Health & Beauty

New test accurately detects ovarian cancer

A new screening method can detect twice as many women with ovarian cancer as conventional strategies, according to the latest results from the largest trial of its kind.

The method uses a statistical calculation to interpret changing levels in women’s blood of a protein called CA125, which is linked to ovarian cancer. This gives a more accurate prediction of a woman’s individual risk...

Swollen neck glands could indicate cancer

Referring patients with unexplained swollen neck glands for specialist investigations could help to avoid some of the thousands of deaths each year from lymphoma, a type of cancer.

New research led by the University of Exeter Medical School, published in the British Journal of General Practice, has concluded that persistent enlarged lymph glands, found in the neck, should be referred...

First in restorative dentistry training for Peninsula

Tim O’Brien is the first the first speciality registrar in restorative dentistry to pass the Intercollegiate Speciality Fellowship Examination (Exit Speciality Training Examination) in Restorative Dentistry at Plymouth University Peninsula School of Dentistry.

Tim’s achievement firmly marks the School and the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise as a speciality training centre in...

New imaging equipment benefits patients

Four new pieces of digital imaging equipment are now being used in our Radiology Departments at Derriford Hospital.

The installation of the X-Ray machines began last April, with all four rooms on level 6 now being open and equipped with the latest technology.

The main benefit of this technology is the reduction in radiation dose for the patient and improved image quality. In...

Bereavement rooms opened by devoted fundraisers

A couple who lost their baby daughter through stillbirth today celebrated, with mixed emotions, opening a special bereavement suite in the maternity unit.

Greg and Jen Phillips set up the Snowdrop Appeal in 2009, after Jen gave birth to Jasmine, who was stillborn at 32 weeks.

Greg explained: “I will never forget the room we had Jasmine in. It was so drab and the skyblue walls...

Plymouth residents fear the dentist more than flying

Residents from Plymouth voted the dentist’s chair scarier than flying (35%), heights (33%) and ghosts (22%) according to a new study released today.

Two thirds (66%) of the city’s residents admitted that fear is the main reason they put off visiting the dentist – considerably higher than the 60% average of the UK.

While the potential prospect of pain, needles and having already...

Healthy living event in Plymouth

An event showcasing the great ways a healthy lifestyle can be achieved will take place at the Cumberland Centre in Plymouth on 22nd April, and will feature input from health profession students from across Plymouth University.

In conjunction with Plymouth Community Healthcare, which runs primary care services in the city, the event will focus on fun and achievable healthy lifestyle...

Would you recognise a heart attack?

A new patient information video produced for Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust illustrates the importance of seeking urgent medical help if you suffer chest pain, or any other symptoms, that could indicate the onset of a heart attack (myocardial infarction).

The video features a patient’s personal account of suffering a heart attack whilst at home alone. He describes the build up of...

Charity support for medical student electives

National charity The Hospital Saturday Fund has donated £10,000 to the Peninsula Medical Foundation to help fund student electives at Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry (PUPSMD).

As part of their studies, students have to complete an eight-week elective to explore areas of medicine or research that interest them, in greater depth. They can do this in a...

Hospital team develop enhanced recovery app for patients and staff

A clinical team at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust have developed an innovative way for patients and healthcare workers to keep track on post-surgery recovery.

The ERAS app is a point-of-care resource for healthcare workers involved in the post-operative management of major surgical patients. The app is also made available to patients ahead of their operations so that they can be aware of...

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