cause a cough or cold, but in young children it can cause bronchiolitis.

If in any doubt you can always head to our website and book an appointment with our children’s nurse. In this way you can stay away from hospital germs, unfamiliar/distressing environment for your child and other unwell children.

www.hertsnursing.com

We had some issues with a booking system on our website.

Please be advised this is now resolved.

Did you know that our qualified children nurses can come and assess your unwell child at home same day? *

We offer:
• Rapid health check ups (vital signs check including oxygen, pulse, temperature, breathing rate with lungs, ears and throat assessment, urine and sugar checks, ecg and many more)

• Minor treatments at home for; mallet finger, pulled elbow, mild dehydration, NG tube problems/reinsertion, wounds, sprains and soft tissue injuries, lacerations and cuts, head injuries, bruising etc.

• Enhanced triage and streaming service (similar to 111 we can redirect you to appropriate healthcare provider but you see exclusively registered and qualified staff, no call handlers and only face to face appointments)

• Health advice (i.e. how to boost immunity, right supplementation for your child, how to rebuild gut flora after antibiotics treatment etc.)

• Venipuncture (child and adult)

•First Aid with paediatric life support (PLS)

We are equipped for emergencies however, we are not a 999 response. Please dial 999 for life threatening situations and ask for an ambulance.

We cover whole Hertfordshire county. If you want to be seen outside of the area or outside of our working hours please contact us on 01707502570. Appointments booking within the area are done online on our website.

*Subject to nurse availability

HertsNursing Home triage and sleep training service for children 0 to 16

Children’s at-home triage (health assessment and stream) is now available. Head to our website for more information and appointment booking.

Our paediatric nurses see children age 0 to 16 and cover whole Hertfordshire county. Please contact us if you would like to be seen in surrounding areas, or outside of our operating hours, we might be able to accommodate you. Subject to nurse availability.

What we can do at home:

•Chest auscultation
•Ears and throat check
•Urine check
•Blood sugar check
•ECG (print outs available)
•Nebulisation (Saline)
•Oxygen delivery and/or suction (in an emergency)
•Simple wound dressings (including burns)
•Limb injuries (pulled elbow, mallet finger, sprains etc.)
•Lacerations and cuts due to head injuries or anything else
•CPR (in emergency)
•Nasogastric tube insertion
•Vital signs check (pulse, breathing, temperature, blood pressure, oxygen levels)
•And many more

If your child cannot be treated at home we will redirect you appropriately with completed triage form. We are able to refer you directly to paediatricians within your local hospital if necessary.

*Please be aware this is not 999 response* but we are still equipped with an emergency bag in case.

If you need any technical support call our customer service landline on 01707 502 570, for appointments booking go to our website and click on the “book here” button.

Anything else contact us on messenger or other social platforms.

We are nearly there. Today we sorted our oxygen supply contract and got an appropriate insurance. Still awaiting for some equipment and finishing touches to advice leaflets and website. Official launch is coming soon !

HertsNursing team ❤

I've just registered for Health Plus Care taking place at ExCeL London on 26 - 27 April 2023. Healthcare and care professionals can register for FREE. Join me and secure your place today!

I've registered for Healthcare | Health Plus Care | UK | 26/27.4.23, join me Register now

***Exciting news‼️***

So we’ve got a green light 🟢 and we can start operating 🤩

We are aiming to start from new year as we still have few things that are unfinished.

In the meantime, any questions or queries please message us directly.

***CQC registration update***

1. CQC DBS requested ✅
2. DBS completed and sent ✅
3. DBS clear ✅
4. Deposit paid for application ✅
5. Third party forms completed ✅
6. ICO (data protection) fee paid ✅
7. ICO registered ✅
8. CQC application started ✅
9. Nursing Policies & Procedures in place 🕥
10. Business plan 🕥
11. CQC Application sent 🕥
12. CQC Interview 🕥
13. Approved as UK registered manager 🕥
14. CQC Registration complete 🕥 🙌🏻

** Meningitis and Sepsis in children👶 **

DO NOT wait for a rash to appear on your child’s body. If a child is ill and getting worse, get medical help immediately.

Symptoms of meningitis in children can appear in any order. Some may not appear at all.

Common signs an symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia in children, teenagers and young people.

Fever
Cold hands and feet
Vomiting
Sleepy/Drowsy child
Difficult to wake
Confusion and irritability
Severe muscle pain
Pale, blotchy skin
Spots/rash (Read more about Glass Test)
Severe headache
Stiff neck
Photosensitivity (sensitive to bright lights)
Convulsions/seizures

Early symptoms can include:

Fever, headache, vomiting, muscle pain and fever with cold hands and feet.

Someone with meningitis or septicaemia can get a lot worse very quickly. Keep checking them.

Trust your instincts – Get medical help immediately

Who is at risk❓
Everyone is at risk; however, teenagers - particularly first year university students - and young people are the second most at-risk group.

Why are teenagers and young people at risk❓

Meningococcal bacteria are the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK. One in four 15-19 year olds carry the bacteria in the back of their throats, compared to one in ten of the UK population, which puts them at greater risk

The five main groups of meningococcal bacteria that commonly cause disease are groups A, B, C, W and Y

You can carry the bacteria without becoming unwell (in most cases it will boost your natural immunity)

Meningococcal bacteria are passed from person to person by coughing, sneezing and kissing. Increased social interaction in this age group means the bacteria can be passed on more easily

Meningococcal group W (MenW) has historically been rare in the UK, but in 2009, cases began to increase. A particularly aggressive strain of MenW was causing disease in all age groups but there was a significant increase in university students. The MenACWY vaccine was introduced across the UK in August 2015 in response to the rise in MenW cases.

Remember; you know your child better than anyone else. If you think your child looks unwell seek medical help straight away.

Finally we found the right company to work with regarding our CQC registration. 🙌🏻 Looking forward to working with Ian from ‘CQC Advice 4U’. Let’s hope that we can register by the end of spring time and start operating 👨🏼‍⚕️ 👩🏽‍⚕️

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

I recently had a situation in A&E triage room where parent was hyperventilating, panicking and thought that her child was dying of meningitis because of the purple rash she saw on her child’s legs. Althought HSP can look horrible (see pictures) in most cases it can be managed at home without any medication at all.

I am writing this post so that parents are aware of signs and symptoms of HSP and that it is different to meningitis. (I will post about meningitis in few days)

In all fairness we don’t see as many children in A&E with this condition however, it’s important that parents are able to recognise the condition as it can look much worse that it actually is. As a result parents tend to panic and bring them straight to emergency department thinking the worst.

What is Henoch-Schönlein Purpura or HSP? 🤔

HSP is a condition where blood vessels 🩸 become inflamed (irritated and swollen). HSP usually affects the small blood vessels in the skin, causing a rash that is called purpura. It can also affect blood vessels in the intestines and the kidneys. HSP can lead to complications in the lungs or brain 🧠 , but this is extremely rare. ❗️

The cause of HSP is unknown 🤷🏻‍♀️, but it is most commonly triggered by a viral illness (e.g. a cold), and it occurs most often in the spring. 🌸

HSP usually affects children from two to 10 years of age, but it can happen in anyone. HSP itself is not contagious, but the infection that has triggered HSP may be contagious 😷. There is no known way to prevent HSP.

Signs and symptoms of HSP 📃

The signs of HSP can take days to weeks to fully develop 🗓 . The distinctive rash almost always occurs in HSP, but is not always the first symptom to develop.

If your child 👶 has HSP, they may have:

a) a skin rash, which looks like small bruises or small reddish-purple spots – it's usually seen on the bottom, legs 🦵 and around the elbows
swelling of the feet and hands 🙌🏻 , and the sc***um in male children

b) pain in the joints, such as the knees and ankles

c) stomach pain

d) blood in the faeces (poo) or urine (wee) 🚽, caused by the blood vessels in the bowel and the kidneys becoming inflamed.

In rare cases, an abnormal folding of the bowel (called intussusception) can occur. This causes a blockage in the intestines that may need surgery. 🏥

When to see a doctor 👨🏼‍⚕️
If you think your child has HSP, take them to see your GP.

Take your child back to the GP if they have HSP and they have increasing pain or swelling, blood in their stools or urine, or if you are worried at all.

If your child is unwell with a fever 🤒 and a skin rash (small bright red spots or purple spots or unexplained bruises) that does not turn to skin-colour (blanch) when you press on it, this may be a sign of meningococcal infection.

Treatment for HSP 💊
Your child may not need any medicines; however, the GP may prescribe a drug called prednisolone (steroids) to help decrease inflammation, overstimulated immunity response, severe stomach pains or very painful joints. Prednisolone may also be helpful in preventing kidney problems. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medicines to treat the infection that triggered HSP.

Care at home 🏠
HSP usually gets better on its own without causing lasting problems. You can give your child pain relief (e.g. paracetamol) or an anti-inflammatory pain reliever (e.g. ibuprofen) to help relieve the joint pain/swelling and general discomfort.

High temperature (fever) in children

A high temperature is very common in young children. The temperature usually returns to normal within 3 or 4 days if not see your GP as they might need antibiotics.

What is a high temperature?

Information:
A normal temperature in babies and children is between 36.0 and 37.5 but this can vary slightly from child to child.

A high temperature is 38C or more.
A high temperature is the body's natural response to fighting infections like coughs and colds. 🦠

Many things can cause a high temperature in children, from common childhood illnesses like chickenpox and tonsillitis, to vaccinations.

Checking a high temperature 🤒

Your child might:

📍feel hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest
📍feel sweaty
📍look or feel unwell
Use a digital thermometer, which you can buy from pharmacies and supermarkets, to take your child's temperature. From my own experience I suggest getting an under arm one as it’s more accurate compared to any other thermometers.

What to do if your child has a high temperature

❗️DO❗️
give them plenty of fluids
look out for signs of dehydration
give them food if they want it
check on your child regularly during the night
keep them at home
give them paracetamol if they're distressed or unwell
get medical advice if you're worried about your child

❗️DON’T❗️
do not undress your child or sponge them down to cool them, a high temperature is a natural and healthy response to infection
do not cover them up in too many clothes or bedclothes
do not give aspirin to children under 16 years of age
use paracetamol as indicated on the label if paracetamol does not work you can use ibuprofen (see contraindications before using it)
do not give paracetamol to a child under 2 months
do not give ibuprofen to a child under 3 months or under 5kg
do not give ibuprofen to children with asthma
Read more about giving medicines to children

Important: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
At the moment it can be hard to know what to do if your child is unwell.

A high temperature can lead to a child being very unwell quickly. It's important to get medical help if you need it.

❗️Urgent advice: Call 111 📞 or your GP surgery now if your child:❗️
-is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
-is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
-has other signs of illness, such as a rash, as well as a high temperature
-has a high temperature that's lasted for 5 days or more
-does not want to eat, or is not their usual self and you're worried
-has a high temperature that does not come down with paracetamol
-is dehydrated – such as nappies that are not very wet, sunken eyes, and no tears when they're crying

❗️Immediate action required: Call 999 if your child:❗️
-has a stiff neck
-has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it (use the "glass test" from Meningitis Now)
-is bothered by light
-has a fit (febrile seizure) for the first time (they cannot stop shaking)
-has unusually cold hands and feet
-has blue, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue
-has a weak, high-pitched cry that's not like
their normal cry
-is drowsy and hard to wake
-is extremely agitated (does not stop crying) or is confused
-finds it hard to breathe and sucks their
stomach in under their ribs
-is not responding like they normally do, or is not interested in feeding or normal activities

❗️Attention❗️

The opening of a new company will be delayed due to CQC registration process and pending inspection to establish rating of new services. Please bare with us. We are doing what we can to speed up the process.

We are working with another organisation to ensure our company is compliant with all CQC requirements.

We’ll be posting updates on here

Happy New Year everyone 🎉

New investment for the company - bluetooth weight scale with baby measuring tray.

Parents will be able to connect to the device through BabyFit app where they’ll have their child’s measurements saved and stored automatically on their phone. In addition the app will show your child’s results on the growth chart.

What a gem 💎

⚠️ How to deal with your child’s coughs and colds at home? 🏡

Coughs and colds are usually caused by infection with a germ called a virus. They normally clear away on their own, and antibiotic medicines are usually of no use. Paracetamol or ibuprofen may ease some of the symptoms. Make sure the child has enough to drink to prevent dehydration.

❗️What are the symptoms?❗️

1. The common symptoms are a cough and a runny nose. The cough is often worse at night. Coughing does not damage the lungs.

2. In addition, a child may have a raised temperature (fever), a sore throat, headache, and tiredness; they may be off their food.

3. Sometimes children may be sick (vomit) 🤢 after a coughing fit.

4. A build-up of mucus behind the eardrums may cause dulled hearing or mild earache.

5. Very young children often sleep a lot when they are unwell.

❗️What are the treatments for coughs and colds?❗️

There is no magic cure! Typically, symptoms are worse in the first 2-3 days, and then ease over the next few days as the immune system clears the virus. An irritating cough may linger for up to 2-4 weeks after other symptoms have gone. Antibiotics do not kill viruses, so are of no use for common coughs and colds.

❗️Supportive treatment❗️

Coughs and colds often do not need any treatment. Make sure your child has enough to drink. Low body fluid (dehydration) may develop if a child has a raised temperature (fever) and does not drink much. Resting helps the body to fight off viruses more quickly.

❗️Treatment to ease symptoms❗️

Paracetamol can ease aches and pains, headaches and fever. Ibuprofen is an alternative. Both are sold in pharmacies in liquid form for children. There are various brands - ask the pharmacist if you are unsure what is suitable.

❗️Saline drops for blocked nose❗️

A popular treatment for a blocked nose in a baby is to put a few drops of salt water (saline) into the nose just before feeds. Some people feel that this helps to clear the nose to make feeding easier. It may be worth a try if feeding is difficult. You can buy saline drops from pharmacies.

❗️Vapour rubs❗️

Vapour rubs are another popular treatment. They can be applied to the chest and back. Avoid application directly to the nostril area.

❗️Steam inhalation❗️

Inhaling steam can also help relieve congestion and coughing. The safest way to do this with children is to sit in the bathroom with a hot shower/hot taps running. You can also invest in home nebuliser. You can buy saline in any pharmacy and add to the nebuliser this helps to clear the mucous from the child’s airways. 4 ml of the solution is enough do it as often as your child needs.

❗️Cough sweets❗️

Sucking menthol or other medicated sweets can help ease irritating coughs and sore throats in older children.

❗️How to boost your child’s immunity naturally❗️

💊 Zinc supplements

Previous research studies suggest that a mineral called zinc appears to reduce the severity of cold symptoms in healthy children. A recent review of the research on zinc supplements and the common cold found that zinc supplements may reduce the length and severity of cold symptoms, when taken within 24 hours of the first symptoms of a cold. Zinc supplements may also help to prevent colds.

💊 Vitamin C

There has also been research looking at vitamin C for preventing or treating colds. A recent review found that taking vitamin C regularly possibly prevent colds in the ordinary population. It also seem to reduce the length and severity of symptoms.

💊 Vitamin D

A study published in early 2017 revealed that vitamin D is also useful for preventing colds. Many people in the UK have low levels of vitamin D during the winter, and Public Health England now recommends that everyone should consider taking a vitamin D supplement during this season. From my own experience in the hospital I know most of our senior paediatricians tell parents to start supplementing their children with vitamins especially vitamin D as we barely get any sun exposure ☀️

🎄 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎄

⭐️ Let’s hope that upcoming year will be a better one for us all. I hope that hatred we see now will vanish and change into love instead. I wish for next year that people will be more united and supportive to each other because now we need it more than ever ⭐️

With love … HertsNursing 👨🏼‍⚕️

Thank you NHS Professionals !

You have shown me appreciation, flexibility and have given me a great experience in variety of healthcare settings. I am definitely more confident and competent nurse now. I am looking forward to next opportunities in 2022.

https://youtu.be/YH9kw5rN8mM

NHSP End of Year Appreciation Video 2021 Over the past twelve months you, our Bank Members have been committed to delivering outstanding care to patients and their families. We want to recognise you...

As a paediatric A&E nurse I see everyday many children presenting with Bronchitis/Bronchiolitis symptoms in our department. While taking history parents normally complain about their children not feeding and having difficulty in breathing. However, many cases can be treated at home with things like:

1. Saline nasal drops
2. Saline nebulisation
3. Reducing feeds to half if they are vomiting
4. Regular calpol if they have fever
5. Slight taps on the sides of the back while they cough to assist with clearing the airways
6. Keep them upright for better oxygen levels

Broncholitis/Bronchitis is caused by the RSV virus which most of us have it already in our bodies it’s just dormant. RSV activates when our immunity falls i.e. we have recurrent colds or cold sores. If you are ill please refrain from kissing babies as it might make them seriously ill.

Below you’ll find more information about the condition and symptoms.

🚨always ring 999 if your child has severe difficulty in breathing, gasping for air, going blue on the face, lips or inside the mouth, becoming unresponsive or going floppy. Take them straight to A&E if they are feeding less than half or not had a wet nappy in at least 12 hrs 🚨

Our IT department 💻 is working hard to make sure our website will be up and running from January. If you’d like to know more about our plans and works please do not hesitate to contact us on here or our page. 📱

We are looking forward to providing new nursing service in Hertfordshire and London community very soon. ⭐️

👩🏼‍⚕️ 👨‍⚕️ 👩🏻‍⚕️👩🏽‍⚕️👨🏻‍⚕️👨🏼‍⚕️

Excited to announce that our company’s logo is finally finished and officially released 🤩 Thank you to Artur our graphic designer for an amazing design and patience 🙌🏻

Follow us on instagram ⭐️



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