The West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre (WoSSVC) is a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited medical laboratory No. 9319. A full list of accredited tests can be found on our schedule of accreditation.
Please note users will be informed if an assay/result lies outside the laboratory’s scope of accreditation.
WoSSVC islocated at Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI) and is part of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC).
Clinical advice and urgent testing: email west.ssvc2@nhs.scot during opening times or phone: 0141 242 9656 (internal 29656). Please note during busy times it is easier to email and a member of the clinical team will respond.
To add on tests please email west.ssvc2@nhs.scot with clinical details and tests required. The email is monitored during laboratory opening hours (we aim to reply to your email within 1 hour, however, at busy times this may not be possible).
Results are available on clinical portal, SCI Store, TrakCare and GPICE for NHSGGC patients if a patient’s CHI has been provided on the request form.
For out of hours clinical advice call the Switchboard on 0141 211 1000 (1000 internal) and ask for the on-call virologist.
Leadership is an integral component of all Allied Health Professional (AHP) and AHP Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) roles across the whole career pathway.
Whatever your role or level of practice, there is information and resources available to support your leadership development.
Offers a range of leadership development programmes, opportunities and support for health, social care and social work leaders to help you make a difference.
Please find attached Interim National Arrangements for Adverse Weather. This has been designed to ensure that in periods of adverse weather NHS Scotland adopts an approach that is consistent at a national level, ensuring that fair and equitable treatment is prioritised and that we remain able to effectively deliver essential services. The guidance has been developed in partnership with NHS Scotland through consultation between Scottish Government Officials, NHS Scotland employers and Trade Unions.
Please contact the HR Support and Advice Unit if you wish clarification on the application of this policy.
Business Travel
NHSGGC is committed to reducing the financial and environmental impact arising from its business travel. Where possible, the aim of this policy is to encourage employees to reduce unnecessary travel and encourage the use of more sustainable forms of transport. However, the Board recognises that sometimes there is no alternative to using a car for business travel and this policy is not intended to impede business travel where it is required nor to restrict car use where it is the most appropriate mode of transport for business purposes. Neither is this policy intended to be applied to the detriment of those employees with restricted mobility. This policy applies to all staff employed by NHSGGC.
Top Tips on using the Business Travel Policy…….
Before undertaking any journey, staff should consider the Business Travel Hierarchy.
Reflect on the need to travel for business purposes.
Walking and cycling are healthy, sustainable and very low cost travel options. Staff should be encouraged to consider alternative travel options if their role can facilitate this approach.
Bus, train and SPT subway travel provide an alternative to car-based business travel for short, medium and long distances.
Many car trips could be avoided if staff coordinated travel plans and shared cars, for example, when attending the same meeting. An additional mileage rate for each passenger is paid.
Please contact the HR Support and Advice Unit if you wish clarification on the use or application of this policy.
Car Parking
Car Parking on Hospital Sites
This policy outlines the arrangements for car parking on hospital sites. These arrangements are designed to balance the needs of staff, patients and visitors and ensure car parks continue to be fairly and effectively managed.
The policy details arrangements for visitor and patient parking, staff with parking permits and other staff parking.
Please contact the HR Support and Advice Unit if you wish clarification on the application of this policy.
Vascular Access Service. Who are we?
We are a nurse led team. Our service provides the insertion of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC lines), Midline Catheters, Non-tunnelled Central Venous Catheters and the insertion and removal of Tunnelled Central Venous Catheters (TCVCs). We also provide advice and support on the care and maintenance of vascular access devices.
Nicola Wyllie – Senior Charge Nurse
Maren Hunter – Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist
David McGrath – Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist
If your clinical area requires training on the care and maintenance of vascular access devices – please identify a device champion(s) and VAS will provide them with a workshop and simulated practice sign off. VAS can then assist with care and maintenance sessions for staff whose competency can then be assessed by the device champion.
Prior to training please ensure staff have completed learnpro modules –
GGC: 002 Health and Safety, an introduction
GGC: 007 Standard Infection Control Precautions
NES: Prevention and Management of Occupational Exposure (within SIPCEP)
GGC: 329 Vascular Access Devices
For queries regarding support and training on the care and maintenance of vascular access devices please email -ggc.nurseled.piccandhickteam@nhs.scot
When accessing any vascular access device you must always use ANTT®
Always wash hands effectively
Never contaminate key parts/key areas
Touch non-key parts with confidence
Take appropriate infection control precautions
The key principle to preventing infection is to maintain the asepsis of key parts/sites.
Key parts – any part of the device which will come into direct contact with the patients bloodstream.
Key sites – insertion and exit sites
The key parts can be protected by the use of micro fields such as syringe wrappers.
There is no need for the use of sterile dressing packs or sterile gloves, unless you are performing a dressing change when it is impossible to apply the new dressings without touching them and sterile gloves are required.
Advice and Links – Vascular Access Device Care & Maintenance
Dressing changes for all central venous vascular access devices must be done weekly (unless visibly contaminated). The dressing, stabilisation device (if PICC line), CHG impregnated foam dressing and needle-free device must all be changed weekly using an adapted ANTT®. Please see page 17 of the NHSGGC ANTT® Clinical Guideline for step by step guidance.
When accessing a vascular access device to flush, aspirate or change the needle-free device you must always ‘scrub the hub’ for 30 seconds. Whilst scrubbing the hub you should concentrate on the flat connective surface but also scrub around the side using wipes that contain Chlorhexidine 2% and Alcohol 70%.
Preventing catheter blockages
Flush immediately after use, use an ANTT® and scrub the hub for 30 seconds before accessing the device.
When flushing a vascular access device, routinely use Nacl 0.9% in a 10ml luer lock syringe and a brisk ‘push/pause’ technique. This creates a turbulent pulsatile flow which clears the lumen of debris. Ensure that you finish the flush by clamping on positive pressure (whilst you are administering the last push) to prevent blood re-entering the device and thus maintaining patency. Flush before, between and immediately after each use.
Routinely move clamp on PICC and Midline to prevent damage.
Difficultly aspirating catheter
Valsalva Manoeuvre – ask the patient to take a deep breath, hold and attempt to force out air through closed mouth.
Change needle-free device using ANTT
Check the clamp on PICC line, move clamp and massage lumen underneath if crushed. Check to see if the dressing has kinked the catheter near the insertion site.
Please do not remove a blocked PICC until you have spoken to a member of the Vascular Access Team as it may be salvageable.
Quick Guide To Vascular Access Devices
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)
Suitable for the duration of therapy.
No preparation required, no exclusion criteria (although patient must be able to position arm to enable insertion).
Suitable for all IV medications and short term parenteral nutrition (PN)
CT compatible and Non CT compatible depending on the device.
Tunnelled Central Venous Catheter (TCVC)
Suitable for the duration of therapy.
Not all patients are suitable to attend the Nurse led service as we have an exclusion criteria – (please see referrals section).
The TCVCs we insert are cuffed so they require to be removed by an appropriately trained individual under local anaesthetic.
Midline Catheters
4F 12cm Smart Midline peripheral catheter – last up to 29 days. CT Compatible. Please be aware – blood sampling from midline catheters may result in device failure.
Vascular access referrals
We encourage early referral for a suitable vascular access device to improve patient experience, preserve vessel health and effectively facilitate IV therapy.
Please be aware that this is an extremely busy elective service, covering multiple sites within NHSGGC. We will endeavour to facilitate all referrals as soon as possible. We are not an emergency service, however we will expedite urgent cases if we are able to do so. To discuss referrals please email us on the group email address above.
The Vascular Access Service work Mon-Fri 08:30 – 16:30 and some weekends staff permitting.
Please note : Vascular access is a nurse led service, not all patients are suitable for referral.
Catheter Peripheral Central Venous Catheter (PICC) / Midline Catheter
There is no restrictive exclusion criteria for PICC or midline catheter insertion.
Cuffed Tunnelled Central Venous Catheter (TCVC)
APTT ratio must be equal to or lower than 1.6
PT no higher than 16
Platelets must be above 40 (if platelets between 30-40 VAS will consider placing a catheter with platelets running following discussion with medical staff)
Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) must be omitted 24 hours prior to procedure if it is a treatment dose, 12 hours for a prophylactic dose.
Patient is able to lie flat
Patients not suitable for Nurse led service
Known venous stenosis, SVC obstruction or central venous stent in situ
Significant mediastinal disease
Recent myocardial infarction (within 2 days)
Pacemaker in situ
Current pneumothorax
If patient has these symptoms please refer to interventional radiology service.
Patient Referral to the Vascular Access Service
All patient referrals are made via TrakCare.
Please follow the process below:
Input the patients community health index (CHI) into trak
Click on Episode Tree
Select current episode
Click on ‘New Request’
Under Imaging:
For PICC line insertion : Input ‘IPICCI’ into item box
For TCVC insertion input ‘ITCVCI’
For TCVC removal ‘ITCVCX’
For TCVC exchange ‘ITCVCG
For Haemo-dialysis insertion ‘ ITUNDI’
For insertion of TCVC – all patients must have a recent Coagulation (Coag) and Full Blood Count (FBC) (within 2 weeks provided they have received no treatment)
Consent / AWI for Vascular Access Service
Patients will be consented by a vascular access nurse.
All patients must have capacity to consent ( i.e. not given a sedative pre-procedure unless already consented by a member of the vascular access team).
If the patient has impaired capacity, they must have a separate Adults with Incapacity (AWI) form specifically for the procedure completed before being transferred to the department.
These pages provide information on food, fluid and nutritional care within NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Health & Social Care Partnerships and Mental Health Services.
Food Fluid and Nutrition is fundamental to health and wellbeing and therefore to quality and safety in healthcare (Healthcare Improvement Scotland 2014). It has been well reported that malnutrition (over and under nutrition) is a public health issue with recent UK figures suggesting malnutrition costs the NHS £23.5 billion (BAPEN 2018). Malnutrition is common in those who access health and social care services, it continues to be under-identified and under treated leading to poorer clinical outcomes and greater healthcare costs.
Food Fluid and Nutrition Oversight Group
The purpose of the Food, Fluid and Nutrition Oversight Group is to provide a strategic, co-ordinated and multidisciplinary approach to drive the quality of and improvements in the nutritional care of the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Population. Specifically addressing the needs of the most nutritionally vulnerable groups who access healthcare through co-operative and collaborative action across the entire Health Board
Health and Social Care Partnerships Group
The Health and Social Care Partnership Group for Food Fluid and Nutrition is established to provide leadership and co-ordination of all aspects of Food, Fluid and Nutrition across the Health and Social Care Partnership, ensuring the process leads to the delivery of excellent nutritional care and a better patient experience. The HSCP groups include representation from District Nursing, Rehabilitation Services, Older People’s Mental Health, Learning Disability, Care at Home, Care Homes, Dietitians, Speech and Language Therapy and Health Improvement.
Mental Health FFN Group
The NHSGGC Mental Health Food, Fluid and Nutritional Group (MH FFN) is a sub group of the NHSGGC Community Food, Fluid and Nutrition Operational Group and is established to provide strategic leadership and co- ordination of all aspects of Food, Fluid and Nutrition across all NHSGGC Mental Health services – Ensuring the process leads to the delivery of excellent nutritional care and an improved patient experience Representation from NHSGGC Mental Health Services includes both mental health in-patient and community services from the Older Adult Mental Health, Adult Mental Health, Forensic, Adolescent, Addictions, the Adult Eating Disorder Service and Learning Disabilities (in patient only)
Acute FFN Operational Group
The Acute Food, Fluid and Nutritional Operational Group (FFNOG) is established to provide strategic leadership and coordination to all aspects of Food, Fluid and Nutrition across adult and paediatric acute inpatient services. This ensures that the process leads to the delivery of safe, effective and person-centred nutritional care and a better patient experience.
Please use the drop downs below to navigate the information related to food, fluid and nutritional care within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health and Social Care Partnerships, Mental Health and Acute Services:
This manual is pertinent to all NHSGGC mental healthcare workers with a duty of care to provide optimal nutrition for patients within NHSGGC. The purpose of the nutritional manual is to assist all healthcare workers who work within NHSGGC mental health in patient and HSCP services. The delivery of this role is supported by a number of FFN policies and procedures which are explained within this manual.
Section 1 Introduction to Nutritional Care in NHSGGC Mental Health Services
Five short e-learning modules relating to Food, Fluid and Nutrition are available to staff across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde on the LearnPro platform. Below indicates the intended staff groups for each module and a short introduction to the module content.
Over 50% of Scotland’s population are women and there are 32,344 women working for NHSGGC. Throughout her life course, women and girls experience various health needs and risks which are not the same as men
[While we have used the term ‘woman/women’, it is important to note that some transgender men, non-binary people, intersex people and those with variations in sex characteristics may also experience issues and require access to women’s health services]
The Scottish Government Women’s Health Plan (2021-2024) underpins actions to improve women’s health inequalities by raising awareness around women’s health, improving access to health care and reducing inequalities in health outcomes for girls and women, both for sex-specific conditions and in women’s general health.
This final report provides a summary of the progress made on delivering the Plan over the past three years.
A ‘Women’s Health Plan: Review of the Data Landscape’ has been published as an accompaniment to the final report. This document sets out a range of publicly available data on the health of women in Scotland and highlights where there appear to be gaps.
‘Supporting the Women’s Health Plan: Highlights Report’ brings to life some of the work The Alliance have carried out with women, and third sector organisations, through their Women’s Health Plan Lived Experience Programme
To support the implementation of the plan, NHS Inform has a dedicated Women’s Health Platform, which sets out information on women’s health at key stages of life, from puberty to later years.
To explore the full range of topics covered visit:
Sometimes it can feel embarrassing talking about periods – but periods are normal. You are entitled to ask for the help that you need to experience good menstrual health and wellbeing.
Everyone experiences periods differently, but it’s important to know what isn’t ‘normal’. If you have any concerns, pain or discomfort during your period, there’s lots of help available. You don’t have to suffer.
This webinar covers the basics of menstruation, focusing on what is ‘normal’ in terms of periods and examples of period stigma, as well as common symptoms such as heavy bleeding, irregularity and how to manage symptoms. Panel: Dr Jackie Maybin (the University of Edinburgh) Alice Brooks (Women’s Health Plan Lived Experience Group)
Everything you need to know about PMS
This webinar focuses on Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and includes advice on managing both the physical and emotional symptoms that many experience on the run up to their period. Panel: Dr Ellie Golightly (NHS Lothian), Gill Meens (Mental Health Foundation Scotland)
PCOS mythbusting
This webinar busts some common myths about the condition Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), explains more about the common symptoms associated with the condition as well as when and how to discuss with healthcare professionals. Panel: Professor Colin Duncan (the University of Edinburgh), Professor Anna Glasier (Scotland’s Women’s Health Champion)
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a long-term (chronic) condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb is found elsewhere in the body. It’s very common, affecting around 1 in 10 of those who menstruate. For some people, it can have a significant impact on their physical health, emotional well-being, and daily routine.
Endometriosis UK is the national charity committed to providing support services, reliable information and a community for those affected by endometriosis
A recent webinar from EXPPECT Edinburgh on being newly diagnosed in Scotland, what is endometriosis, the diagnosis journey and pain management is available to view below:
This webinar offers the opportunity to learn more about endometriosis, the common symptoms associated with the condition, when and how to discuss with healthcare professional and how to manage symptoms. Panel: Professor Andrew Horne (the University of Edinburgh), Julie Burns (Endometriosis Support Group Ayrshire), Vicky Chapman (Endometriosis Support Group Dundee)
This Conversation Café toolkit provides resources to facilitate conversations, and encourage information sharing and peer support on areas within women’s health. The toolkit is a guide for delivery, which can be used flexibly by organisations, community groups, employee groups or with friends to set up, host and evaluate an independent Café.
For more information on how to access and use the toolkit, and the accompanying resource hub:
For any questions about this or additional information on the Conversation Café toolkit please email: whp@alliance-scotland.org.uk
Heart Health
Mythbusting women’s heart health – Webinar recording
The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE) in partnership with the Scottish Government, hosted a webinar exploring women’s heart health.
Heart disease is a major cause of ill health and death for women in Scotland, and certain risk factors may have more of an impact on women’s risk of heart disease than men’s. Despite this, the awareness of women’s experience of heart conditions is limited and heart disease in women is not commonly represented.
Menopause
Menopause is when a woman stops having periods. Menopause means ‘the last menstrual period’ and around 400,000 women in Scotland are of menopausal age. While it is a natural and inevitable part of the life course, the timing and symptoms are different for everyone.
NHS Inform has a range of information – including 7 ‘Menopause Myths’ videos – on perimenopause (the period leading up to menopause when women can also start to notice changes and experience symptoms), menopause and post menopause including what to expect, available treatments and where to get support and help.
For a quick overview please see the following short videos and recorded webinar produced by The Alliance:
Menopause Wellbeing Webinar
Further Information on Menopause
Menopause at work
Menopausal women are the fastest-growing demographic in the workforce, so it’s important to be able to speak openly about menopause at work.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde recognises that for some the menopause is not always an easy transition. Some employees may need additional considerations to support and improve their experience at work.
Some people find it hard to manage menopause symptoms at work. It’s important to remember that the menopause is a normal time in women’s lives and that support is available to help you feel comfortable at work.
Changes in your hormones during menopause can impact your mental health as well as your physical health. You may experience feelings of anxiety, stress or even depression.
Further information and support is available from NHS Inform:
The National Wellbeing Hub Menopause resource provides you with guidance and support for managing your menopausal symptoms and helping your colleagues manage theirs.
Anyone can use the Healthy Minds sessions to raise awareness of mental health. Each session has a PowerPoint presentation and facilitator’s notes to guide you through delivering the session
Are you a newly qualified nurse, midwife or allied health professional (AHP)?
The Practice Education team are providing access to two Clinical Supervision sessions in your first year of practice, although these may be provided locally for some disciplines. Through attending the sessions, newly qualified practitioners (NQPs) will have opportunity to explore the effects of your work, by recognising how you are impacted by this, you can then focus on solutions for your learning and development and maintain or build your resilience levels.
Clinical Supervision supports you to reflect, and develop your clinical practice, whilst embedding staff wellbeing and wellness into the working environment, promoting and establishing positive working cultures,leading to improved patient outcomes.
A brief overview of HFE-related Hereditary Haemochromatosis
This is common inherited disorder caused by a genetic predisposition to absorb and store excess dietary iron. It is more common in those with Northern European ancestry.
Symptoms
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Professionals
Patients
p.C282Y variant is not present
p.C282Y and p.H63D variants are not present
Heterozygous for p.H63D
Heterozygous for p.C282Y
Homozygous for p.H63D
Compound heterozygous for p.C282Y and p.H63D
Homozygous for p.C282Y
Reflex testing
Causes of iron overload
The Clinical Genetics department is situated on Level 2A of the Laboratory Medicine Building of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. The staff of the Clinical Genetics Department see increasing numbers of patients and their families every year at general genetics clinics, cancer genetic clinics and other specialist genetic clinics.
These clinics are held within the department clinic area on level 1A, at other Glasgow hospitals or for some conditions, at a number of community locations throughout the West of Scotland, including Kilmarnock, Wishaw, Ayr, Larbert and Dumfries. We also offer virtual appointments by video or telephone where appropriate, or may reply by letter.
If you are a member of staff and you need to raise a concern about patient safety, working conditions or wrongdoing, you should firstly speak to your manager, supervisor or clinical director, either informally or formally.
The new National Whistleblowing Standards for the NHS in Scotland came into force on 1st April 2021 and apply to anyone working to deliver NHS services. It’s important that you know what options you have to raise a concern in confidence and in a protected way.
You can access the relevant resources using the buttons below.
Brian Auld, Non-Executive Board Member and Whistleblowing Champion
“My pledge as your Whistleblowing Champion is to ensure that we create the best environment that allows you to be courageous and take that first step with raising any concerns that you may have.”
I joined the Board of NHS GGC in July this year as your new Whistleblowing Champion to build upon the great work that has already been done to introduce the National Whistleblowing Standards across all areas of the organisation. As a way of an introduction, I am a Chartered Environmental Health Officer by background, and I have worked mainly in regulation and enforcement across the public sector in Scotland, including several years in the NHS. As you begin to get to know me through my role as Whistleblowing Champion, you will see that I am a passionate advocate for speaking up, and I believe that every single person, no matter what your role is within NHS GGC, must have the opportunity to talk about anything that concerns them about the services we deliver or the assets that we are responsible for. We all have a role to play with ensuring that we keep our patients and service users safe and provide the best healthcare experience that we can at all times.
I am confident that we have the right processes in place to work with you and have a positive conversation if you believe that something is wrong or not quite right. I know from my own personal experience how challenging and difficult it can be to take that very first step in speaking up. I have led investigations into Whistleblowing, and I have also been a whistleblower when I believed that something that I had seen was wrong. Although my own experience was extremely positive, I know that for some people who whistleblow, that this has not always been their own experience. I want you to feel that you have been listened to and heard and have absolute confidence and trust in us that we will take all the necessary steps to independently investigate and report on our findings in an open and transparent way whilst maintaining confidentiality. Above all, I want you to feel empowered to take that first step and speak up.
Kim Donald, Corporate Services Manager – Governance and Whistleblowing Lead
“I pledge to listen without judgement and protect colleagues throughout the process”
As Corporate Services Manager – Governance, part of my role is to oversee the whistleblowing process within NHSGGC and ensure we comply with the national standards that can be found here National Whistleblowing Standards | INWO (spso.org.uk). It is extremely important as an organisation that we continue to learn from feedback, and whistleblowing is a key element of that.
It may be helpful for colleagues to know that, as an organisation, we are legally obligated to protect anyone who speaks up from detriment, and that confidentiality is paramount during the process. We take this very seriously, and I work closely with HR colleagues on what this would look like to ensure that we protect staff in a meaningful way.
We also offer support via our Confidential Contacts Confidential Contacts – NHSGGC who can be contacted for advice on the process before raising concerns, and/or support during the process. We have taken time to ensure we have a diverse group of colleagues providing this support across the Board, and I would like to use this opportunity to thank the Confidential Contacts for their ongoing support and commitment.
If you require printed materials, either additional copies of the Speak Up posters, or the leaflet, please contact: ggc.staffexperience@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
