Mental health first aiders
17th April 2024
Mental health awareness aims to tackle the stigma and provide people with the opportunity to understand and prioritise their own mental health and that of others
Menopause
The menopause, often referred to as ‘The Change’, is an inevitable part of a woman’s life.
It refers to the time when a woman reaches the end of her reproductive capacity. This commonly occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, the average age being 51. At this time in life, women are often struggling to juggle a demanding job, child care and elderly parents.
Every woman’s experience of the menopause is different. Most women (8 out of 10) experience some symptoms lasting about 4 years after the last period. 10% of women experience symptoms for 12 years.
Symptoms include:
- hot flushes
- low mood or anxiety
- lack of interest in sex
- aches and pains
- vaginal dryness
- poor sleep
- stress incontinence
Menopause can also bring an increase in the risk of long-term health problems. These include:
- Breast Cancer
- Osteoporosis
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Urinary incontinence
NICE guidance says that the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks for women in their 50's and that there is no aribitrary upper age or time limit for stopping it. Treatment often needs to be individualised according to a woman's particular needs and any medical problems.
At St Joseph’s Hospital, we appreciate that every woman is different and we understand what a challenging time the menopause can be. We offer a bespoke service to guide you through menopause.
Coordinated by our experienced Consultant, our multi-disciplinary team delivers your care within a quiet, reassuring and relaxing environment within the heart of our hospital.
We promise to provide:
- time - to listen, understand and support you
- continuity - to develop strong relationships between patient and doctor
- relief - from short-term menopausal symptoms
- advice - about ways to improve health and wellbeing
- information - about staying well. Up-to-date, evidence-based information in a format to suit you
Our services include:
HRT
All forms of HRT including patches, gels and implants can be given. Bioidentical HRT options can be discussed.
Oestrogen in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be given by gels, patches, spray, tablets or implants. Testosterone can be given by gel, cream or implant. Some women do not absorb hormones any other way except by implant. Oestrogen and testosterone implants are not contraceptive.
Any woman who has a uterus and takes HRT should use progesterone. Progesterone implants do not exist for HRT, but the Mirena coil (IUS) can be used instead. Contraceptive implants eg Nexplanon are not suitable for HRT.
HRT implants are about the size of a large grain of rice. They are inserted in the clinic into subcutaneous fat of the abdomen by a simple technique under local anaesthetic using a small 5 mm incision and no suture. It is mildly uncomfortable, but patients do not generally find it painful.
It is usual for menopause symptoms to improve within two weeks and to begin to return at approximately five months although in some patients the symptoms may return as early as three months or as late as eighteen months after the last implantation. The implant is absorbed completely, and an old one does not need to be removed (unlike contraceptive implants). Many patients have their implant renewed every six months or so.
Occasionally women report symptoms coming back even though they have plenty of oestrogen in their system. This is called tachyphylaxis and is why a blood oestrogen level should be measured every year or so to ensure it is not getting too high.
It is possible to get a mild infection at the insertion site, and occasionally an implant can work its way back out. Generally, however, implants are very safe and side effects are unlikely.
Oestrogen and testosterone implants have been used safely for several decades in the UK. In the last few years, they have had to be imported from the USA as the UK and European manufacturers stopped making them for commercial reasons. This has meant many menopause services no longer supply them.
Our consultant will listen to you and build in treatment around your priorities using her considerable expertise and knowledge.
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy assessment (30 minutes)
Joint aches commonly occur, often affecting neck, wrists and shoulders, but since other causes such as osteoarthritis are very common at this age, they may not be recognised as being associated with the menopause. As well as the possible effect of lack of estrogen affecting the ligaments around joints, research has also shown that this hormonal lack is involved in the development of osteoarthritis.
Our physiotherapists will address all the ‘aches and pains’ you’ve been experiencing, offer a full musculoskeletal physiotherapy assessment along with advice and strategies to manage your symptoms.
Gym or pool based exercise programme
Exercise is an integral part of the strategy. The benefits are many, most important being maintenance of muscle mass and thereby the bone mass and strength. An exercise program for postmenopausal women will be tailored to suit you, including endurance exercise (aerobic), strength exercise and balance exercises.
Pelvic Health physiotherapy assessment (60 minutes)
Pelvic Health physiotherapy is a specialist area that focuses on the assessment, treatment and management of bladder and bowel weakness or over activity.
- full bladder and bowel dysfunction screen
- assessment for prolapse symptoms
- assessment of sexual function, vaginal dryness and atrophy
- pelvic floor muscle range of functional movement, strength, endurance and activation synergy
Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT)
QCT is a fast, non-invasive exam that is safe and effective for the evaluation of Bone Mineral Density and, consequently, diagnosis of osteoporosis.
It produces measurements that are the same as DXA, the test offered by the NHS, however QCT is likely to detect low bone mass in the spine earlier as QCT measures the interior bone which is affected earlier and to a greater degree.
Contraceptive services
The pregnancy rate in women at 45 years is 10-20 per 100 women and at 50 years is 5 pregnancies per 100 women.
We are able to clarify your fertility status and subsequently discuss and arrange contraceptive options to suit. Our consultant's have expertise in coil insertion, including the Mirena coil which is a useful contraceptive and also a treatment for heavy periods.
Our guide prices are from:
| Initial medical consultation | £200 |
| Follow-up medical consultation | £100 |
| Musculoskeletal physiotherapy assessment | £50 |
| Pelvic Health physiotherapy assessment | £70 |
| Insertion of HRT inplant | £360 |
| QCT (Bone Density Scan) | £375 |
| Insertion of Mirena IUS | £275 |
Conditions and Treatments
Perimenopause
Post-Menopause
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St Joseph's News
Introducing the Thrombosis UK App: Enhancing Patient Care in Thrombosis Management
25th March 2024
Thrombosis UK is proud to unveil its latest innovation: Let’s Talk Clots, developed in collaboration with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, esteemed healthcare providers, and patient communities
An Insight into a Placement Experience at St Joseph’s Hospital Physiotherapy Department
23rd February 2024
Justin Harris, a third-year physiotherapy student from Cardiff University, recently completed a four-week placement at St Joseph’s Hospital, offering a firsthand glimpse into the dynamics of the hospital's physiotherapy department
St Joseph’s Hospital scan a violin helping local auction company
20th February 2024
St Joseph’s Hospital were approached last week in search to find a place to conduct a CT scan on a violin which was anticipated to be 400 years old. AMATI Auctions reached out to St Joseph’s Hospital Advanced Diagnostic department with the hope to see inside the violin to check for essential components required to value the instrument
Professor Nick Ossei-Gerning awarded OBE in 2024 New Years Honors list
12th January 2024
St Joseph’s Hospital are delighted to share that Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Professor Nick Ossei-Gerning was awarded an OBE in the 2024 New Years Honors list
St Joseph’s Hospital awarded Gold Level for commitment to patient safety by the National Joint Registry
8th January 2024
St Joseph’s Hospital is celebrating after being named as a National Joint Registry (NJR) Quality Data Provider – Gold Level at the end of 2023 after successfully completing a national programme of local data audits
Pilates: Is it suitable for me?
4th January 2024
Over recent years there has been a rise in the uptake of mind-body exercises such as Pilates. Taking part in such activities can enhance not only your physical health but your mental health and self-awareness too
BBC Radio Interview with Mr Andrew Feyi-Waboso
12th October 2023
Consultant Ophthalmologist Mr Andrew Feyi-Waboso recently spoke with BBC Radio about declining eyesight as we age. It is proven that eyesight will begin to decline from around the age of 40
St Joseph’s Hospital hosts their 7th Cardiac MRI course for Radiographers
10th October 2023
St Joseph’s Hospital are pleased to share that they have recently hosted their 7th Cardiac MRI course for Radiographers. The course first began in 2021 and has been a running success since, with attendees travelling from Wales, England, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland
Transformative ankle surgery gives gentleman new lease of life
9th August 2023
Mr Ogwyn Alexander has captured the hearts of St Joseph’s Hospital with his life changing journey. Mr Alexander underwent ankle replacement surgery with Mr Kartik Hariharan, Consultant Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Advances in injectable treatments for knee arthritis
5th April 2023
Over 8 million people in the UK are currently suffering from some form of osteoarthritis. The knee is one of the most common sites to develop arthritis and results in pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility
Recurring lower back pain and the management of symptoms
30th March 2023
Lower back pain is a common symptom that many will experience in their lifetime. It is estimated that four out of five adults will develop the problem at some stage with most cases of back pain thought to come and go, disappearing on their own
St Joseph’s Hospital announce partnership with My Clinical Outcomes
21st March 2023
St Joseph’s Hospital are pleased to announce its partnership with My Clinical Outcomes (MCO). Over the coming weeks, they will be introducing PROMS (Patient Reported Outcome Measures) to record and monitor patient outcomes following surgery
St Joseph’s Hospital completes the final stage in its refurbishment
13th March 2023
Over the past two years St Joseph’s Hospital have been working on refurbishing their ward and theatre space. The project has taken part in two phases and finally came to a close in January 2023
St Joseph’s Hospital extend procedure portfolio
8th March 2023
St Joesph’s Hospital are pleased to share that they have extended their procedure portfolio to include Specialist Weight Loss Management with the support of Mr Hari Nageswaran, Consultant UGI and Bariatric Surgery, and Verve Health Group
St Joseph’s Hospital get ready for the St David’s Newport Half Marathon
22nd February 2023
The St David’s Newport Half Marathon is soon approaching, taking place on Sunday 5th March! Celebrating its 10 year anniversary, the race is set to be a fantastic event raising funds for the hospice
Mr Brian Stephenson’s mission to Senegal, West Africa
7th February 2023
We are delighted to share that Mr Brian Stephenson, Consultant General and Groin Hernia Surgeon, was asked to join a group of Urologists and Reconstructive Surgeons in Senegal, West Africa
Mr Andrew Feyi-Waboso’s trip to Malawi to set up an eye and rehabilitation unit
27th January 2023
St Joseph’s are thrilled to share that Consultant Ophthalmologist Mr Andrew Feyi-Waboso is currently setting up an eye and rehabilitation unit at Mulanje Mission Hospital in Malawi
St Joseph’s continues their support for Cerebral Palsy Cymru
17th January 2023
St Joseph’s Hospital are thrilled to announce their continuous support for Cerebral Palsy Cymru’s specialist early intervention service ‘Better Start, Better Future’, for babies who have or at risk of cerebral palsy
St Joseph’s Hospital support Action for Children Christmas Appeal
16th January 2023
St Joseph’s Hospital are proud to share that they supported Action for Children over the Christmas period through staff donating presents to the charity and raising money through their Christmas Jumper Day
St Joseph’s Radiographer invited to trial ground-breaking Cardiac MRI technology at Siemens Healthineers Headquarters
3rd October 2022
Benny Lawton, Executive Cardiac MR Radiographer at St Joseph’s hospital, was invited to evaluate the very latest in Cardiac MRI software at what he called “the extremely impressive” Siemens Healthineers headquarters in Erlangen, Germany
Winners at the Health & Care Awards!
30th September 2022
St Joseph’s Hospital are delighted to share that they have won the award for the Best Place to Work at the South Wales Argus Health & Care Awards 2022
St Joseph's Hospital sponsors Admiral City of Newport Half Marathon
9th September 2022
St Joseph’s Hospital are pleased to announce that they are sponsoring the Admiral City of Newport Half Marathon which takes place on the 5th March 2023
St Joseph's Physiotherapists at the Commonwealth Games!
12th August 2022
Two of our fantastic physiotherapist team attended the Commonwealth Games. This week the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games officially closed and handed the baton over to Victoria 2026
Newport’s St Joseph’s Hospital invites candidates to Recruitment Open Day as 30 positions available
12th January 2022
Hospital also unveils SurgiCube theatre - first in Wales. St Joseph's Hospital is to welcome potential candidates to a Recruitment Open Day on Saturday 22nd January 10am to 4pm as part of its recruitment drive for 30 roles
St Joseph’s Hospital opens up 30 new roles following investment announcement
23rd November 2021
Over two thirds of hospital staff "look forward to going to work." St Joseph's Hospital is recruiting 30 new roles following on from its recent multi-million-pound investment announcement
£4.2m boost for St Joseph’s Hospital is part of a phased investment process
20th October 2021
Investment in the latest technologies and increased patient capacity. The independent hospital acknowledged for its supportive and compassionate care, has announced it will benefit from a further £4
St Joseph’s Hospital holds inaugural cardiac MRI course for radiographers - a first in Wales
22nd September 2021
Delegates travelled across the UK for the “very valuable course”. The inaugural cardiac MRI course for radiographers interested in learning more about cardiovascular MRI has been held at St Joseph’s Hospital in Newport
1,000th patient receives treatment at the brand new £3m Day Surgery Unit
20th September 2021
St Joseph's Hospital provides additional 500 surgeries a month. The Day Surgery Unit, which opened at St Joseph’s Hospital in Newport opened to patients in May this year, allowing up to 500 extra procedures to take place a month, has just welcomed its 1,000th patient
St Joseph’s brings two game-changing AI heart and lung assessments to Wales.
22nd June 2021
St Joseph’s Hospital, in partnership with Heart & Lung Imaging Limited (H&L), has become the first hospital in Wales to offer two cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled imaging assessments, which can identify a wide range of respiratory and cardiac conditions, potentially in their earliest stages
First patients through the doors as £3m Day Surgery Unit opens
24th May 2021
St Joseph’s Hospital to offer 500 more surgeries a month in new Day Surgery Unit The Day Surgery Unit at St Joseph’s Hospital in Newport has opened to patients, allowing 500 more procedures a month to take place
Welsh International footballer, Jess Fishlock, MBE opens the newly refurbished Hydrotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre
3rd March 2021
The outstanding Hydrotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre opens its doors to patients and athletes across Wales this week. St Joseph’s purpose-built facility boasts a specialist-led rehabilitation centre which is unrivalled in Wales
Newport's St Joseph's Hospital marks 75 years of care
24th February 2021
Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy receive historic stained-glass window in celebration. February 2021 marks the 75th anniversary of St Joseph’s Hospital in Newport, which was founded by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Annecy
St Joseph’s Hospital opens up 50 new roles at various levels
10th December 2020
Recruitment drive ahead of new £3m day surgery unit St Joseph’s Hospital has started recruiting for 50 new positions across the hospital, ahead of the opening of a new day surgery unit in April 2021
St Joseph’s Hospital transformed with £4m investment. New “state-of-the-art MRI scanner” is unveiled today
14th October 2020
Today, a market leading scanner is unveiled at St Joseph’s Hospital as part of a £1.3m project – the latest stage in a £4m overhaul, which began in February 2020
St Joseph’s Hospital staff rise to pandemic challenge
9th September 2020
Hospitals across the world have had to deal with the complex issues brought about by COVID-19, and St Joseph’s in Newport is no exception. The hospital, bought by a local private investor in February 2020, has been part of the collective effort against the pandemic collaborating in a formal partnership with NHS Wales to support the national response
What can we do to cope with anxiety about the Coronavirus?
4th May 2020
Coping with your feelings during the COVID-19 pandemic? The COVID-19 crisis has produced many unknowns in our lives. Will I become sick? Will my loved ones contract the virus and end up in a hospital? Will I lose my job? Will I need to cancel my wedding? How am I going to cope with the lockdown? Psychologist, Dr Leonie Jones, provides some advice; "All these what-ifs piling on top of one another are a recipe for anxiety and panic
St Joseph’s Hospital in collaboration with NHS Wales to fight Coronavirus
9th April 2020
Working in partnership with NHS Wales to fight COVID-19 We are very proud to be part of this collective effort against COVID-19 and have agreed a formal partnership with NHS Wales to support the national response
NASA Engineered Anti-Gravity Treadmill aids rehabilitation
18th February 2020
Whether you have an injury or you're an in-patient receiving post-operative treatment, we offer personalised exercise and rehabilitation programmes at our centre for physiotherapy
Ways to stop embarrassing leaks
2nd January 2020
Leakage is never normal and can be prevented. Urinary incontinence is the unintentional passing of urine. It’s a common problem thought to affect millions of people
Hidden angina check which can identify early warning signs
16th December 2019
Highly specialist scan shows whether arteries supplying blood to the heart are narrowed or becoming blocked. We spoke to Chris, a patient at St Joseph’s who recently had a CT Coronary Angiogram, to ask him a few questions about why he chose to have his heart assessed
Healthy heart and peace of mind
25th November 2019
No waiting times, state-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities and professional, friendly staff are just some of the reasons to visit St Joseph's Hospital if you have any concerns about your health
Humanitarian hernia surgery: innovative repairs with “mosquito-net” mesh by renowned surgeon Mr Brian Stephenson
13th November 2019
In rural Africa and other resource-poor areas, elective hernia surgery is often neglected as hospitals are ‘far and few’ and attending surgeons ‘difficult to find’
Hip replacement gives Newport gentleman new lease of life
1st October 2019
In England and Wales approximately 160,000 total hip and knee replacement procedures are performed each year. Medical advances mean that hip replacement operations are now less invasive, and the implants last for longer than ever before
Rapid recovery from ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair
30th September 2019
Wales’ most capped footballer, Jessica Fishlock MBE, has been blown away by the rehabilitation facilities at St Joseph’s Hospital.
Why wait for Cataract Surgery?
1st August 2019
St Joseph’s Centre of Excellence for Ophthalmology is offering a free consultation* for patients needing cataract surgery. Sight gives us the freedom to live the life we choose and make independent decisions, so the thought of losing it due to cataracts can be quite scary for anyone
Worried and anxious... don't wait, get seen
1st July 2019
St Joseph’s Hospital offers a comprehensive assessment for those at risk of developing coronary heart disease. Heart and circulatory diseases cause more than a quarter of all deaths in the UK – that’s nearly 170,000 deaths each year, an average of 460 deaths each day or one every three minutes in the UK
A-Z of Health: E for Eyes
18th June 2019
Most of us will experience a problem with our eyes at some point in our lives. Mr Michael Andrew Roberts, Consultant Ophthalmologist with St Joseph's Hospital, talks about some of the most common problems, how to spot them and how they're treated
Tackling the rapid rise in stress in the workplace
15th May 2019
Your job can provide a great sense of fulfilment and satisfaction, but if things get too intense it can seriously affect your mental wellbeing. Here, a leading doctor at St Joseph’s Hospital in Newport explains why a good work-life balance is so important
Flaunt your legs with confidence this summer
1st July 2018
Mr David Lewis, consultant vascular surgeon at St Joseph’s Hospital Everyone hopes that summer will be a scorcher. It’s a chance to catch some sun and get your legs out
Expert advice on managing irritable bowel syndrome
1st April 2018
Professor Nadim Haboubi, Consultant Gastroenterologist at St Joseph’s Hospital Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is thought to affect at least 20 per cent of the UK population, leaving many struggling with symptoms including stomach cramps, bloating and sometimes other non-intestinal symptoms such as fatigue, nausea and anxiety
St Joseph’s leads the way with pioneering cardiac diagnostic testing through HeartFlow
14th March 2018
According to research by the British Heart Foundation, an estimated 121,000 people in Wales are living with coronary heart disease. The disease, which is caused by narrowing of the arteries, is the country’s single biggest killer, claiming the lives of more than one in seven men and almost one in 10 women
St Joseph’s launches Fibromyalgia Centre of Excellence.
1st February 2018
What is fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a long-term chronic condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness. The condition is quite common, with estimates that up to 1 in 25 may be affected
St Joseph’s Hospital celebrates 100,000 patients through its doors since re-launch
12th January 2018
St Joseph’s Hospital in Newport is celebrating 109,564 appointments since the hospital re-launched in October 2015. The figure is a 52% increase on the previous two years, which saw just under 72,000 patients make appointments at the leading private facility
Health assessments are the key
1st January 2018
Take control of your health and wellbeing in 2018 – Dr Vijay Anand, Private GP With the arrival of the new year many of us are setting health and lifestyle goals to keep motivated throughout 2018
New Year resolutions – find the best for 2018
28th December 2017
A NEWPORT doctor has explained what the best and worst New Year’s resolutions are for Argus readers' health. Resolutions are often made with the best intentions, including improving one’s health by losing weight, eating more fruit and veg or exercising more
Quicker and less-invasive diagnosis with HeartFlow
15th December 2017
Diagnosing a blocked or narrowed artery usually involves an invasive procedure called a coronary angiogram. But St Joseph’s Hospital in Newport has become the first in Wales to use a state-of-the-art computer test which eliminates the need for patients to be cut open
Staying well this winter
1st December 2017
Dr Alan Ng, Minor Injuries Centre Manager, St Joseph’s Hospital Over the past decade there has been an increase in demand for both General Practice and Accident & Emergency services
Are you concerned about erectile dysfunction?
1st November 2017
Dr Anish Kotecha, Private GP at St Joseph’s Hospital Most men have occasional problems achieving a sustainable erection. Persistence of the problem can cause stress, a reduction in self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems
How would I know if I have high blood pressure?
1st September 2017
Dr Walberg, head of private GP and corporate wellness at St Joseph’s Hospital, explains what it means to have high blood pressure. High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs when the force on the walls of blood vessels from the blood within them is more than normal