You may be referred into Orthopaedics by your GP or another specialist service or following attendance at the Emergency Department.
If you have been referred by your GP or another service with an ongoing issue, a clinician in the Orthopaedic Department will look at your referral letter and make a decision about the appropriate clinic for you to attend. This is called vetting.
If you have been referred by Emergency Department following an injury, you will receive a phone call the following day from a member of our specialist nursing staff who will either give you medical advice or ask you to attend an appointment at our Fracture Clinic.
Arranging your appointment
Once your referral has been vetted, your name will be added to the outpatient waiting list under the care of a consultant or extended scope physiotherapy practitioner (ESP).
You will be sent a letter inviting you to call the booking office within 7 days to arrange a clinic appointment. If you fail to call the booking office within 7 days, a reminder letter will be sent to you. If you fail to call the booking office after a further 7 days, your name will be removed from the waiting list and your GP will be informed. If you still wish an appointment after this, you will have to contact your GP to be re-referred.
If appropriate, you may receive a phone call to arrange a telephone or video appointment instead.
To facilitate this process please ensure that your contact information is up-to-date.
If you wish to reschedule your appointment, please call the booking office on 0141 201 3114 or 0141 201 3105. You can also email us at GRI.OrthopaedicOutpatients@ggc.scot.nhs.uk.
If you are asked to attend an orthopaedic appointment
If you have been asked to attend the orthopaedic outpatient clinic. There are a number of specialist clinicians in the department who could see you. This will depend on the type of injury/complaint you have.
If you require transport for the upcoming appointment, please arrange this one week in advance, by calling: 0300 123 1236. You will be asked a series of questions about your mobility, this is to assess if you are eligible for ambulance transport.
Outpatient clinics are located in Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Stobhill Hospital.
Following your appointment
The clinician will discuss the best course of action for you. There are a number of possible outcomes of this:
You may be sent for an investigation (e.g. MRI scan)
You may be sent for a second opinion
You may be given a return appointment to our orthopaedic outpatient clinic
You may beadded to the waiting list for surgery
You may be discharged
Inpatient Waiting List
At your appointment, the clinician may have a discussion with you about adding you to the waiting list for surgery. If you agree, your name will then be added to the list.
You will receive a letter informing you of this, along with a Patient’s Right Actleaflet
As an patient you have a responsibility to:
Keep your agreed hospital appointments and attend for admissions
Let us know if you need to cancel an appointment or admission
Let us know if you are going to be unavailable for a period of time
Let us know if you change your name, address or telephone detail
Reasonable Offer
We will offer all patients two reasonable offers of an appointment for treatment. If you do not accept either of these offers we may remove you from our waiting list and return you back to the care of your GP.
A reasonable offer includes an offer, either written or verbal, of treatment in any NHS Greater Glasgow or Clyde (NHSGGC) hospital. We will give you a minimum of 7 days’ notice of this appointment.
The IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) framework consists of definitions to describe texture modified foods and thickened liquids, where drinks are measured from Levels 0-4, and foods are measured from Levels 3-7.
NHSGGC Dietetics has worked closely with our Speech and Language Therapy colleagues to produce a series of videos about IDDSI and Dysphagia. For more information about Speech and Language Therapy within NHSGGC, please see their website below.
The first 3 videos provide an overview of IDDSI and dysphagia, including all IDDSI levels 0-7, hydration and food fortification. This now includes a video from the Speech and language therapy team on how to assist a resident with eating and drinking.
The videos thereafter show demonstrations by an IDDSI trained chef. This gives insight into how some everyday foods can be modified to the correct recommended textures. The videos are broken down into the different components of the meal for easy accessibility.
Speech and Language Therapy talk on Dysphagia and IDDSI of video
NHSGGC – General Safer Swallowing Advice: how to assist someone to eat and drink
Food, Fluid and Nutrition Nurse Talk on IDDSI Levels 1-4 and Hydration
Dietitian Talk on IDDSI Levels 5-7 and Food Fortification
Meet the Chef
IDDSI Thickening Instructions and Testing Methods for IDDSI Levels 1-4
Peaches Flow Test IDDSI Levels 0-4
IDDSI Level 3 Peaches
IDDSI Level 4 Peaches
IDDSI Level 5 Peaches
IDDSI Level 6 Peaches
IDDSI Level 6 Peaches Fork Pressure Test
IDDSI Level 7 Peaches
Comparison of Peaches Level 3-7
IDDSI Level 4 Salad
IDDSI Level 5 Salad
IDDSI Level 6 Salad
IDDSI Level 4 Chilli
IDDSI Level 5 Chilli
IDDSI Level 6 Chilli
IDDSI Level 4 Rice
IIDDSI Level 5 (and 6) Rice
Plating Up a Texture Modified Meal
NHSGGC Dietetics has worked closely with our Speech and Language Therapy colleagues to produce an IDDSI snack poster, which provides both sweet and savoury snack ideas for diet level 4 through to level 7 ‘easy to chew’.
The Glasgow Clinical Gait Analysis Laboratory assesses children and adults with complex gait problems. Gait analysis equipment is used to measure how the person walks and using this information a multidisciplinary team compiles a set of treatment recommendations, which can include medical, physiotherapy and orthotic interventions.
Our Team
Dr Bruce Carse, Clinical Scientist
Mrs Laura Wiggins, Principal Physiotherapist
Miss Janet McCaul, Orthopaedic Consultant (Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow)
Mr Mohamed Osman, Locum Orthopaedic Consultant (Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow)
What is Gait analysis?
Gait analysis is a way of analysing how a person walks and helps clinicians to understand their difficulties. This information is then used to develop a treatment plan to help them walk better.
In the laboratory, we place some skin markers on the legs and trunk using sticky tape and then use 3D motion capture technology to give more information than is possible by simply observing a person walking.
We also use Video Vector Analysis which assists in identifying the forces acting on the legs and help identify how to improve the gait, possibly using an orthosis.
There is also detailed clinical examination which looks at:
The movement at joints
Muscle power
Bone alignment
The ability to control movement
Muscle tone
Balance
Walking is a complex activity involving biomechanical and neurological factors. Biomechanics relates to the movement of the joints and segments of the legs and the forces acting upon them. The neurological aspects involve the control of the muscles by the brain and the nervous system to produce forces. In particular the reactivity of muscles to stretch is of importance. We call this approach to gait analysis ‘Neurobiomechanics’.
Who do we see?
Children and adults with a physical disability which causes complex walking problems. Issues cannot be identified with simple procedures such as observational analysis or routine clinical examination.
Conditions we see include Cerebral Palsy, traumatic brain injuries and other neurological conditions, Myelomeningocele, Muscular Dystrophy, lower limb and foot deformity.
In addition the patient should be:
At least 4 years old
Able to cope with a session which can take up to two hours, although the pace of assessment can be tailored to the child
Able to walk at least 15 metres, independently or using assistive devices or orthoses if appropriate. The use of walking aids is acceptable (e.g. sticks, crutches, rear and forward-facing walkers), however we are not able to assess patients using aids that support the trunk during walking
Gait analysis for adults and children with amputation is arranged by Prosthetics Service staff within WestMARC, primarily as part of the Scottish Specialist Prosthetics Service.
Please refer to the ‘Patient Information Sheet’ links below for more detailed information.
Who can refer?
Orthopaedic Consultants, Paediatricians, Neurologists, Physiotherapists, Prosthetists and Orthotists. Patients (or their parents/carers) should be aware of the referral and it is helpful where appropriate for the referrer to inform the patient’s wider multi-disciplinary team. It is anicipated that the referrer will provide feedback to the patients (or their parents/carers) after the gait report is finalised unless agreed otherwise.
Referral Information
This must include the reason for referral, for example: Considering an intervention and would like information to assist decision making (e.g. surgery, SDR, botulinum toxin) Deterioration in gait is suspected and objective assessment would assist in identifying management strategies Information to support appropriate orthotic alignment or management
Referrals should also include a clear clinical question, or information you would like the report to include. This will assist in tailoring the assessment and report to answer the clinical question.
The NHSGGC Glasgow Psychological Trauma Service (GPTS): The Anchor is a specialist mental health service which offers multidisciplinary psychological interventions and treatment to clients who present with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) following experiences of complex trauma.
This service includes CBT therapists, mental health practitioners, clinical/counselling psychology, occupational therapists and art psychotherapists. Our team also has clinical associates in applied psychology (CAAP), enhanced psychological practitioners (EPP), assistant psychologists and therapists in training. We also have a team administration staff who are here to help you.
How to contact us
Our address
The Anchor Unit G1, 2 & 3 Festival Business Centre 150 Brand Street Glasgow G51 1DH
Our service is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and is closed on public holidays. Please note, our email address is also only monitored Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Getting to the Glasgow Psychological Trauma Service
Traumatic events can impact upon people and their mental health in a wide range of ways. Often these needs are best met within primary or secondary care teams. GPTS is one of many services who provide mental health treatment for CPTSD. Others include Community Mental health Teams (CMHTs), Alcohol and Drugs Recovery Service (ADRS) and Older People’s Mental Health Teams (OPMH).
Please note we do not accept self-referrals.
Our referral criteria has recently changed, and currently our specialist service only accepts referrals and provides a service to people who are presenting with the most severe presentations of CPTSD symptoms and whose functioning is most significantly impacted.
The referral criteria for GPTS service is:
Adults aged 18 and over, and unaccompanied asylum seeking children aged 16 and over
Who live in Greater Glasgow and Clyde and are registered with a GP in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde;
Who have a history of complex trauma (that is repeated interpersonal trauma, including violence, abuse or neglect);
That has led to the development of Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) of a complexity or severity that requires the most specialist psychological service. CPTSD includes PTSD symptoms (re-experiencing, avoidance/numbing and hyper arousal) and also additional features that reflect the impact that trauma can have on a person; specifically their view of self (e.g. shame, guilt, sense of worthlessness), their relationship with others (e.g. difficulty with trust or rights in relationships and sustaining relationships) and mood and emotional regulation difficulties (e.g. difficulties understanding and having ways to regulate emotions). For someone to meet the criteria for GTPS the CPTSD symptoms they experience, will have a significant impact on their functioning across different areas of their lives.
Or, a person may have other mental health difficulties that are severe and disabling responses to trauma (e.g. complicated dissociative disorders, mutism, enduring personality change after catastrophic events etc.), and are suitable for psychological therapies.
In addition, the person’s needs are currently appropriate for treatment with psychological therapies
Please note, the GPTS is not an emergency service. We are only open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm and we do not have access to medical or social work staff. We do not have a dedicated daily duty service, or offer same day assessments, and cannot refer directly to the Mental Health Assessment Units (MHAUs) so cannot accept urgent referrals. If an individual requires more urgent input, please refer to the person’s local CMHT/Crisis service, or Mental Health Assessment Unit if the person is not open to a mental health service, and requires an emergency mental health assessment. GPTS also has no access to mental health dietetics and therefore cannot accept referrals with needs relating to eating difficulties.
We have a member of staff available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, who can discuss potential referrals or general queries or concerns you may have.
How can I refer to the service?
The Glasgow Psychological Trauma Service (GTPS) accepts referrals from GPs, Mental Health Teams, Social Workers, Community Addiction Teams and Third Sector Organisations. Please use the referral form to refer to our service.
At the GTPS we consider the difficulties and needs a person is presenting with currently and the impact of their experiences, rather than the extent of trauma experiences that the person has been subjected to in the past, when we are making decisions about whose needs match our service. Please be aware of this when filling in the referral form; we will prioritise information on current symptoms, clinical needs and the impact that this has on the person’s functioning, rather than an extensive description of the trauma the person has experienced.
Please note our service is currently delivering our clinical services on a ‘digital first’ basis, delivering digitally/remotely as well as face to face, where clinically indicated. Please include the client’s preference in the referral form and whether they have digital access.
If you would like to refer someone to the service, or are considering doing so, we would encourage you to telephone us to discuss this before completing the referral form. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays there is a staff member available for consultation. Please note, we do not accept self-referrals. Should you wish to be referred to the service please discuss this with your GP or other services you are involved with.
Following Referral
Following referral, there will be a team discussion to ensure the client’s current needs meet our service criteria and that it appears the right time for the client to engage in assessment and potential intervention. If, from the information available in the referral form, a person’s need does not appear to meet criteria for our service the referral will not be accepted. If we feel another mental health service might be more appropriate, we will liaise with them in the first instance, to provide more seamless access to the appropriate service.
If the referral is accepted by GPTS, the referrer and GP will be notified and the person will be placed on our assessment waiting list. When they reach the top of the assessment waiting list, the client will then be invited for assessment which will take place over one or more sessions. This can take place via video call or telephone appointments. We can also offer face to face appointments if required. Please note that unfortunately we currently have long waits for assessments due to the impact of Covid-19 on the service and staffing capacity.
If we decide that the client is suitable for our service, a treatment plan will be agreed with the client and information provided on what the client can expect from our service. We make every effort to see people as quickly as possible but please note that there are unfortunately currently long waiting times before starting treatment.
If following assessment it is indicated that GPTS is not the most appropriate service for someone, the reasons for this will be explained and advice about other options given. It may be that another service will be more suitable, or that it is simply not the best time for the individual to be starting trauma focused psychological therapy. If another service seems more appropriate for the individual’s needs, then we will make a referral to that service if possible or request that the appropriate person does with a summary of our assessment and recommendations.
If someone you have referred requires immediate support with their mental health while on the assessment waitlist we would recommend you contact their GP and/or local CMHT.
Consultation for other services
We offer consultation slots which all staff working with people affected by complex trauma can book into to discuss complex cases or potential referrals. To book a consultation slot, please call our office number and we will be happy to book you in.
What is trauma and complex trauma?
Trauma can be described as “resulting from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being” (SAMHSA, 2014).
A trauma can be an event or experience that is deeply distressing to someone. Often this can affect the way someone thinks, feels and behaves. It can also cause bodily reactions such as insomnia and tension. In many cases, traumatic events can impact on relationships with others.
Examples of traumatic events are below:
Death
Road traffic accident
Fire
Rape
Sexual assault
Physical assault
Loss
Witnessing a traumatic event
Natural disaster
The types of trauma listed above are single, discrete events that can occur suddenly and without warning. If it is a single, one-off, unexpected event, it is called a Type 1 trauma.
Some types of trauma can occur on multiple occasions and over a longer period of time. The person may anticipate what is going to happen but be unable to do anything about it, and so this ongoing anticipation of threat can have an impact on how they perceive themselves, others, and the world. If the trauma happens on multiple occasions, it is called Type 2 trauma, or complex trauma. Many Type 2 traumas can be interpersonal in nature.
Complex trauma, another term for Type 2 traumas, can be defined as long-term, interpersonal abuse, occurring on multiple occasions and often beginning early in life (Herman, 1997).
Complex trauma often produces feelings of fear, sadness and despair that can be difficult to manage and control. Often these feelings start suddenly and can become very powerful and often feel overwhelming. Therefore the brain tries to find ways to manage these feelings in the context of ongoing abuse and then when trying to process these experiences. This can result in behaviours or coping strategies that may feel like the only option the individual has at the time, and perhaps even helpful in the short term, but if using these long-term or all the time it becomes less useful and can lead to other difficulties. There are a wide range of behaviour or coping strategies someone may use as a result of experience complex traumatic events, for example using substances problematically, self-harm, dissociation, self-isolation.
Our early experiences of care can often affect how we feel about ourselves and impact on the relationships we form with other people. People who experience abuse in what is meant to be a caring relationship can often feel that it is their fault and think badly about themselves. They may also believe that all relationships will be similar and accept this or believe that it is better to be alone. Some people report that experiencing one traumatic event after another can make them feel powerless and helpless and there is no point trying to get help because there is nothing they can do. Complex trauma can also affect people physically. This is because traumatic events normally trigger biological reactions within our bodies. Symptoms may include insomnia, concentration difficulties, muscular aches and pain, tiredness, palpitations, headaches and stomach problems. In some cases people may be diagnosed with physical difficulties, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, fibromyalgia, migraines or pain
What is PTSD and Complex PTSD?
In the period following a traumatic event, it is normal to experience some symptoms of PTSD. The brain tries the ways it knows how to respond to and cope with a traumatic and overwhelming event or events, and so many of the symptoms a person can experience are normal reactions to abnormal events. For the majority of people, these resolve over time. However, some people’s symptom may endure and start to cause significant difficulties in their everyday life.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Some people develop PTSD after a traumatic experience. Some of the symptoms include the person having dreams or unwanted pictures or images of the trauma coming into their mind, or the person may find they cannot remember the traumatic event(s). They may feel like the trauma is happening again and experience the same sensations and distress as they did the first time. They may find that they try to avoid all things that are related to the trauma. This may include not talking about the trauma or avoiding people or places that remind them of the trauma. Other symptoms include jumpiness, feeling irritable and difficulties sleeping. Many people also experience mood difficulties such as anxiety, depression or anger.
Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)
CPTSD is more likely to develop after repeated experiences of trauma or if trauma happened early in life, because of the psychological impact of these trauma experiences.
A person with CPTSD has the symptoms of PTSD, alongside the following difficulties, which can cause a significant impact on their functioning day to day:
Finding it hard to understand or manage emotions which can be overwhelming and frightening at times;
Finding relationships difficult to manage and feeling that other people can be difficult, hurtful or dangerous; and
Feeling bad about themselves, often feeling ashamed or to blame for what has happened.
Traumatic events may produce feelings of fear, loss, abandonment and isolation. These feelings can affect mood. Because trauma is often associated with danger and vulnerability, some people may experience symptoms of anxiety (e.g. shakiness, trembling, tension, palpitations, and dizziness).
People may also experience dissociation. Dissociation is a wide ranging experience, and may include feeling numb and disconnected from yourself and/or the world, or being unaware of time passing or lacking memories from events you know have happened.
CPTSD is more likely to develop after repeated experiences of trauma or if trauma happened early in life, because of the psychological impact of these trauma experiences.
CPTSD is now recognised as a mental health problem in the ICD-11 (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (11th Revision). (WHO, 2018).
What treatments are offered at the Glasgow Psychological Trauma Service?
We offer a range of different assessment and treatment options for CPTSD. Treatment recommendations will be offered based on expert clinician assessment. Treatment can be offered individually or in groups or using a combination of these. Service user preferences and needs are taken into account when planning treatment.
Before treatment at GPTS commences you will be asked to consider this consent form.
Our service utilises a phase based approach to working with individuals who have are experiencing CPTSD, as recommended by both Cloitre et al (2002) and the NHS Education for Scotland Psychological Therapies ‘Matrix’ guidance, which provide recommendations regarding delivery of psychological therapy in Scotland. This model recommends that, in the first phase, treatment aims to create a sense of safety, security and emotional stability by improving sleep, emotional regulation, mood and understanding about the impact of trauma through psycho-educational materials. This phase is often called “safety and stabilisation”. Phase two of treatment, also called “reprocessing” involves talking in detail about the individual’s traumatic experiences. This helps to reduce re-experiencing symptoms such as nightmares and flashbacks and also improves a person’s mood. Phase two may also be referred to as “remembering and mourning”, and can also include a focus on recognising loss and learning from early experiences, as well as understanding and making meaning from those experiences. Phase two may also consider a person’s identity and how the traumatic experiences have impacted this. Phase three of treatment focuses on the person reclaiming their life, reconnecting with valued activities and their community, and looking forward to a life less dominated by trauma.
Treatment plans are idiosyncratic and collaborative so it may be that people only need some not all of these aspects of work. For some people, the first phase of treatment may be sufficient to meet their needs, or may be all they are ready or able to do. Other people may not require a phase-based approach and can proceed quickly to processing trauma memories. The treatment plan is tailored to an individual’s needs.
Safety and stabilisation can be delivered individually or in a group.
Treatments offered will vary according to the recommendations of clinical assessment, but they may include:
TF-CBT uses cognitive-behavioural techniques that have been shown to help individuals overcome trauma-related difficulties. It is designed to reduce negative emotional and behavioural responses following trauma. The therapy addresses upsetting beliefs and attributions related to traumas people have experienced and provides a safe environment in which people can talk about their traumatic experiences and learn skills to cope with life stressors.
Eye Movement Desensitisation Therapy (EMDR)
EMDR is a psychotherapy that helps people process and recover from past experiences that are affecting their mental health. It involves bilateral stimulation using eye movements or tapping etc with talk therapy in a specific and structured format. This supports people to process difficult memories while keeping themselves in the present moment. EMDR helps people process negative images, emotions, beliefs and body sensations associated with traumatic memories that seem to be stuck. EMDR helps people to see things from a different perspective and relieves symptoms. There is still a requirement within EMDR to talk about the trauma the person has experienced.
Narrative Exposure Therapist (NET)
In NET, with guiding and directive help of the therapist, the person will be asked to talk about the trauma in the context of their whole life story in detail while re-experiencing the emotions, cognitions, bodily, behavioural, and sensory elements associated with traumatic events. As well, the person will talk about positive life experiences. This process allows people to ease the difficult emotional response they experience when remembering the traumatic events and to change the meaning traumatic events have, which in turn leads a reduction in PTSD symptoms.
Schema Therapy
Schema Therapy targets schemas; a term used clinically to describe unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour that interfere with having an individual’s needs met and impact on their ability to maintain relationships, and can negatively affect emotional well-being. The aim of Schema Therapy is to help people to recognise behaviour patterns they would like to change, understand the underlying cause of this behaviour, and change their thoughts and behaviours so they are better able to cope with relationship challenges or emotions in healthy, productive ways. It can also help people to process traumatic events, and heal the impact of needs that were unmet in their childhood.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy that creatively uses values and mindfulness skills to help reduce psychological suffering and to build a meaningful life. This happens through: learning new psychological skills to reduce the impact of difficult emotions and cognitions so they no longer push people around, hold them back or get in the way of their life goals; clarifying the person’s values (how they want to treat themselves, others and the world around them) and use these to guide their actions and enhance their life; and focus attention on what is important to be able to fully engage in whatever activity they chose to do.
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
CFT aims to help promote mental and emotional healing by encouraging the person to be compassionate towards themselves and other people. CFT was developed to combat high levels of shame and self-criticism that often comes hand-in-hand with mental health difficulties. Compassion, both toward the self and toward others, is an emotional response believed to be an essential aspect of wellbeing.
Art Psychotherapy
Art Psychotherapy is a psychological intervention which facilitates expression through art within a safe and containing relationship with an Art Psychotherapist.
Art Psychotherapy provides a different way for people to communicate, understand and work with their trauma –related difficulties. Using art materials can offer a way to express thoughts, feelings and to help the person think about past experiences which have been difficult to speak of in words alone. Together the person and the Art Psychotherapist will begin to understand and process emotions stemming from trauma.
People do not need to be good at art to do art psychotherapy. Making artwork can help people to become more aware of their thoughts and feelings. The process of creating art in therapy can allow a person to work through the trauma with the therapist.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy provides practical support to empower people to recover and overcome barriers preventing them from doing activities that matter to them. Using activity, Occupational Therapy can help achieve peoples’ goals and where possible improve their mental wellbeing and increase confidence. This work can be done individually or in group settings. Occupational Therapists work in partnership with the person to support recovery and improve their quality of life. In partnership with the Forestry Commission, The Anchor’s Occupational Therapist runs the Branching Out group.
Branching Out aims to provide opportunities to experience relaxation with a reduction in symptoms intensity and levels of distress; opportunities to experience pleasure and enjoyment in nature based activities; opportunities to develop an enhanced sense of self, an increase in self-confidence and self-esteem; opportunities to reconnect with previously valued activities and roles; opportunities to experience increased interpersonal and social competencies as a result of involvement in an activity based group.
Safety and Stabilisation groups
The GPTS currently offers Safety and Stabilisation groups. The most commonly run group is called Safe Place to Cope (SPTC).
Safe Place to Cope (SPTC)
The SPTC group aims to promote skills to enable those seeking asylum and victims of trafficking to manage distress and regulate emotions following cumulative trauma. Although it is provided in a group format, there is no requirement for people to disclose anything about their own experience of trauma. Attendees are supported to develop resources and problems solving skills in mastering distress linked to trauma they have experienced, as well as support resilience and develop a sense of connectedness with their community.
Survive & Thrive Group
Survive & Thrive is a group-based educational course which provides a ‘Phase one’ treatment for people who have experienced complex trauma and have mental health needs arising from this. In the group, people learn about the common responses to the experience of complex trauma, and ways to manage common symptoms. Although it is provided in a group format, there is no requirement for people to disclose anything about their own experience of trauma. It has been developed by the NHS in Scotland and is widely available across most NHS boards in Scotland. The GTPS can provide access to this phase 1 psychoeducational group following assessment, through NHSGGC Glasgow Psychological Therapies Groups Service.
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Who will my treatment be with?
The Glasgow Psychological Trauma Service has a range of different health professionals who work together to contribute their different skills and experience.
Clinical/Counselling Psychologists
Psychologists are trained to help people to understand and cope with difficult emotions, thoughts and behaviours. They talk with people about their lives and help them find a way to move forward with their difficulties. Clinical/Counselling Psychologists do not prescribe medication but they focus on helping people look at the reasons behind the way they are feeling. The Clinical/Counselling Psychologists in this team have particular knowledge and experience of working with difficulties relating to complex trauma. Treatment may also be provided by trainee clinical/counselling psychologists under the supervision of a qualified psychologist.
Art Psychotherapists
Offer the opportunity to express and explore difficult feelings through the use of art materials and art making. Art psychotherapy can be particularly helpful to people who find it hard to express their thoughts and feelings in words or for those who find relationships difficult.
Occupational Therapist
Works with service users to help them identify and engage in valued and meaningful activity in order to enhance health and wellbeing.
Mental Health Practitioner / Cognitive Behaviour Therapists / Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology (CAAP)
These staff members have a background in mental health and are trained in psychological therapies to help people understand and deal with their mental health. They will work with individuals to help them see links between their thoughts, feelings and behaviour and explore ways to make helpful changes.
We also have enhanced psychological practitioners (EPP), trainees and assistant psychologists in our team. These staff members have a background in psychology, and generally offer shorter term treatments or deliver groups to help promote a sense of safety and emotional stability.
Other team members
Medical Secretaries/Receptionist
Answer the telephone, take messages if a staff member is out of the office, type letters and support the therapists to do their work. They will be who you will most likely interact with if you contact our service.
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I am struggling with my mental health, what can I do?
It’s usually helpful to reach out to people you trust, tell them how you are feeling/ask for advice. If this does not feel right for you right now we recommend that you make an appointment with your GP to discuss what’s going on for you. There are also a number of other services you can contact by telephone or email/online that can be helpful and are listed below.
Some people find Breathing Space helpful. This is a confidential telephone line where you can talk to someone about the things you are finding difficult. The telephone number for Breathing Space is 0800 83 85 87. They are open all weekend and during weekdays from 6.00pm to 2.00am.
The BSL interpretation service is available during the Breathing Space phoneline opening hours of:
Monday to Friday: 6.00pm to midnight
Saturday and Sunday: 8.00am to midnight
If English isn’t your first or preferred language you can still phone Breathing Space.
Breathing Space uses the interpretation service, Language Line, to support callers who cannot, or prefer not to, speak English.
Language Line is private, confidential and free to use.
To use Language Line
Phone Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87
Tell the advisor that you need an interpreter
Tell the advisor the name of your preferred language
Once you’re connected to an interpreter you’ll have a three way conversation with Breathing Space.
Language Line is available during the Breathing Space phone line opening hours of:
Monday to Friday: 6.00pm to midnight
Saturday and Sunday: 8.00am to midnight
Other people prefer to use The Samaritans, though interpreters are not available. Please note, this is not an NHS service. You can call them at anytime on 116 123. You can also email The Samaritans though they may take up to 24 hours to reply to emails. Their email address is: jo@samaritans.org
The government website Clear Your Head has helpful tips for looking after yourself when you feel stressed.
If you need support with your mental health while you are on our assessment or treatment waiting list you can seek support from the service that referred you or your local CMHT via your GP. If you are on our treatment waitlist or in treatment and struggling, you can call or email and ask to speak to our duty worker who will be happy to support you. Please note the duty service is only available Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 9am and 5pm.
Below is a summary of some strategies you can use to help manage your symptoms of CPTSD, particularly when you notice that your mind is going back to difficult memories or if you are becoming worried about the future. These are called ‘grounding strategies’ and they allow you to feel calmer by helping your mind to connect to the present moment, by focusing on something around you, using one or all of your senses. Using your senses is a good way to remind your mind, how now is different from the past, and can create some distance between you and overwhelming feelings. It can also help you focus on what you can do in this moment to make yourself feel better and so provide a sense of control.
Things to Smell – aromatherapy oils / perfumes / smelling salts / Vicks
Try to keep oil on tissue under pillow or in a pocket and use it when you have the sensation of memory coming or after waking from a nightmare. It is important that the smell is not associated with any traumatic or upsetting memories.
(Smelling salts are particularly good when a person has such a severe flashback that they do not respond to others calling them. They do not smell pleasant, but are preferable to leaving a person in a flashback).
Things to See – look around and really pay attention to the details – describe what you see (how many different colours can you see? Which patterns can you see? Describe a photograph or picture to yourself out loud)
Things to Hear – listen to noises around you (how many different noises can you hear?) or listen to the radio or TV. Play some comforting music.
Things to Touch – soft toys, pebbles, pinecones, stress balls, a soft blanket, cuddle your pet, splash water over your hands or face. . Notice the texture, temperature, shape and patterns. It can be helpful to carry a small object with you, like a pebble, to use when you need.
Things to Taste – drink of water, some strong tasting food – only after some grounding has already taken place
Things to Distract You. Afterwards engage in some enjoyable or comforting activities to help to keep you in the present moment and to change your focus and mood – e.g. talking with somebody supportive, talking about the present and things you are interested in and enjoy (e.g. football, friends, and activities in your daily life now)
Looking after our physical health
Our physical and mental health are closely related to each other. The basic building blocks of health: sleep, a balanced diet, and gentle exercise are very important when recovering from traumatic events. Healthy routines can be particularly difficult to manage when experiencing post-traumatic stress, for instance nightmares may disrupt sleep, and poor sleep may make eating well and exercising feel more difficult. If we are sleeping badly, eating poorly, and staying inactive, it can mean we have much less energy and focus for doing the things that might help our recovery from trauma. Attending appointments, practising new coping skills, studying or work, or navigating complex legal proceedings all benefit from getting these building blocks of health as strong as they can be. We can take small steps to improve our mental well-being.
Here are some links to resources that may help you get ideas of where to start:
If you would like to explore more helpful strategies and practices like these, and understand why they are helpful then please see the section “Resources for coping with the impact of trauma”.
Resources for coping with the impact of trauma
Below are links to two videos about coping with impact of trauma. They have been designed by the Glasgow Psychological Trauma Service. They are not a substitute for individual psychological intervention but may help you to have a better understanding of your difficulties and to learn some useful skills for coping with how you feel. Together, the two videos contain information about Complex PTSD and a range of strategies that can help people to cope with symptoms of Complex PTSD. The first video focuses more on information about Complex PTSD. The second video focuses on helpful coping strategies. Occasionally, people can find parts of the videos upsetting as they remember distressing events from the past. Most people have told us that they find the videos helpful.
We encourage you to consider watching these videos at a time when you are unlikely to be interrupted and to take as many breaks as you feel necessary. You can watch the videos as many times as you would like to. We encourage you to practise the strategies in the videos often.
Please note, these videos are not designed to be used as a training resource and should not be shared with this purpose.
Coping with the Impact of Trauma Part 1
Coping with the Impact of Trauma Part 2
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If you are a GP and you want to cancel an Imaging request placed using GPOCS (Sunquest ICE) please contact the relevant Imaging Department using the numbers below between 9am and 5pm
Out Patient Imaging Request Cancellations (all modalities)
Gartnavel General Hospital
0141 211 3116
Glasgow Dental Hospital
0141 211 9647
Glasgow Royal Infirmary
0141 211 5120
Institute of Neurological Sciences
0141 201 2045
Inverclyde Royal Hospital
01475 524171
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
0141 452 3511
Royal Alexandra Hospital
0141 314 6800
Royal Hospital for Children
0141 452 4234
Stobhill ACH
0141 355 1432
Vale of Leven Hospital
01389 817524
Victoria ACH
0141 347 8413 or 0141 348 8391
West Glasgow ACH
0141 201 0440
Attending an Attend Anywhere / NHS Near Me Video Appointment
Attend Anywhere is a web-based platform that helps health and social care providers offer video call access to their services as part of their usual business day-to-day operations. Near Me is the service name developed following consultation with members of the public. Near Me services use the Attend Anywhere platform to deliver their video consulting service.
To use Attend Anywhere you need:- Internet access Computer, laptop or mobile/tablet A webcam (if not built in)
The web browsers compatible with Attend Anywhere are:- Chrome Safari Edge
SCS Waiting Rooms
For access to the clinical waiting area, please follow the links below (please use Google Chrome, Safari or Edge to enter the waiting room).
When entering the waiting area, please enter your child’s name and date of birth so your clinician can identify the patient. If you are the patient, please enter your own details.
SCS Glasgow Waiting Area – Glasgow’s waiting area is for all Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and Specialist Community Paediatric teams in Glasgow, East Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire.
SCS Hosted Waiting Area – The Hosted waiting area is for all Board-Wide/Tier 4 teams including Intensive CAMHS, Complex Trauma, Vulnerability, Forensic, Eating Disorders and the Adolescent Inpatient Unit.
SCS Inverclyde Waiting Area – Inverclyde’s waiting area is for all CAMHS and Specialist Community Paediatric teams in Inverclyde.
SCS Renfrewshire Waiting Area – Renfrewshire’s waiting area is for all CAMHS and Specialist Community Paediatric teams in Renfrewshire.
SCS Royal Hospital for Children’s Waiting Area – The RHC waiting area is for all Specialist Children’s Services in the hospital including Paediatric Liaison, Acute Clinical Psychology, Maternity and Neonatology Psychology, Neuropsychology and the Child Inpatient Unit.
SCS West Dunbartonshire Waiting Area – West Dunbartonshire’s waiting area is for all CAMHS and Specialist Community Paediatric teams in West Dunbartonshire.
The QR code might be the easiest way to access Attend Anywhere. If you have an appointment the QR code will be on your appointment letter. You can use a QR Scanner app (Android) or the camera (Apple) on your smartphone to access the waiting areas. Scan the code and the webpage will appear for you to select.
User Guidance
You can find more information on how to access your video appointment using the link below
Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech and Language Therapy run weekly advice lines for parents/carers or anyone working with children and young people. See below for advice line details available in your area.
If for any reason the advice line is not running, please try again next week.
Thank you for donating your milk for research. We appreciate your consideration at this difficult time and would be grateful if you could complete the record form:
We want to make the screening process as easy as possible. The healthcare team caring for you and your baby, can talk you through this and answer any questions you may have. You can also speak to the milk bank staff directly on 0141 232 7973.
All families who donate after loss, can have their baby’s name added to the tree. We also gift a Memory Milk Pebble with the baby’s name to remember their precious gift to others. These are available at any time during the donation journey or afterwards by filling out the Memory Tree Consent Form further below. Families are also welcome to visit the Memory Milk Tree by calling 0141 232 7973 or emailing donor.milkbank@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
You can check if you meet the full criteria for donation, please complete the Screening Form for Donation in the Screening Process section below.
Sometimes your milk cannot be used to feed other babies. For example, if you smoke or vape or are on certain medication. Your healthcare team or the milk bank can advise you.
If you would still like to donate milk, we can accept up to two litres for research or other purposes like testing equipment in the milk bank. Please complete the Consent for Research Donations form in the Screening Process section below.
You can also request a collection of your stored milk by using the Collection Form in the Screening Process section.
You can download our information leaflet “Breast care after loss” here. We hope this information will help you make decisions about your care and your breastmilk which are right for you. There are also links to organisations and resources that can help you and your family think about options for remembrance as well as to find help and support.
Screening Process
We want to make the screening process as simple as possible. The healthcare team caring for you and your baby can talk you through this and answer any questions you may have. Sometimes your milk cannot be used directly to feed other babies. For example, if you smoke, vape or are on certain medications. In these circumstances, we offer you the choice to donate your milk for research and other purposes like ensuring best practice in the milk bank. You can get the link to both of the consent forms below.
We may also need to have a blood sample from you. These can be taken prior to discharge or by your GP and posted back to us. We provide a special kit for this.
Although milk donation does not suit everyone, some families find comfort in continuing to express and donating. We would encourage you to discuss this with the healthcare team caring for you to help make a decision that feels right for you. They can also give you advice about expressing, including how soon to start and how often to express.
To support you to express your breastmilk, we have organised a free pump loan and set for you to use whilst donating.
Your healthcare team or the Milk Bank will be able to give you the special code for this. Simply add the code when completing the form.
A pump will be delivered to you as soon as possible, usually the next working day. You will have to use a Debit or Credit Card to place the order which will be charged 30p. This will be refunded once the order is processed. If this is not an option for you, please get in touch with the milk bank on 0141 232 7973 or email donor.milkbank@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Please use these links for instructions on how to use the pump.
We also have dedicated Instagram and twitter accounts for bereaved families where, if you would like, we can share your baby’s story on our Instagram or Twitter
Memory Tree Consent and Pebble Request Form
We want to make sure your baby’s name is correct when we paint it on the tree and pebble. We also need to get your consent for it to be included in any media we may use. Can you complete the form using the Consent for Memory Milk Tree and Pebble Contact Form below.
Use this zone to check your symptoms and get some simple and straightforward advice that might help you to improve your symptoms and take back control over your life.
You should always seek medical advice from your GP or other Medical Professional if you notice any of the following:
Blood in your urine or stool
A need to urinate more frequently than normal
Sudden urge to urinate
Pain when passing urine or stool
A persistent change in bowel habit
Abdominal pain, discomfort or bloating always brought on by eating
Self Help for Men
Do you visit the toilet too often during the day (more than 7 times) to pass urine? or Do you find it difficult to hold off using the toilet, even for a few minutes?
A few things you could try:
Gradually reduce your caffeine intake
Double voiding – when you stop urinating sit down (if you normally stand to pass urine) or stand up (if you normally stand to pass urine), count slowly to 20 and sit back down or stand back up and attempt to urinate again
Make sure you’re drinking 6-8 glasses of fluid each day
Do daily pelvic floor exercises
Try not to go to the toilet “just in case”
Check your bowel habit, could you be constipated?
Ask your GP for advice as this might be related to your prostate
Do you have a small urine leak after your main flow that results in wet or stained trousers?
A few things you could try:
Double voiding – sit down (if you normally stand to pass urine) or stand up (if you normally stand to pass urine), count slowly to 20 and sit back down or stand back up and attempt to urinate again
“Milking” – pushing the last few drops of urine from the penis with your fingers before the final shake
Ask your GP for advice as this might be related to your prostate
Do you have to get up twice or more to pass urine during the night? Are you sure the need to pass urine is what’s waking you?
A few things you could try:
Gradually reduce your caffeine intake, especially during the afternoon and evening.
Stop drinking 2-3 hours before going to bed but make sure you still drink 6-8 glasses of fluid each day.
You might prefer to sip small amounts of fluid rather than stop all fluids after a set time in the evening. (Try sucking ice cubes or ice lollies).
Make time to ensure you have fully emptied your bladder and double void before going to bed.
Always double void when you get up during the night.
Only change one thing at a time so you can identify what is working for you.
Review the medicine you are taking
Many tablets and medications can cause bladder and bowel symptoms or make the symptoms you have worse. If you have noticed any changes in your bladder and/or bowel habits since starting new medication you may want to discuss this with your doctor.
Do you leak urine if you cough, laugh, sneeze or on exercising? or Do you visit the toilet too often during the day (more than 7 times) to pass urine? and Do you find it difficult to hold off using the toilet, even for a few minutes?
A few things you could try:
Gradually reduce your caffeine intake
Double voiding – when you stop urinating stand up, count slowly to 20 and sit back down and attempt to urinate again
Make sure you’re drinking 6-8 glasses of fluid each day
Do daily pelvic floor exercises
Try not to go to the toilet “just in case”
Check your bowel habit, could you be constipated?
Do you have to get up twice or more to pass urine during the night? and Are you sure the need to pass urine is what’s waking you?
A few things you could try:
Gradually reduce your caffeine intake, especially during the afternoon and evening.
Stop drinking 2-3 hours before going to bed but make sure you still drink 6-8 glasses of fluid each day.
You might prefer to sip small amounts of fluid rather than stop all fluids after a set time in the evening. (Try sucking ice cubes or ice lollies.)
Make time to ensure you have fully emptied your bladder and double void before going to bed.
Always double void when you get up during the night.
Only change one thing at a time so you can identify what is working for you.
Review the medicine you are taking
Many tablets and medications can cause bladder and bowel symptoms or make the symptoms you have worse. If you have noticed any changes in your bladder and/or bowel habits since starting new medication you may want to discuss this with your doctor.