Welcome to Silver Birch Multispeciality Hospital

Bites and stings Find out which native creatures are most likely to feast on you, including wasps, bees, ants, spiders, midges and ticks.

Tracheostomy A tracheostomy is an opening created at the front of the neck so a tube can be inserted into the windpipe (trachea) to help you breathe.

Septic shock Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that happens when your blood pressure drops to a dangerously low level after an infection. Any type of bacteria can cause the infection. Fungi, such as candida, and viruses can also be a cause, although this is rare.

Whiplash Whiplash is a term that describes a neck injury caused by a sudden movement of the head forwards, backwards or sideways. It often occurs after a sudden impact such as a road traffic accident (see below).

Poisoning Poisoning is when a person is exposed to a substance that can damage their health or endanger their life. In 2013-14, almost 150,000 people were admitted to hospital with poisoning in England.

Jellyfish and other sea creature stings A sea creature sting can usually be treated with first aid. But if serious symptoms develop, such as severe pain, swelling or difficulty breathing, dial 999 for an ambulance. Fortunately, there are only a few stinging sea creatures in the seas around the UK. These are:

Intensive care Intensive care units (ICUs) are specialist hospital wards. They provide intensive care (treatment and monitoring) for people in a critically ill or unstable condition.

Hypothermia Hypothermia occurs when a person's body temperature drops below 35C (95F). Normal body temperature is around 37C (98.6F). Hypothermia can quickly become life threatening and should be treated as a medical emergency.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are two potentially serious conditions that can occur if you get too hot. They usually happen during a heatwave or in a hot climate, but can also occur when you're doing very strenuous physical exercise.

Swine flu (H1N1) Swine flu is the popular name for influenza (flu) caused by a relatively new strain of influenza virus A. It was responsible for the flu pandemic in 2009-10. The virus is officially known as influenza virus A/H1N1pdm09.

Ebola virus disease Ebola virus disease is a serious illness that originated in Africa, where there is currently an outbreak. But for people living in countries outside Africa, it continues to be a very low threat.

Cuts and grazes Cuts and grazes are a common type of injury and in most cases do not pose a threat to health. Most cuts and grazes are minor and can be easily treated at home. Cleaning them thoroughly and covering them with a plaster or dressing is all that's needed.