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Information for Patients

Support during covid-19

It is very understandable to feel distressed, worried, anxious and fearful at this difficult and uncertain time with Coronavirus, especially if you are pregnant or have recently had a baby. Please find below some websites and resources that we hope will be helpful in providing you with some information and suggestions for coping through this challenging time. These are likely to change on a regular basis, so please check the websites for their latest updates.

Mental health in pregnancy and the postnatal period

Information for Professionals

Families and Carers

Support for families and carers

A carer is someone who looks after a partner, relative or friend who cannot manage without help because of illness, frailty or disability. They may or may not live together.

If you would benefit from support in your caring role, local carers services can help. They can provide you with help and support regarding a number of issues including access to respite, short breaks, information and advice on a wide range of topics, emotional support and access to carers support groups. To find information about your local carers service anywhere in Scotland please contact

The Carers Information Line

Telephone: 0141 353 6504

Email: info@glasgowcarersinformation.org.uk

Support for young people

Youngminds

A leading UK charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.

My Mum’s got a Dodgy Brain

A film for and by children who have a parent with a mental health problem, made in collaboration with Devon Partnership NHS trust.

Videos

Video and audio relevant to perinatal mental health

Maws – Our Journey

This film has been made as an educational resource for both those experiencing perinatal mental health issues, and for health care professionals. It follow the ‘Maws’ journey through their own experiences of perinatal mental health. Exploring personal accounts of perinatal mental ill health, the aim is to encourage shared experiences and better health care support for new mums. Produced by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde and the Mental Health Network Glasgow.

Head Up, Heart Strong

This film tells the story of six women. Their recovery from extreme episodes of pre and post natal depression to how they overcame this. 

My Mum’s got a Dodgy Brain

A film for and by children who have a parent with a mental health problem, made in collaboration with Devon Partnership NHS trust.

Scotland’s first Mother and Baby Unit is located at Leverndale Hospital in Glasgow.

The Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) admits women who are experiencing severe mental illness in the later stages of pregnancy or if their baby is under 12 months old.  The six bedded unit enables mothers to be supported in caring for their baby whilst having care and treatment for a range of mental illnesses including:

• postnatal depression

• postpartum psychosis

• severe anxiety disorders

• eating disorders.

Maintaining this contact is critical to the wellbeing of both mother and baby as it not only aids the mother’s recovery but also strengthens the mother-infant relationship and infant development.

We offer a wide range of medical, psychological and psychosocial interventions to women from across the West of Scotland. The unit is staffed by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals including:

  • psychiatrists
  • mental health nurses
  • nursery nurses
  • social worker
  • psychologist
  • health visitor
  • nursing assistants
  • parent-infant therapist
  • peer support workers
  • administrators
  • input from other professionals where needed

Virtual tour of the MBU

Watch a video virtual tour of the MBU

MBU Family Fund

If your partner or someone you care for is in a Mother and Baby Unit (MBU), you are entitled to financial help with travel, meal costs and accommodation

Information for Referrers

Referrals to the MBU are accepted from mental health professionals for assessment by our team.

For referrals from out with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, the patient should be assessed by the local perinatal mental health service or a psychiatrist in the first instance.

The West of Scotland MBU serves the following NHS boards:

  • NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
  • NHS Lanarkshire
  • NHS Ayrshire and Arran
  • NHS Dumfries and Galloway
  • Argyll area of NHS Highland
  • NHS Western Isles

Admission can be agreed from other board areas following discussion with the team.

Frequently Asked Questions for MBU Inpatients

What is the Mother and Baby Unit?

The Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) admits women who are experiencing severe mental illness in the later stages of pregnancy or if their baby is under 12 months old.  The six bedded unit enables mothers to be supported in caring for their baby whilst having care and treatment for a range of mental illnesses including:

  • postnatal depression
  • postpartum psychosis
  • severe anxiety disorders
  • eating disorders

Maintaining this contact is critical to the wellbeing of both mother and baby as it not only aids the mother’s recovery but also strengthens the mother-infant relationship and infant development.

We offer a wide range of medical, psychological and psychosocial interventions to women from across the West of Scotland. The unit is staffed by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals including:

  • psychiatrists
  • mental health nurses
  • nursery nurses
  • social worker
  • psychologist
  • health visitor
  • nursing assistants
  • parent-infant therapist
  • peer support workers
  • administrators
  • input from other professionals where needed
How can I see the online virtual tour of the MBU?

Our YouTube video may help give you an idea of what to expect if you are admitted to the Mother and Baby Unit.

What if I am admitted to the MBU?

The MBU is located at Leverndale Hospital in Glasgow and can accommodate up to six mothers with their babies.

Our staff are specially trained to support you through your recovery and to help you in caring for your new baby. Any decisions about admission and treatment will be discussed with you and, where appropriate, with your family.

The unit tries, as much as possible, to maintain a homely atmosphere within the context of a hospital setting. You will be allocated a single room for you and your baby. You will also have access to a range of facilities including:

  • a communal TV lounge and dining room
  • laundry facilities
  • bathroom and shower rooms
  • kitchen and baby food preparation facilities
  • family sitting room
  • group activity room
  • garden area with seating
What should I bring if I am admitted?

For your baby

There are certain things you may need to bring including:

  • child health record
  • baby formula if bottle feeding
  • any creams or medication that your baby requires
  • nappies
  • clothing for your baby including an outdoor jacket
  • bibs
  • baby wipes if you prefer to use them
  • toiletries
  • favourite small toys
  • pram

We will supply other equipment such as a cot, high chair, bath, bouncy chair, steriliser, bottle warmer and toys.

For yourself

  • day time clothing
  • outdoor jacket
  • nightwear
  • a note of medication you are prescribed including dose and timings of when you take them
  • if breast feeding, breast pads and nipple shields if you use them
  • sanitary towels
  • toiletries
  • loose change for pay phone

You should not bring:

  • valuables, jewellery or large amounts of money
  • credit cards
  • Any items made of glass for safety reasons
  • Alcohol or illicit drugs
  • any drugs or medication that have not been prescribed.

The hospital does not accept any responsibility for loss of, or damage to, personal belongings unless handed in to staff for safekeeping and a receipt obtained.

What should I expect during my admission?

When you arrive

A member of staff will meet you and show you to your room and explain the layout of the unit. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Staff will advise you of the usual routine within the unit and provide you with any equipment you may need for your baby during your stay. For safety reasons we will check through your belongings with you to ensure there are no sharp objects or medication which may have been brought into the unit.

Please tell staff if you:

  • Have had recent illnesses such as a fever, diarrhoea, vomiting or any rashes or spots.
  • Need help with your mobility and need any specialist equipment
  • Have any problems with your eyesight, speech, hearing or any other disabilities
  • Have any problems with swallowing or dietary requirements
  • Have an Advanced Statement which outlines your preferred choices regarding your care.

Care and treatment

Our focus is to help you get better as soon as possible and develop a healthy and safe relationship with your baby. We can help in a variety of ways and your care and treatment is provided by staff with extensive experience and expertise.

On admission, you will be informed of your Named Nurse and Named Nursery Nurse who will jointly develop a care plan that will meet your needs and provide any support you might need with your baby. You will also meet with a psychiatrist who will work with you to make a management plan during your admission. As part of your assessment, and with your permission, we will usually ask to meet with your partner and/or other family member.

Staff from our Multidisciplinary Team (described in the next section) will be available to assist you and your family with support in relation to finances, housing and family based issues. Staff will be available throughout your stay to discuss your treatment, progress and plans for discharge. The team will meet on a weekly basis to review your care.

Common treatments may include medication, talking therapies, group therapies and working with you and your baby together. There is a programme of therapeutic activities on the unit and your mental health and nursery nurses will plan individual and group activities with you.

A small number of patients are admitted to the unit under compulsory provisions of the Mental Health Act. If this is the case, staff will explain your rights under the Act and help you, if you wish, to appeal against your detention. Staff will also help you contact an independent advocacy service that can support you in putting across your views on your care and treatment.

The Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)

The care you receive in hospital will be provided by a group of professionals with different skills and expertise called the multi-disciplinary team (MDT). They work together to provide a package of care and treatment that is appropriate for you. You may not personally meet all the members of this team but they will contribute to discussions about the most appropriate treatment package for you.

The members of a MDT commonly include:

  • Doctors – A Consultant Psychiatrist will be responsible for aspects of your care whilst you are in hospital. Other ward doctors may be involved in your everyday care.
  • Nurses – you will meet various members of nursing staff who are there to coordinate and meet your individual needs on the ward.
  • Nursery Nurses
  • Health care assistants- HCA’s support the work of the qualified nurses to provide care and support for you during your stay on ward.
  • Psychologists
  • Social Worker
  • Pharmacists – advise on medication information and management
  • Occupational Therapists- OT’s are able to assess your ability to live your life in the way you want. They also ensure that you have the skills to function and maintain yourself in your home either with support or on your own.
  • Recreational Therapy
  • Patient Activity Co-ordinators
  • Other Allied Health Professions – Art Therapy, Physiotherapy, Dietetics, Speech and Language Therapy and Podiatry.

The structured therapeutic activities within the ward are considered to be an integral component of your care and treatment and will be discussed with you during your admission. A timetable of meaningful activity is available on the ward.

Your baby’s needs

Within the first few days you will be introduced to the team GP and health visitor. They will discuss with you any medical care your baby might need during your stay, or any advice and support you might want in relation to your baby’s wellbeing and development. The GP will also ask your permission to carry out a routine physical examination of your baby. Our health visitor will be available to monitor your baby’s development and administer any immunisations your baby might require during your stay. They will also keep in touch with your baby’s own GP and health visitor.

We all have a responsibility to ensure that the needs of your baby are always given priority. You will continue to have responsibility as a parent to ensure that your baby is kept safe and to help them grow and develop. Our staff will assess how you are able to care for your baby and offer support and guidance if required.

Depending on how your illness affects you, our staff may support and guide you in meeting your baby’s needs. If we have concerns that there are particular problems in caring for your baby, this will be discussed with you and, where relevant, your partner, about how the needs of your baby can be best met.

Sometimes staff may seek help for you and your baby from social services if we feel you need extra support or where there are concerns that your baby’s needs are not being met. On rare occasions it may be in your baby’s best interests to be cared for out with the hospital setting whilst you are recovering from your illness.

Booklets explaining parental responsibilities and rights are available from staff.

Meals

The hospital will give you a menu for choosing your meals. For more information please see the booklet ‘Information about Food and Health in Hospitals’ which is available in the ward. Halal, Kosher, Vegan and Allergen free meals are available on request. There are also meals available for those on specific medication regimes.

Patient Laundry

There are laundry facilities within the ward as we are a regional unit. Wherever possible, we do encourage relatives to take laundry for washing as per the Health Protection Scotland leaflet ‘Washing clothes at home: information for people in hospital or care homes and their relatives’. Please ask your nurse for a copy.

Student Teaching

Leverndale Hospital is a teaching hospital; an important part of our work is clinical teaching and training of students in medical, nursing and other professions. You have the right to decide whether or not you wish to take part in student teaching.

What baby sleep routines can I continue with in the MBU?

The MBU adheres to the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde guidance to reduce the risk of cot death (Sudden Unexplained Death in Infants)

This includes bed-sharing, smoking, alcohol/drugs and sleep pods/positioners.

Whilst we recognise parents may make decisions about how they manage sleep practices for their baby at home, the MBU must take the necessary steps to ensure the best guidance is followed for the safety of your baby in hospital and we are unable to allow any practices that goes against this.

Our specialist staff are happy to work with you during your admission to help adapt any sleep practices.

If you feel this may be a barrier to your admission, please discuss this further with the clinician arranging your admission.

Will I be allowed to use my mobile phone?

Mobile phones should only be used for outgoing calls. They should be switched off or in silent mode at other times to avoid disruption to your programme of care, and to other patients and their babies.

To protect patients’ privacy, camera phones must not be used to take photographs or recordings in any part of the hospital.

Can I drive during my admission?

Due to the possible effects of medication and severe mental illness, we do not allow mothers to drive whilst admitted to the MBU.

You must tell the DVLA if you have a driving licence and develop a ‘notifiable’ medical condition/disability or your condition has got worse.

The DVLA website provides more information on:

Can I smoke during my admission?

Leverndale Hospital is a smoke-free hospital.

This means you are NOT allowed to smoke in any NHS building, entrance, doorway, grounds or car park.

Visitors to the hospital are NOT permitted to smoke anywhere within the hospital grounds. 

Trying to stop smoking is one of the most important steps you can take for your own physical health. If you are coming into hospital and would like to stop smoking whilst an in-patient, please speak to nursing staff about the ‘Inpatient Smoking Cessation Service’. Nicotine Replacement Therapy will be offered to all smokers on admission.

What will happen if I use alcohol or illegal drugs during my admission?

We operate a ‘zero tolerance’ approach towards alcohol and illicit drugs within all of our facilities. If service users or visitors are found to be in possession of, using or supplying these substances on any of our premises, the police will automatically be informed. This could result in discharge, visitors being banned and criminal charges being brought.

Am I allowed visitors?

Your visitors are welcome to come to the unit but we would ask that they telephone the ward beforehand to notify staff of their intention to visit. The numbers of visitors may be limited as it is difficult to accommodate a large number at one time. We would appreciate your co-operation with the following:

  • When visitors arrive at the unit they will be asked who they have come to see. This helps us ensure no unwanted visitors can come onto the unit.
  • Where appropriate, and with your permission, we are happy for your partner or family member to approach staff during visits to discuss your care.
  • We appreciate that your visitors may have a long distance to travel. Wherever possible, we will try to be flexible in relation to visiting but ask that they visit between 2.00-4.00pm and 6.00-8.00pm in order not to interfere with your treatment programme. However, we can usually allow partners to visit for longer periods.
  • To ensure minimum disruption to other patients and babies in the unit, visitors are not permitted in the communal lounge and dining area. You may sit with your visitors in the garden area, your bedroom or the family room.
  • Children are welcome but an adult must accompany any children who visit you in the unit and are responsible for supervising them at all times.
  • Animals are not allowed within the hospital, except for assistance dogs i.e. guide dogs and hearing dogs.
  • Mobile phones can only be used within the visiting area. To protect patients’ privacy, camera phones must not be used to take photographs or recordings in any part of the hospital.
  • Food (hot/cold) and refreshments are available for visitors from Cafe Connect and Restaurant, both located at Leverndale Hospital

Families may have to travel some distance when visiting the unit. If your partner or other family members would like information regarding overnight accommodation in Glasgow, please ask them to speak to a member of staff. Assistance with travel costs may be available from your local Social Work Department. We can help you contact them if necessary.

What support is there for my spiritual and cultural needs?

If you would like to discuss any spiritual needs or see someone from your own faith, please ask to speak to the healthcare chaplain. They can speak with you or find someone of your own faith for you to talk to. You don’t have to be religious or to belong to any particular faith to talk to the chaplain;

Ms Anne MacDonald DCS, Leverndale Hospital, 510 Crookston Road, Glasgow G53 7TU. Telephone: 0141 211 6695

If you have any particular needs concerning your faith or beliefs, please make these known to a member of staff.

Our service aims to provide care that meets your physical, psychological, spiritual, cultural and social needs. Here are some of the ways in which the hospital might meet your individual needs:

• Providing an interpreting service for patients whose first language is not English

• Providing a sign language interpreter for patients who are Deaf, Partially Sighted or Blind

• Offering food which meets your religious and cultural requirements

• Help in arranging visits from your church or faith community

At any time during your stay in hospital you may ask for any of these services by speaking to the nursing staff.

Will I get access to any financial support?

There are a number of Money Advice Services. These services can:

  • Help you identify benefits you are entitled to
  • Help you fill out benefit forms
  • Help to support you in benefit appeals
  • Deal with creditors on your behalf
  • Look at options to have accounts put on hold
  • Help you to keep track of what you spend
  • Provide legal assistance.

Please approach a member of staff for information on this service

What about planning for my discharge from the MBU?

After your admission, we will start to plan with you arrangements for your discharge home. This helps to avoid any unnecessary delays to your discharge. We will liaise regularly with the relevant health and social care teams to plan any ongoing care and treatment that you may require after discharge.

Preparation for your discharge will be made according to your individual need. To help you adjust to being home again, you may have periods of leave from the unit. This usually begins with a few hours out and can be increased to one or more days and nights out at a time.

When you eventually return home, we will arrange for you to be seen by a psychiatrist or community psychiatric nurse (CPN) and, where appropriate, a social worker. If you live in the Glasgow area, this is likely to be a member of staff from the Perinatal Mental Health Service Community Team. We will also contact your GP and health visitor, and any other services involved in your care to let them know about the plans for your ongoing care and treatment. For those living out with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde we will work closely with your local services to ensure you have safe and effective follow-up.

If you are prescribed medication you will receive a seven day supply before you leave the unit. You should make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible after discharge to obtain further prescriptions for your medication.

What about confidentiality and consent?

When you talk with a health professional in private you will expect that what is said remains confidential. This principle is central to trust between patients and their doctor or other health professionals. Details of your care and treatment, including anything you tell us, remain confidential and will only be shared within our multidisciplinary clinical team (which includes health and social care staff).

All health professionals are bound by law and professional codes of conduct to this duty of confidentiality to their patients.

We will ask for your consent before sharing any information with friends, family members and carers.

Once you have been discharged, we will write to your GP, health visitor, obstetrician, midwife and social worker (if you have one).

Occasionally there may be serious concerns for your safety or for the safety of others. In these circumstances we have a responsibility to discuss relevant information with other agencies, including social services, who can offer help, support and protection.

In most cases, you have the right to access you health records. You can discuss this with your doctor or named nurse. You can also do this by writing to the Medical Records Manager, Leverndale Hospital, 510 Crookston Road, Glasgow, G53 7TU.

What are independent advocacy services?

Independent advocacy helps you to make your voice stronger and to have as much control as possible over your life.

Independent advocacy workers are separate from services. They do not work for hospitals, social work or other services. This might be useful if you feel you need support to speak up, to understand what is being said and to make decisions. Many people find that when they feel ill or upset they are not as good at saying what they want and they need support to speak up.

Please ask a member of staff for further details.

What is your policy on aggression and violence?

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde takes extremely seriously the health, safety and welfare of all its employees, patients and visitors. It believes that violence and/or aggression towards staff and others is unacceptable.

Staff have a right to be able to perform their duties without fear of abuse or violent acts from patients or members of the public. No member of staff should consider violence or aggression to be an acceptable part of their employment.

In cases of incidents involving violence and aggression against members of staff, encouragement and support will be given to the individual involved to enable them to pursue the incident through reporting it to the Police.

How can I make a comments, suggestion or complaint?

If you are unhappy with any aspect of the service, please talk to a member of the team who will investigate the issues that you have raised and get back to you.

Alternatively you may wish to contact the MBU Ward manager.

If the issue cannot be resolved and you wish to make a formal complaint, staff will provide you with information outlining the process.

We also welcome positive feedback.

How can I access support for carers and relatives?

A carer is someone who looks after a partner, relative or friend who cannot manage without help because of illness, frailty or disability. They may or may not live together.

If you would benefit from support in your caring role, local carers services can help. They can provide you with help and support regarding a number of issues including access to respite, short breaks, information and advice on a wide range of topics, emotional support and access to carers support groups.

To find information about your local carers service anywhere in Scotland please contact

The Carers Information Line

Telephone: 0141 353 6504

Email: info@glasgowcarersinformation.org.uk

How do I travel to the hospital?

If you want to find out how to travel to the hospital please call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 or see www.travelinescotland.com

Where can families and friends stay if travelling from outside Glasgow?

Our ward staff are happy to suggest convenient accommodation options near to the hospital. Call 0141 211 6539.

Visit Scotland has a number of hotels, B&Bs, hostels, guest houses and self-catering options.

Can I get financial help to visit my partner or loved one in the MBU ?

If your partner or someone you care for is in a Mother and Baby Unit (MBU), you are entitled to financial help with travel, meal costs and accommodation.

The Youth Health Service want to provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ young people to come and get support with their health and wellbeing, without any fear of judgement. Although we are not a Gender Identity Service and therefore not able to provide the specialist treatments they can, we are ready to listen and support. Below are some local services and resources that might be helpful for an LGBTQ+ young person or their parent or carer.

LGBT Youth Scotland

LGBT Youth Scotland are working to make Scotland a place where all LGBTQ+ young people can flourish and thrive. On their website you can find your local youth groups and access their live chat for digital support. There’s also lots of really practical resources on many different topics such as coming out, sex and relationships and gender.

LGBT Health and Wellbeing

This organisation supports LGBTQ+ people aged 16+ years with service, social events and resources. The LGBT Helpline Scotland is available for LGBTQ+ people but also parents, friends and professionals who are supporting LGBTQ+ people. The Helpline team will be able to give information on sexual health, coming out, gender identity amongst other issues.

Scottish Trans

Scottish Trans work to improve gender identity and gender reassignment equality, rights and inclusion in Scotland.

Inpatient Stroke Psychology Service

Service overview

The Glasgow Stroke Psychology Service considers inpatient referrals for a range of psychological problems that are associated with a confirmed diagnosis of stroke. The service offers psychological assessment, formulation and intervention, including neuropsychological assessment and advice/rehabilitation. The service also offers consultancy to other professionals to help them meet a patient’s psychological needs within their work.

Intervention may take different forms, this might include brief individual work with the patient or family or recommendations for staff working with the patient. Referrals will be responded to as quickly as possible. If the patient will shortly be discharged, please consider whether an outpatient referral would be more appropriate.  Likewise if the psychological problem is not directly related to the individual’s stroke, please refer to Liaison Psychiatry using their regular referral protocol.

Essential referral criteria
  • The psychological problem is associated with the person’s stroke and is impacting on their ability to engage in effective rehabilitation.
  • The psychological problem requires input on an inpatient basis (e.g. the problem is having a significant negative impact on rehabilitation, input is required to facilitate discharge planning etc). If this is not the case, highlight any concerns to the stroke liaison nurses upon discharge for consideration of referral to Stroke Clinical Psychology Service on an outpatient basis.
How to make a referral

Referrals should be instigated by a senior member of the ward team and the patient must consent to the referral being madeIf the patient has already been referred to the Liaison Psychiatry Service, please clearly state the additional referral question that you wish the Glasgow Stroke Psychology Service to address. If you are uncertain about the appropriateness of a referral then please speak to the local Stroke Psychologist to discuss the case further. 

  • To download an up to date copy of our referral form please click here: Inpatient referral form
  • For additional guidance on the suitability of potential referrals please consider our suitability guidance: Referral flow chart

Outpatient Stroke Psychology Service

Service overview

The service considers referrals for a range of psychological problems that are associated with stroke.  The service offers psychological assessment, formulation and intervention, including neuropsychological assessment and advice/rehabilitation.  The service also offers consultancy to other professionals to help them meet a patient’s psychological needs within their work. Examples of difficulties we might be able to help with include:

  • Psychological distress, including mood-related difficulties (e.g. anxiety, depression) that:
    • Does not resolve over time
    • Interferes with life activities and/or rehabilitation
    • Cannot be managed by other members of the multidisciplinary team
  • Adjustment disorder (e.g. to loss of function, role or mobility)
  • Health Anxiety disproportionate to diagnosis
  • Neuropsychological assessment
  • Management of cognitive difficulties
Essential referral criteria
  • The psychological problem is associated with the person’s recent onset confirmed stroke.

If you are uncertain about the appropriateness of a referral then please speak to the local Stroke Psychologist to discuss the case further. Where mental health difficulties are present but not related to the stroke, referrals should be directed to the relevant community mental health service.

How to make a referral

To make a referral, please complete an outpatient referral form or a letter including the purpose of the referral, and send to strokepsychology@ggc.scot.nhs.uk or by mail to Stroke Psychology Service Glasgow, 2nd Floor, West ACH, Dalnair Street, Glasgow, G3 8SJ.

  • To download an up to date copy of our referral form please click here: Outpatient referral form
  • For additional guidance on the suitability of potential referrals please consider our suitability guidance: Referral flow chart

Patient and Carer Information

Information for Patients and Carers

Useful Websites and Links

There is a lot of information available on the internet about stroke, and although this can be useful it can also sometimes be overwhelming. The Stroke Association and Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland are good places to start. They provide up to date information on a broad range of factors linked to stroke including psychological wellbeing and information for carers. Your clinician may also recommend additional resources specific to your needs. Links to the Stroke Association and Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland websites and some useful resources can be found below:

What can the Stroke Psychology Team help with

When working with individuals who have had a stroke Clinical Psychologists can offer support in several areas including:

  • Psychological distress linked to the stroke, including mood-related difficulties (e.g. anxiety, depression or anger).
  • Difficulties controlling your emotions.
  • Difficulties with adjustment to life after stroke.
  • Neuropsychological assessment – Administering tests to evaluate how the stroke might have effected functions of your brain such as memory, attention or language.
  • Adapting to changes in brain function such as memory problems or difficulty concentrating

The type of support needed will be based on your needs identified at assessment. This might involve signposting/linking into services, education on particular topics or psychological therapy.

Information on remote appointments

Sometimes we are offering appointments via telephone or video link. Below you will find some useful tips and things that might help you make the most of remote appointments via video or telephone.

Prior to appointments

  • If you are due to have a video appointment your clinician will include instructions on how to access this with your appointment letter. There is a ‘Test Call’ function on the link you will have received to enable your appointment. This will check your equipment is capable and your internet connection is strong enough to enable a successful video consultation. It is worthwhile testing this out prior to your appointment.
    • You might also have the opportunity to check your equipment/ familiarise yourself with it with a member of the admin staff prior to your appointment.
    • If you are using a laptop or desktop computer, the internet connection is better if you can use an Ethernet cable plugged directly into your router, rather than Wi-Fi.
    • If possible, limit the number of devices in the house using Wi-Fi, switch mobile phones onto airplane mode, and close any unused tabs / programmes on your devices.
  • If you are due to have your appointment via telephone, before the appointment make sure you have a quiet, private space free from distractions, in which you will not be disturbed before the appointment.

During appointments

  • You may wish to wear headphones (if using a mobile phone) to increase privacy
  • The member of staff may have sent you a contract to sign in advance and will discuss this at the first session as well as the pros & cons of this way of working
  • You may also have been sent information between appointments- it would be helpful to have this to hand
  • It can be helpful to have a pen/ paper to hand to jot down notes, any goals agreed and take a note of the next appointment

After appointments

  • The staff member might send out relevant materials by post or e-mail following the session. If possible, please read over this and try any strategies suggested prior to your next session
  • The staff member might want to evaluate the mode of communication used for your sessions. It would be very helpful to have honest feedback in order to make improvements to the service
  • Please let the staff member know of any concerns/ difficulties you are experiencing with this way of working

Information for Staff

Starting solids is an important milestone in childhood development.

Starting solids means gradually introducing a variety of foods to your baby alongside breast milk or infant formula until they are eating the same healthy foods as the rest of the family. Sometimes this is called weaning, introducing solids or complementary feeding.

Starting Solids – NHSGGC. On this page, you will find a range of key messages and lots of helpful resources, including our new NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde series of ‘Starting Solids Show’ videos. These are designed to help you get started with introducing first foods to your baby. This information supports the Fun First Food booklet you will receive from your Health Visitor or Family Nurse.https://publichealthscotland.scot/publications/fun-first-foods-an-easy-guide-to-introducing-solid-foods

For advice for fussy eatng and constipation see links below.

Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy

Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is a condition that can affect the gastrointestinal tract and cause problems such as wind, pain, constipation and loose stools. It can affect the skin, causing rashes or eczema and it can also cause lower tract respiratory infections or coughs. Many of the symptoms associated with CMPA can occur as a result of other common conditions, or as variants of normal, so it is important to consider CMPA as only one in a range of possible diagnoses.

CMPA can be either an IgE (immediate reaction) involving the immune system or Non IgE (non immediate) and not involving the immune system. If you feel your patient or your baby has CMPA please talk to the Doctor or Health Visitor.

There is information on this page which is designed to help Health Care Professionals diagnose and treat Non IgE CMPA.

There is also a section for parents or carers for the ongoing management of Non IgE CMPA below.

Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy For Health Care Professionals

Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy For Parents or Carers

Once your baby has been diagnosed with CMPA. The following resources may be helpful:

Medical Staff
  • Ida Amir, Otology Telephone: 0141 242 9788
  • Panos Asimakopoulos, Head and Neck Surgery – Telephone: 0141 211 3213
  • Malcolm Buchanan, Head and Neck Surgery, Laryngology – Telephone: 0141 211 3212
  • Louise Clark, Thyroid, Parathyroid – Telephone: 0141 451 5995
  • Lynn Cooke, Otology – Telephone: 0141 211 1660
  • John Crowther, Otology, Anterior and Lateral Skull Base – Telephone: 0141 451 5994
  • Catriona Douglas, Head and Neck Surgery – Telephone: 0141 211 3212
  • David Ellul, Rhinology, Anterior Skull Base and Facial Plastic Surgery – Telephone: 0141 347 8029
  • Omar Hilmi, Thyroid, Airway,  Parathyroid, Parotid and Neck Lumps , Rhinology – Telephone: 0141 242 9788
  • Anne Hitchings, Head and Neck Surgery – Telephone: 0141 451 5995
  • David Houghton, Head/Neck Cancer, Thyroid/Parathyroid Surgery, Rhinology. – Telephone: 0141 451 5998
  • Siew Keh, Rhinology & Anterior Skull Base – Telephone: 0141 347 8028
  • Georgios Kontorinis, Otology/ Neuro-otology and Skull Base – Telephone: 0141 347 8029
  • Richard Locke, Otology/Neuro-otology and Skull base – Telephone: 0141 451 5994
  • Christine MacAndie, Otology, Vertigo – Telephone: 0141 314 6874
  • John Marshall, Otology, Rhinology – Telephone: 0141 451 5998
  • Louise Melia, Rhinology, Anterior Skull Base – Telephone: 0141 232 7433
  • Jenny Montgomery, Head and Neck Surgery, Thyroid – Telephone: 0141 314 6873
  • Craig Murray, Otology, Vertigo, DCR – Telephone: 0141 314 6909
  • Alasdair Robertson, Rhinology – Telephone: 0141 314 6874
  • Stuart Robertson, Head & Neck Surgery, Transoral Laser Surgery, Airway – Telephone: 0141 211 1660
  • Saleh Okhovat, Rhinology & Skull Base Surgery – Telephone: 0141 211 1660
  • Murray Stewart, Head and Neck, Thyroid – Telephone: 0141 314 6873
  • Alexandros Tsikoudas, Rhinology, Laryngology – Telephone: 0141 211 3213

Middle Grade Doctors

  • Pramod Sarode – Associate Specialist
  • Afiq Slim – Speciality Registrar
  • Daragh Chakravarty – Speciality Registrar
  • Hitesh Tailor – Specialty registrar
  • Tom Paterson – Specialty registrar
  • Niall Woodley – Specialty registrar
  • Rhona Hurley – Specialty registrar
  • Paul Sooby – Specialty registrar
  • Holli Coleman – Specialty registrar
  • Bobby Mondal – Specialty registrar
  • Catriona Shenton – Specialty registrar
  • Sarah Ellis – Specialty registrar
  • Alex Rodgers – Specialty registrar
  • Noah Harding – Specialty registrar
Nursing Staff

ENT Senior Charge Nurse

  • Sally Campbell – Wd Manager, 11B Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
  • Debbie MacIntyre – Wd Manager 4A Gartnavel General Hospital
  • Suzanne Duncan – Charge Nurse 11B Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
  • Pamela Allan – Charge Nurse 11B Queen Elizabeth University Hospital

Out-Patient Department

  • Margaret Donaldson – ENT OPD SCN, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
  • Sharon McDonald – END OPD SCN – Gartnavel General Hospital
  • Juliet Boag – ENT OPD SCN Victoria ACH
  • Sheila Taylor – ENT OPD SCN Royal Alexandra Hospital
  • Catherine Kelly – ENT OPD SCN Inverclyde Royal
  • Paula Currie – ENT OPD SCN Vale of Leven Hospital
  • Lorna Halliday – ENT OPD SCN Stobhill ACH

Clinical Nurse Specialist

  • Amahl Mathie – CS North
  • Lesley Sabey – CNS North
  • Ann Marie Brown – CNS South
  • Catriona Jackson – CNS South
  • Elaine Ross – CNS South
  • Tracy Jackson – CNS South
  • Maria  Smith – CNS Clyde
  • Sarah Wilson – CNS Clyde

Clinical Nurse Practitioners

  • Kathleen Masterson – CNP Multi Site NHSGGC
  • Jan Michelson – CNP Multi site NHSGGC
  • Jenna Allan – CNP Multi site NHSGGC
  • Kimberly Sloane – CNP Multi site NHSGGC
  • Brenda MacDonnald – CNP Inverclyde

Emergency Nurse Practitioner

  • Kirstie Law – Ward 11B, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
Audiology Department

Heads of Departments

  • Linda Sharkey – Head of Adult Audiology Service
  • To be confirmed  – Victoria ACH
  • Andrew Clarke – Gartnavel General Hospital
  • Joanna Sutherland – Glasgow Royal Infirmary
  • To be confirmed – Stobhill ACH
  • Pauline Dawson – Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
  • Lorraine Borkowski – Royal Alexandra Hospital
  • Lynsay Sutherland – Vale of Leven
  • Jacqueline Truss – Inverclyde
Management and Secretaries
  • Craig Broadfoot – General Manager
  • Sam Zecanovsky – Clinical Services Manager
  • Debbie Marshall – Waiting List Manager

Based in Glasgow, we are the largest centre in the UK for Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) problems and work closely with local GPs to provide a comprehensive range of emergency and non-emergency services for patients.

Our teams of experienced clinicians are at the leading-edge of ENT healthcare and are committed to ensuring that you receive the best care, in a clean and friendly environment.

The main ENT ward is 11B on level 11 (Once entering the hospital please use the Arran Lifts to go to level 11) at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) 1345 Govan road, Glasgow, G51 4TF. Out-patient clinics are held in area G. Out-patient clinics take place in nearly every Glasgow Hospital alongside Royal Alexandra Hospital.

The ENT casualty clinic at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency GP referrals at ward 11B.  For less severe cases our specialist nurses can provide you with expert help on allergies, snoring, ear care and assessing the need for, and arranging, tonsil surgery and head & neck support.

A&E departments can be found at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Royal Alexandra Hospital at Paisley.

Paediatric ENT is covered from the Royal Children’s Hospital, 1345 Govan road, Glasgow, G51 4TF.

Further Information

Community Perinatal Mental Health Team

Advice line for professionals

Telephone: 0141 211 6500

We provide an Advice line for Professionals to discuss referrals.

This service is available weekdays (except Wednesday) from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Making a referral

We accept referrals for patients living within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

REFERRAL FORM – Please read Referral Criteria on page 3 before completing the referral form

West of Scotland Mother and Baby Unit (MBU)

Telephone MBU direct dial: 0141 211 6539

Please call us to discuss admissions.

Patients from West of Scotland are usually admitted with their babies, and in some circumstance in late pregnancy.

It is important that mothers considering admission have read the FAQ for MBU inpatients, especially information on

  • Baby sleep routines
  • Driving whilst inpatient
  • Smoking
Top Tips for Referrers

The following resources are helpful for professionals referring to our service.

About Us

Scotland’s first specialist perinatal mental health inpatient and community service for mothers, babies and their families.

We are a comprehensive service providing care and treatment to women who are pregnant or are up to one year postnatal and are at risk of, or are affected by, mental illness. We also offer expert advice to women considering pregnancy if they are at risk of a serious mental illness.

Our service consists of:

West of Scotland Mother and Baby Unit (MBU)

Scotland’s first MBU for perinatal mental health was opened in September 2004 at the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow.

We are now called the West of Scotland Mother & Baby Unit and relocated to Leverndale Hospital in January 2014.

Community Perinatal Mental Health Team (CPMHT)

The CPMHT cares for people across the whole NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.

We also provide a maternity liaison service to all NHSGGC Maternity hospitals.

Maternal Mental Health

Around 1 in 10 women will experience postnatal depression after having a baby. Depression and anxiety are equally as common during pregnancy. Most women recover with help from their GP, health visitor, midwife and with support from family and friends. However severe depression requires additional help from mental health services.

The symptoms of postnatal depression are similar to those in depression at other times. These include low mood, sleep and appetite problems, poor motivation and pessimistic or negative thinking.

Two in 1000 women will experience postpartum psychosis. The symptoms of this illness can come on quite rapidly, often within the first few days or weeks after delivery, and can include high mood (mania), depression, confusion, hallucinations (odd experiences) and delusions (unusual beliefs). Admission to a MBU is advised for most women, accompanied by their baby. Women usually make a full recovery but treatment is urgently necessary if symptoms of postpartum psychosis develop.