County Hospital Stafford Health Services

County Hospital in Stafford, operated by the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM), provides a comprehensive range of non-complex acute, elective, and outpatient healthcare services for the local population. This article outlines the primary clinical services available at the hospital, including urgent care, elective surgery, diagnostics, outpatient clinics, and specialized rehabilitation.

Urgent Care and Emergency Services

County Hospital operates an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) capable of treating a wide variety of non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries in both adults and children. The service manages conditions such as sprains, simple bone fractures, minor burns, cuts requiring stitches, and infections. More critical or major trauma cases are stabilized and transferred to the nearby Royal Stoke University Hospital.

Elective and Day Surgery

The hospital serves as a key elective surgical centre within the trust, focusing on planned procedures that reduce waiting times across Staffordshire. Key surgical specialties include:

  • Orthopaedics: Routine joint replacements (hip, knee) and arthroscopic interventions.
  • General Surgery: Day-case operations such as hernia repairs and gallbladder removals.
  • Ophthalmology: Cataract extractions and minor eye surgeries.
  • Endoscopy: Diagnostic and therapeutic upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopies.

Diagnostic and Imaging Services

A full suite of diagnostic tools supports both inpatient and outpatient departments, ensuring prompt clinical investigation:

  • Medical Imaging: Advanced diagnostic capabilities including MRI scans, CT scans, plain-film digital X-rays, and ultrasound.
  • Phlebotomy and Pathology: Dedicated blood testing clinics and specimen analysis for GP referrals and hospital consultants.
  • Cardiology Diagnostics: Electrocardiograms (ECGs), echocardiograms, and Holter monitoring.

Outpatient and Specialist Clinics

Numerous consultant-led clinics operate at the facility, allowing patients to access expert opinions without traveling to tertiary centres. Clinics cover:

  • Cardiology and respiratory medicine
  • Dermatology
  • Diabetes and endocrinology
  • Rheumatology
  • Neurology
  • Elderly care and frailty services

Cancer Services

County Hospital hosts a dedicated Chemotherapy and Outpatient Unit. The unit delivers systemic anti-cancer therapies, blood transfusions, and supportive care for patients with solid tumours and haematological malignancies in a calm, modern environment.

Women's Health and Midwifery

Maternity care at County Hospital is provided through a freestanding, Midwife-Led Unit (MLU). The unit offers low-risk birthing facilities, including birthing pools, alongside prenatal, antenatal, and postnatal clinics. Routine gynaecological outpatient consultations and minor procedures are also conducted on-site.

Rehabilitation and Therapy Services

Inpatient therapy teams, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language services support patients recovering from surgery, stroke, or severe illness. Dedicated elderly rehabilitation wards focus on helping patients regain mobility, independence, and safe living capabilities prior to discharge.