It has long been believed that urine was sterile. However, new techniques of urine culture and DNA sequencing have revealed a thriving community of bacteria and probable viruses, fungi and yeasts in the human bladder, known as the urobiome. Cutting-edge research is endeavouring to elucidate the role of these communities within the bladder and how they are responsible for your bladder's health. If you've ever suffered from UTIs or are interested in preventing them, Miss Rhiannon Bray, Consultant Gynaecologist at New Victoria Hospital, tells you about the latest research on bladder infections and why bladder bacteria matter.

Whether you have opted for a staycation or a popular green or amber list destination, water sports are going to be some of the most coveted activities for many. Moreover, with surfing debuting for the first time in the Olympics at Tokyo 2021, even more people will be tempted to try this adventurous sport. Being in the water has its health benefits, but some people might be at risk of developing ear conditions that could spoil their holidays. Mr Parag Patel, Consultant ENT Surgeon at New Victoria Hospital, tells you what to do to prevent and treat ear conditions in summer.

We are delighted to open our brand new Pharmacy as part of New Victoria Hospital's refurbishment project. The Pharmacy Department has been renovated to provide a better patient experience with a larger counter, a consultation area, an extra storage room and a state of the art working environment.

Hay fever is getting more widespread than ever. Symptoms can make you feel miserable and affect your work life, but also your spare time, physical activities, travels and general wellbeing. But why does it feel like it's getting worse every year? New Victoria Hospital's GP, Dr Kirsty Schmidt, talks about the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis and therapies to help you get through pollen season and enjoy your summer.

With the start of the world's oldest major tennis tournament in Wimbledon, there is no better time to consider the possible upper limb pathologies that may arise in tennis players of all levels. Mr Angelos Assiotis, Trauma and Orthopaedic surgeon at New Victoria Hospital, discusses the most common problems of the upper limb in tennis players and how these are treated.

Urinary incontinence, the loss of bladder control, can prevent you from enjoying an active life and time out with your friends and family. Knowing how to recognise its signs, manage symptoms and what treatments are available can help you feel more in control of your bladder and health. Mr Roland Morley, Consultant Urological Surgeon at New Victoria Hospital, answers 5 questions during Continence Awareness Week.

COVID-19 is primarily an infection of the lungs, but there is a close relationship between the virus and the cardiovascular system. The relationship is complex in some ways, and our understanding is continuing to evolve. Dr Simon Pearse, Consultant Cardiologist at New Victoria Hospital, tells you all you need to know about Covid-19 and heart health.

Following the end of our Covid-19 partnership with NHS England and the increasing need for healthcare services in our community after the pandemic, New Victoria Hospital will offer a free pre-surgery Covid test to all patients who book their Self Pay procedure in May 2021.

Abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, diarrhoea and constipation are the most common symptoms of IBS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It is an incredibly common condition that affects 1 in 3 people in the UK and can be very distressing. Everyday life, for people suffering from IBS, can be very uncomfortable. With the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a great change in people's eating habits and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle along with significant health anxieties, which has led to an increase in gastrointestinal functional symptoms. Dr Rishi Goel, Consultant Gastroenterologist at New Victoria Hospital, gives guidance on the latest approach to IBS treatment during IBS Awareness Month.

Our NHS England partnership has come to an end we are now ready to increase healthcare service access for local patients. As we reflect on our support for our local NHS Trust, we would like to thank our first-class clinical and non-clinical teams at New Victoria Hospital for setting exemplary standards in healthcare, surpassing the expectations of our patients and NHS patient co-ordinators.