We are delighted to share that the Perinatal Pelvic Health Service (PPHS) is now live at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, supported by NHS England funding and developed in partnership with the LMNS.
The team includes specialist physiotherapists Cath Grebby and Beth Dodsworth, and pelvic health midwife Andrea Longden, led by Amy Hodgson (Matron for Public Health and Inequalities) and Shirley Busard (Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Lead).
The service supports anyone who is pregnant or within a year of giving birth, offering help with:
- Incontinence
- Prolapse
- Pelvic girdle pain
Clinics are running at University Hospital of North Durham, Shotley Bridge Community Hospital, Bishop Auckland Hospital and Sedgefield Community Hospital, with plans to expand classes to Family Hubs.
Referrals can be made by GPs, hospital doctors, midwives, health visitors – or directly by patients. Screening will also be built into pregnancy and postnatal care through the Badgernet tool.
Enhanced one-stop clinics will run with consultants Mr Bradley and Miss Harris, supported by new physiotherapists and specialist equipment.
Andrea will also be working across teams to promote best practice and reduce pelvic trauma.
