“We are entrusted with the most precious thing in the world – which is why we use the most advanced technology we can”.
As part of IVF or ICSI treatment we keep your embryos in our laboratory for up to 5 days. During this time we monitor your embryos to check how well they are developing.
Embryo development is dynamic and they need continuous monitoring to allow us to watch their pattern of development and to ensure we select the ‘best’ embryo(s) for transfer. Until now, a wealth of information about embryo development has gone unseen.
EmbryoScope gives us a new way of looking after and looking at your embryos. It provides a safe, undisturbed and controlled environment for your embryos and allows us to look at your embryos whenever we wish, and to constantly record their development from the moment the egg fertilises to the moment the embryo is transferred. We can look and observe the embryo within the incubator using ‘real-time’ footage whenever we like without disturbing them. A large screen provides a continuous overview of all embryos within the incubator. In addition, continuous 4D images are stored automatically with the patient file for review at any time during the embryo’s development. This means we can go back and view what has been happening in their development day and night. We can see things that we might have missed before because it didn’t happen at a time when we would be examining them under the microscope.
Most importantly, there is evidence to suggest that using EmbryoScope may increase your chances of your treatment working. It may well be possible to now observe key events in your embryos development to help us select which embryos will turn into babies.
Here is an example of what we see.
Here is an example of what Embryoscope allows us to see.
Please ask to speak to a member of the scientific team if you would like any more information regarding the EmbryoScope and your treatment.
Egg and Sperm Donation Campaign
Hundreds of people in Scotland need the help of egg or sperm donors to give them the chance to become parents and the gift of starting a family.
The Scottish Government and NHS Scotland have launched the first national campaign of its kind to encourage people to become egg and sperm donors, with the four NHS tertiary Fertility Centres in Scotland (Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow).
Donating your eggs or sperm is something that requires careful consideration, but if it’s right for you then you have the potential to give the joy of starting a family to those people in Scotland, who need the help of donors to become parents.
The experience of fertility difficulties is almost always distressing and disruptive for any individual or couple. Powerful feelings can emerge – shock, anger, sadness, envy, guilt, anxiety, isolation, sense of worthlessness and, particularly, fear for the future.
The situation can also put a great strain on relationships which are normally loving and comfortable whether with a partner, family members or friendships.
It is not always easy for others to fully understand how such a profound life crisis feels or how it affects so many aspects of day to day living.
The experience of fertility problems is unique and complex and is often described as an “emotional rollercoaster.”
When?
Counselling is available before, during and after treatment. Meeting with our counsellors can offer you a safe, discreet and quiet place where you can explore difficult feelings and find ways of making the situation more manageable.
You may want to talk through your options, prepare for treatment or have support during or after treatment.
For those who are considering treatment using donor eggs, sperm or embryos or who may be considering surrogacy, it is an HFEA requirement to meet with the counsellors to look at the implications of such treatment both in the short and longer term for both the adults and for the potential children who may be born through donor conception.
For those considering becoming a donor either to help known recipients or as an altruistic donor, it is also an HFEA requirement to meet with one of the counsellors to explore the implication of donation.
For both donors and recipients, this is a confidential and supportive service and can greatly help in making a positive decision for your own future and reduce some of the fears and more difficult feelings which may arise.
When you have been referred to the ACS Unit and have been accepted as a patient of the service (including being on the waiting list for treatment), you can either ask to be referred to the counsellors by a member of clinical or nursing staff or you can directly refer yourself (see below).
The counselling service is independent and confidential. There is no payment for counselling.
You may need only one session of counselling or you may decide, with the counsellors, that further sessions would be helpful.
If you are considering treatment with donor eggs, sperm or embryos, or thinking of becoming a donor, you will be referred by a member of staff to the counselling service prior to moving forward to treatment.
Who?
Our counsellors are accredited members of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy(BACP) and accredited members of British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA). The counsellors have had many years of specialist experience providing counselling for people affected by infertility and who are seeking treatment for many different reasons.
This includes single women, heterosexual and same sex couples and those planning / in the process of gender reassignment.
The counsellors are aware that the challenges of fertility issues can arouse feelings about other difficult aspects of life and of past events which have not been fully resolved.
It can be very helpful and liberating to have an opportunity to say some of this out loud in a neutral and non-judgmental setting and to recognise how other events or people might be making it harder to cope.
Finding tools and strategies to do so may help your resilience.
Contact
Once you are accepted as a patient of the ACS Unit, you can contact our counsellors directly or you can ask a member of nursing or clinical staff to make a referral.
You can contact our counsellors using the following details:
Yes you will be tested for carbon monoxide at certain intervals during your each treatment cycle. Both partners must be smoke free before and during treatment.
Will my BMI be checked at anytime?
Yes we will check your BMI at regular intervals throughout each treatment cycle.
What times can I phone to ask advice?
You can call at anytime during the department’s opening times, however there may not always be someone available to speak to you at this time, please leave a message on the voicemail and someone will return your call.
Do I need to attend the department every day for injections?
The daily injection is easy to administer and a nurse will teach you how to do them. We will also provide details of how to access further instructions on injection techniques electronically such as you tube.
Are the injections painful?
Patients do not complain that the injections are at all painful.
Is the egg retrieval procedure painful?
Patients are given sedation by anaesthetists prior to the egg retrieval procedure and should therefore be very comfortable throughout the procedure.
Do I need to take time off work?
You will require the day of your egg retrieval off work and some time to have your embryo transfer. However, if you feel well you can go to work normally at any other time.
I have started my period and want to book treatment.
Phone 0141 201 3478 during normal working hours to speak to the admin team
Do I need proof of my MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella) vaccinations before starting treatment?
We require all patients starting a cycle of treatment to have 2 MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella) vaccinations. If you have already provided us with paperwork to confirm this, you do not need to do so in subsequent cycles. If you need to check if you have had 2 MMR vaccines please check with your GP in the first instance.
During Treatment
Should I contact you if I have a period after my Prostap injection?
No, this is normal and should be expected.
Should I contact you if I do not have a period after my Prostap injection?
No, attend your next appointment as arranged and you will have an ultrasound scan and blood test to check your hormone levels. You may need some further medication prescribed.
Can I take medication for pain?
You should not experience pain prior to egg retrieval and if you do you should contact the department for advice.
I have dropped/smashed/wasted some of my medication, what should I do?
If you have enough of the medication to last until the next ACS working day keep taking it as instructed and phone the ACS (0141 211 8545) and leave your name, number and brief message.
If you do not have enough please phone 0141 211 8545 before 6pm. If it is after 6pm and you need to take the medication that night please phone Ward 56 (0141 211 4433) and ask if they have a supply of the medication. Please have the name & dose of the drug prescribed.
If I miss a dose of my nasal spray what do I do?
Take a dose of your spray as soon as you remember then continue as instructed. Read leaflet given. Nasal spray instructions are: one spray at 7am, 12pm, 6pm and 11pm daily.
Can I continue to have intercourse?
Yes, however it is advised to avoid intercourse for around 48hours prior to egg collection in order for your partner to provide a good quality sperm sample if required.
Can I fly?
Yes, there is not any evidence that flying affects any aspect of your treatment.
Can I have a dental X-ray?
You should inform your dentist you are having fertility treatment and he will advise you accordingly?
Can I colour my hair?
Yes, there is not any evidence that colouring your hair affects any aspect of your treatment.
After Treatment
Is bed rest recommended following embryo transfer?
No, there is not any evidence to suggest that bed rest following embryo transfer improves pregnancy rates.
Can I fly?
Yes, there is not any evidence that flying affects pregnancy rates following embryo transfer.
Can I have a dental X-ray?
You should inform your dentist you are having fertility treatment and he will advise you accordingly.
Can I colour my hair?
Yes, there is not any evidence that colouring your hair affects pregnancy rates following embryo transfer.
If I bleed before my pregnancy test should I contact the department?
No, continue with the medication you have been prescribed and perform your pregnancy test on the recommended date. If you have a positive test, then contact the department as we may wish to assess you further.
If I experience any symptoms of Ovarian Hyperstimulation syndrome should I seek medical assistance?
Yes, if you have any symptoms of OHSS you should contact the department and we will provide you with advice or arrange for you to attend the department for assessment by one of our doctors.
If I have had a positive pregnancy test do I continue on my medication?
If you had a fresh embryo transfer you do not need to continue on any medication, unless prescribed by a consultant.
If you have had a frozen embryo transfer you should continue on Progynova tablets & vaginal progesterone until the 12th week of pregnancy.
If you were having IUI and were on nasal spray you should stop your nasal spray.
I have had a positive pregnancy test but have had some bleeding/spotting/discharge, what should I do?
If the bleeding is not heavy, please phone 0141 211 8545 and leave your name, phone number and brief message and a nurse will phone you on or before the next working day. However if the bleeding gets heavier or you start to become unwell attend your nearest A&E.
Laboratory FAQs
Semen Analysis
What will a semen analysis test tell me about the quality of my sperm?
A semen analysis is carried out to estimate the number of sperm, their movement (motility) and shape (morphology).
When will I get the results from my semen analysis?
Your results will be given to you by your doctor at your next clinic appointment. Unfortunately we cannot give you these results over the telephone.
Where do I produce my semen sample?
We have dedicated rooms on-site for sample production. We recommend semen samples to be produced on-site, however if you are unable to use our rooms you may produce at home as long as you can get the sample to the ACS within 60 minutes. You must use a sample pot provided by the ACS.
Sperm Freeze
I will be away on the day of my partner’s IUI /egg collection. How can I provide a sperm sample for treatment?
If you are aware that you are unable to attend the unit on the day of treatment, you may be able to make an appointment for back-up sperm storage. You would need to attend an appointment for bloods and consents to be taken and then make a second appointment before the treatment day to ensure we can freeze a sperm sample to use on the day of treatment.
Sperm Preparation
What does “sperm washing” mean?
Before the sperm is used for treatment, the sample is washed to separate the sperm from the ejaculate. The washing procedure can also help to isolate the sperm with more movement.
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
What can I expect from an IUI procedure?
The procedure is very similar to a smear test. A speculum is inserted into the vagina in order to pass a catheter through the cervix. Attached to the catheter is a syringe containing prepared (‘washed’) sperm. When the catheter is in the correct position the operator will depress the syringe and the sperm will be deposited into the uterus. The catheter is very fine and is normally not felt by the patient.
Embryology Laboratory Timeline
Below is a general overview of the laboratory work and what can be expected at each stage of the journey
Oocyte retrieval
Will I find out how many eggs were collected on the day of treatment?
Yes, the doctor performing your egg collection will meet with you after the procedure to discuss the number of eggs that were collected.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)
What is IVF?
IVF involves the collection of eggs directly from the ovaries using a needle. Washed sperm are added to a dish containing the eggs and the sperm are left to swim to the eggs on their own. The ‘best’ sperm that reaches the egg first should hopefully enter the egg and fertilise it.
The sperm and eggs are left in the dish together overnight and the eggs checked for fertilisation the following morning.
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection)
What is ICSI?
ICSI involves the collection of eggs directly from the ovaries using a needle, then the injection of a single sperm into each mature egg to create embryos. ICSI is often recommended to patients if the sperm quality is not high enough to fertilise your eggs using IVF. ICSI can also be recommended to patients with previously low or complete failure of fertilisation in previous treatment.
I have a normal sperm count, why is ICSI still recommended for our treatment?
We currently find a higher success rate with ICSI rather than IVF so we recommend this method of treatment for all of our patients.
The risks of both IVF and ICSI will be explained to you at your first clinic appointment. We are happy to perform IVF if this is your preferred treatment.
If you wish to talk about treatment using IVF you can discuss this with your clinician and our scientific team.
Why aren’t all of my eggs suitable for ICSI?
Only mature eggs have the capacity to fertilise, so before an ICSI procedure your eggs will be assessed for maturity. Only the mature eggs will be used for ICSI.
Fertilisation Check
How many of my eggs should I expect to fertilise?
Our average fertilisation rate with ICSI is around 70%.
Some people may have a higher fertilisation rate and some people may have a lower rate.
When will I find out how many of my eggs have fertilised?
The embryologist will carry out a fertilisation check on your eggs the morning after your egg collection. You will receive a call on the same morning of the fertilisation check and the embryologist will inform you of your fertilisation results. You should expect the call to be before 12 noon from and this may be from an 0800 number.
Embryo Grading
What is a blastocyst?
A blastocyst is an embryo that has reached the stage with two distinct cell types, the inner cell mass and trophectoderm, with a fluid filled space in the middle. Embryos are expected to reach blastocyst stage on day 5 of development.
How will you assess my embryos?
Embryo grading is carried out on day 3 and day 5 after your egg collection. On day 3 the embryologist will count the cell numbers and will take into account any fragmentation and unevenness of the cells. On day 5 blastocysts are graded by how expanded they are and the appearance of two cell types, the inner cell mass and the trophectoderm.
We are currently developing information leaflets to help us describe your embryo development in more detail. These should be available in the ACS waiting room and the consultation rooms in the very near future.
Embryo Transfer
What should I expect during an embryo transfer procedure?
The embryo transfer is very similar to a smear test. A speculum is inserted into the vagina in order to pass a catheter through the cervix. The embryo/s are deposited from the catheter into the uterus. The catheter is very fine and is normally not felt by the patient. An abdominal scan is used for guidance during the embryo transfer procedure.
What is the difference between a day 3 or day 5 transfer?
Transfer days are based upon assessment of your embryo/s in the laboratory, which occur on day 3 and day 5. If there are a group of embryos on day 3 that have a similar appearance and embryo selection for transfer cannot be made, then a day 5 transfer will be arranged with you. If the embryologists can identify an embryo on day 3 that will be suitable for transfer, then they will arrange a day 3 transfer with you.
Can I take a picture of my embryo?
We do not allow any photography in any areas of the ACS, therefore you will be unable to take a picture of your embryo.
Embryo Freezing (vitrification)
I didn’t have any embryos frozen, what does this mean?
For an embryo to survive the freezing and thawing process it must be at the correct stage of development and be a suitable quality. Your embryologist will meet with you before your transfer and they will discuss your embryo quality with you. If any surplus embryo/s meet our criteria we will freeze (vitrify) and store the embryo/s for you. Some embryos may not make it to the correct stage of development or they may not meet the criteria for quality, which is why we are unable to freeze/vitrify them.
When will I find out how many embryos I have frozen?
You will find out if any of your embryos have been frozen (vitrified) the day after your embryo transfer. We ask you to call the scientific team and an embryologist will tell you this information.
How many embryos will I have frozen?
Embryo freezing is dependant on embryo quality. The embryologist will assess your embryos on the morning of your embryo transfer and will assess whether any surplus embryos are suitable for freezing.
Frozen Embryo Transfer (warm/thaw)
How many embryos are likely to survive the freezing and thawing procedures?
Currently, our average our survival rate for blastocysts (day 5 embryos) is around 99% and our thawing survival rate for early (day 1 embryos) is around 90%.
Embryo Biopsy
When will I get my results from the biopsy?
Biopsies that are carried out on Day 3 will have results returned the following morning if FISH has been used, or up to two days later if PCR has been used.
COVID-19
General
Is there a set timeframe for the clinic to return your call when you leave a message?
The clinic staff are often carryout procedures or seeing patients in appointments throughout the day, however, we endeavor to return all phone calls on the same day up until 6pm. Calls after 6pm will be responded to the following day. If you are leaving a message on our answering machine please can you leave your full name, date of birth and contact number.
To help us with this, please can we ask that when patients have called the clinic, they keep their mobile phones with them and answer when called. Call from the hospital will show up on your phone as 0800.
What number should I be calling to enquire about treatment/appointments?
For NHS patients:
For treatment bookings please call 0141 201 3478
For appointment enquiries please call reception on 0141 211 8535
For self funded patients, please contact 0141 201 0509 or 0141 201 0508 for all enquiries
After a failed cycle how long will I wait till I start a new fresh cycle or FET transfer?
For frozen transfers, after a failed cycle we encourage patients to have one normal period and if they feel ready, book another cycle. Whilst we try to accommodate all bookings, there are times that numbers wishing to book exceed our capacity. In such cases we advise patient to call with their next period when every endeavour with be made to accommodate your treatment.
Due to COVID-19 do you recommend that patients should shield before and after transfer?
We do not recommend patients should shield before and after treatment. We advise that patients follow Scottish Government guidance to reduce the risk of infection and transmission.
Do you test for COVID-19 before embryo transfer?
No. We only test for Covid-19 if administration of anaesthetic is required.
Are there restrictions on a partner attending appointments?
Unfortunately due to the COVID pandemic we need to restrict the footfall of patients through the department. By doing this, we are able to provide more treatments than we otherwise would. Partners are invited to attend for early pregnancy scanning.
What is the current wait times from referral to starting first cycle?
Current waiting times are approximately 10 to 11 months.
Are all services now fully up and running?
All services within the ACS have resumed.
What is the best home pregnancy test to use?
We are unable to recommend specific tests but individual product information will be able to advise on sensitivities.
Are the clinic accepting new private patients yet?
We are accepting new private patients but due to covid we are operating at reduced capacity.
How do you arrange a FET appointment if I have been previously been successful and now want to use my frozen embryos?
See question 3.
How is an ‘AMH’ test result used?
An AMH test result is used to decide which treatment protocol to use.
A blood sample will be taken from you to measure the amount of a hormone called AMH. The result of that test will help us decide which drug stimulation protocol is best for you during your treatment.
Please note that your AMH test result will not be used to decide whether you are offered treatment or not.
A high AMH level raises the possibility that you may over-respond to your treatment (i.e. too many eggs will be produced), increasing the risk of ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome.
A low AMH level raises the possibility that you may respond poorly to your treatment, i.e. only a few eggs are produced.
Contact us
Address
Assisted Conception Service
Main Outpatient area Clinic Area B Ground Floor Queen Elizabeth Building
Glasgow Royal Infirmary
Alexandra Parade Glasgow G31 2ER
We are constantly striving to improve the quality of our service to you and value your opinions about how we could do that. In particular, if you have any comments and suggestions about the content of this website and any of ACS’s information booklets, pamphlets or leaflets, please let us know using the postal address quoted above.
Phone
Treatment bookings: 0141 201 3478
Nursing Staff: 0141 211 8545
Laboratory team: 0141 211 8549
Medical Secretary: 0141 201 3436
Reception: 0141 211 8535
Opening Times
Monday – Thursday: 7.45am – 7.00pm
Friday: 7.45am – 3.30pm
Saturday: 8.00am – 3.00pm
Sunday: 8.30am – 3.00pm
For any emergencies out with these hours please contact your GP, NHS 24 (telephone number 111) or the on call gynaecologist via switch board (telephone number 0141 211 4000).
How to find us
The Assisted Conception Service (ACS) is located in the main Outpatient Area, Clinic Area B on the ground floor of the Queen Elizabeth Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Enter the hospital via the Alexandra Parade entrance. If you need further assistance please ask at the ‘reception and admissions’ desk in the entrance foyer.
The Assisted Conception Team
Dr Helen Lyall, Consultant Gynaecologist
Dr Lyall is a Consultant Gynaecologist and lead clinician for the ACS Unit at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. She qualified in 1988 from the University of Dundee and has always worked in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology. She has been directly involved in assisted conception and reproductive medicine for 20 years. During her training Dr Lyall also worked in Edinburgh, moving to Glasgow in 1995. Dr Lyall has published widely and was awarded a MD from the University of Dundee in 1994. She has been a member of a number of national groups looking at the provision of assisted conception treatment, most specifically equity of access, and is a member of the National Infertility Group, convened by the Scottish Government.
Joanne Leitch – Person Responsible & Lead Embryologist
Joanne has gained over 10 years of experience in Clinical Embryology in both public and private health care settings. In her current appointment as the Person Responsible & Lead Clinical Embryologist, she plays a key role in the largest IVF clinic in Scotland. Joanne is a Diplomat of the Royal College of Pathologists and previously an Executive Board member of the Association of Clinical Embryologists.
Professor Scott Nelson, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Scott is the Muirhead Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the University of Glasgow and HFEA licence holder for Glasgow Royal Infirmary ACS unit. Professor Nelson is a prominent international specialist in reproductive medicine, and world renowned for personalised ovarian stimulation.
Dr Susheel Vani
Dr Vani is a specialist in the field of Reproductive Medicine and Assisted Conception. He completed most of his training in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, including Subspecialty Training in Reproductive Medicine & Surgery, in Edinburgh.
As a part of this training he completed research studies on the endometrium and he was awarded an MD from the University of Edinburgh. Dr Vani moved to Glasgow to take up a full time post as a Consultant Gynaecologist in the ACS in 2010.
He is the lead gynaecologist for the Male Infertility service which is run in conjunction with the Urologists. He is also actively involved with undergraduate and postgraduate medical training.
Dr Aparna Sastry
Dr Sastry is a consultant in infertility with special interests in Paediatric and adolescent gynaecology, Surrogacy, Fertility preservation and Reproductive endocrinology (Turner’s syndrome, Premature ovarian failure, Differences in sex development, gender dysphoria, post cancer reproductive care etc).
She has over 15 years experience in this field and has worked in Australia, Wales and England. She runs a dedicated fertility clinic at Victoria infirmary. She is an honorary senior clinical lecturer at Glasgow University and is also involved in ultrasound training at Caledonia university.
Dr Claire Banks
Dr Banks is a Consultant Gynaecologist, and qualified in Medicine in 2002 from the University of Glasgow. She has worked in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology throughout her postgraduate career, with a special interest in assisted conception since 2007. Before studying medicine, Dr Banks completed a law degree, graduating from the University of Glasgow in 1996 with an LLB Honours degree in Medical Law and Ethics.
Dr Samra Khan
Dr Khan qualified as a doctor in 2003 and completed her core obstetrics and gynaecology training in Oxford and Glasgow. To pursue her special interest in subfertility, she joined the assisted conception unit in Glasgow Royal Infirmary in 2011 for advanced training in this field. She attained a certificate of completion of training in 2013 following which she continued to serve as a consultant within the same unit.
Besides offering tertiary level care for management of infertile couples she also leads the oocyte donation service at Glasgow Royal Infirmary and also provides a fertility service for the south side of Glasgow through a dedicated fertility clinic at Victoria hospital. Dr Khan is very enthusiastic about her specialty and committed to provide a high quality care to her patients.
Isabel Traynor, Lead Nurse
Isabel is the Redesign Manager of the Assisted Conception Service. She graduated from Caledonian University in 1992 with BA Honours in Health and Nursing Studies and had an extensive gynaecology career in Western Infirmary, Glasgow. She worked there for 10 years, in a variety of roles ranging from staff nurse, research nurse, ward manager and clinical nurse manager in gynaecology across North Glasgow NHS Trust. Following this experience, she took up post as the Senior Charge Nurse in the Assisted Conception Unit in Glasgow Royal Infirmary in October 2002.
This challenging role includes clinical and service management, with a research and education component. This experience has been transferred to a clinical environment ensuring that evidence based practice is delivered locally. A range of nurse led services have also been developed within the unit. She has completed several post graduated qualifications in Infertility, Ultrasound Scanning and Non Medical Prescribing.
She has had the privilege of both presenting and being chairperson at several national Infertility meetings for nursing and multi-disciplinary groups. She is the previous chairperson of the Senior Infertility Nurses Group.
Joanne McNabb, Senior Charge Nurse ACS
Joanne qualified as a Registered General Nurse in 1981 then as a Certified Midwife in 1982. Her career in midwifery progressed to a Community Midwife then three years later to a Labour Ward Sister.
After a short break she returned to Glasgow Royal Maternity (Rottenrow ) as a Bank Midwife before joining the Assisted Conception Team at Glasgow Royal Infirmary in 1993. As Senior Charge Nurse In the department Joanne leads an excellent team of nurses and HCSWs, helping to plan and deliver the care that provides the best possible experience for patients using the service.
Frances Roebuck, Quality Manager
Frances has 10 years of experience working in Clinical Embryology in a variety of public and private fertility clinics. Frances’ career in embryology began in 2012, with enrolment in the Association of Clinical Embryologists (ACE) certification programme.
She then progressed to attain Clinical Embryologist certification in 2018. She has extensive experience in Quality Control across 3 fertility laboratories and is currently completing an MSc in Healthcare Quality Management Systems.
As Quality Manager, Frances ensures that the clinics quality management system is implemented, maintained and effective whilst co-ordinating awareness of the clinic user’s needs and requirements.
Craig Spinks, Clinical Services Manager
Craig graduated with a Business Management Honours degree and has significant experience working across various NHS sectors which include Golden Jubilee National Hospital and Oral Health Directorate. He commenced current post in July 2014 and has a wider remit across Women and Children’s directorate in addition to Business Manager role within Assisted Conception Service.
Alison Elliot, Counsellor
Alison has been working at the ACS since May 2016. She has worked for NHS as a counsellor for over thirteen years and is an accredited member of British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA), and accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), Counselling Supervisor and a member of Scottish Infertility Counselling Group.
She studied at Glasgow University spending a year at University of South Florida on an exchange programme to graduate with a degree in Sociology 1994. She worked in the field of complex trauma in Florida, USA and Perth, Australia before returning to Glasgow to study a Masters in Public Health.
She was employed by Glasgow City Council Education Services to progress the Scottish Government’s prevention strategy on Gender based violence before returning to education to study to be a counsellor and worked for the Centre of Women’s Health.
Lesley Miller, Counsellor
Lesley has over 26 years experience, having undertaken counselling and psychotherapy training between 1992-1996. Prior to becoming a counsellor Lesley worked within nursing and the field of mental health. Lesley is both BACP and BICA accredited. Over the years she has been employed within a number NHS, Local Authority, residential and community settings.
Before concentrating on her career within the field of fertility counseling she established and managed a therapeutic stress management and crisis service for adults and young people across Glasgow for a period of 21 years up until 2013. In addition to the development of therapeutic skills, Lesley has experience from a depth of understanding and a high level of compassion for her work.
Here at the ACS Lesley endeavors to support individuals and couples with their personal issues arising from infertility and the stress of navigating through the treatment options and process. With her aim being to facilitate a safe, confidential and collaborative relationship, supporting each client to reconnect with their personal strengths, learn new coping skills, build resilience in dealing with the difficulties they are facing, learn effective emotional management techniques and to come to terms with very challenging life events.
Virtual Tour
If you have difficulty viewing the above video please click the link below to view it on YouTube.
There are several ways you can access our service:
GP: You can ask your GP/Doctor to refer you if you and your GP are within Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board.
Hospital doctor/clinic: You may be referred to us through another NHS service e.g. orthopaedics.
Paper copies are also available from your local physiotherapy department or GP surgery.
NHS Staff: If you are a member of staff within NHSGGC and wish to refer to physiotherapy, please go to the Occupational Health webpage on HR Connect
We are unable to accept a self referral if
You are not registered with a GP within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
You are under 14 years old – please ask your GP to refer you to Children’s Services.
You are currently pregnant – please self-refer to Maternity Physiotherapy, if you do not have the contact details in your maternity pack, please contact your midwife.
You are currently attending or are under the care of Rheumatology – please self-refer to Rheumatology Physiotherapy by contacting the self-referral line on 0141 531 370 3.
You have attended Accident and Emergency or Minor Injuries Unit within the past 2 weeks for condition – we need a referral from your hospital clinic.
Your condition is due to a fracture or break within the past 3 months – we need a referral from your hospital clinic to make sure physiotherapy is appropriate.
You have had surgery for this condition within the past 3 months – we need a referral from your hospital clinic to make sure physiotherapy is appropriate.
You require a home visit – please ask your GP to refer you to Community Rehab Services.
As a new donor, you need to complete our screening process before donating. If you have stored milk, please complete the form for the period of the stored milk.
By completing the screening form, you agree that you have read the pre-screening information and:
Understand milk cannot be returned once donated
Consent to a sample of blood being tested for HIV, HTLV, Hepatitis B and C and syphilis
Consent to a positive blood result being shared with your GP
Consent to information about you, your health and donations being stored on a database
Consent to your milk being used for research purposes
We can’t accept milk from you if you:
smoke, or are using nicotine replacement therapy or are vaping
regularly drink more than 1 to 2 units of alcohol once or twice per week
take certain medications including antidepressants, high blood pressure medication and certain pain killers
We also ask that you keep your caffeinated drinks (tea, coffee, soft drinks) to a minimum.
Completing Donor Screening
Please answer the questions accurately as donation depends on the answers and the results of your blood tests. Answering yes doesn’t mean you can’t donate but we may need extra information.
As we can’t use antenatal blood results, we will send you a kit for a new blood sample to get taken at your GP practice. You post this back to us in a prepaid Royal Mail box. We test you for: HIV, Hepatitis B and C, HTLV 1 and 2 and Syphilis. We can give you more information on these tests if required.
If your blood test gives a positive result for any of these infections, we will refer you for advice on any issues which may affect your own health. A positive test means you can’t donate.
How long can I donate for?
It’s best to establish your own milk supply, usually around 6 weeks postnatally, before expressing for donation. You don’t need to express more than once a day and you can donate until your baby is around two.
Donations of already expressed milk are also accepted if the milk has been stored and frozen appropriately, is less than 90 days old and is a reasonable amount (around 3 litres or more).
Data Protection
The Milk Bank keeps a record of your information on a secure computerised database. This database is used to communicate with donors and to record your donation details, including your blood sample test results.
All your information is treated in the strictest confidence. Families whose babies receive donor milk can’t access your information at any point. Your information may also be used for research to improve our knowledge about the milk donor population, for clinical audit and to assess and improve the quality of our service. We may contact you for feedback on the service we provide.
We may use some of the information you give us for other reasons and sometimes the law requires us to pass on information if there is a genuine need (for instance in matters of Public Health). Whenever we can, we will remove details which identify you. All information and data that is processed by the Milk Bank is in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act (1998). Everyone has a legal duty to keep all information confidential, and everyone who receives information from us is also legally obliged to keep it confidential. You have a right of access to your donor records. If you want to access your records, contact our Donor Coordinator.
Donor Screening Form
Once you have read all the information, please complete the screening form:
Your milk should be expressed by hand or breast pump. ‘Drip milk’ that leaks while you are feeding your baby from the other breast is not ideal as it tends to have less fat, protein and calories.
Your equipment for expressing does not need to be sterilised but good personnel hygiene, hand washing and clean preparation areas are important. Your expressing equipment should be washed in hot soapy water and clear of all milk debris, then rinsed in cool water, dried and stored in a container lined with paper towel and covered with a lid between uses. Please use paper towel for drying your hands and equipment.
We will provide sterilised collection bottles and labels for your milk. When collecting your milk, be careful not to touch the inside of the bottle or lid. Leave a 2cm gap at the top of the bottle as the milk will expand when frozen.
Where possible you should freeze your milk after expressing. If this is not possible, you can keep it in the fridge and frozen within 24 hours. It doesn’t matter if there is only a small amount of milk in a bottle at the end of each day. These can be topped up with chilled freshly pumped milk.
All your stored milk should remain frozen. We ask you to record the temperature of your freezer every day (preferably in the morning) and provide a thermometer for this. Store your milk in your freezer separately from food in the plastic bag we provide.
You should contact the milk bank staff to discuss donation if you:
develop a temperature or have been exposed to a virus that causes a rash such as chicken pox or German measles (rubella)
start taking medication
develop breast lesions or infections such as mastitis
travel outside the UK
Requesting Milk Collection
Remember milk must be processed within 90 days. You can request a collection and extra bottles and labels using the Milk Collection Form
Are incontinence pads provided for bodily fluids other than urine and faeces?
No. Incontinence pads are made differently to sanitary wear. Therefore they are not supplied for bodily fluids other than urine and faeces.
I’m in a wheelchair, will the clinic be accessible?
Most Health and Care Centres are accessible, but not all. Please contact us if you would like to discuss your individual access needs.
Why didn’t I receive an appointment nearer to home?
Please note that we don’t run clinics out of every Health and Care Centre across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. We make every effort to give you an appointment near to home, but sometimes we might offer an earlier appointment at a venue a bit further away so you get seen sooner – please contact us if you have difficulty attending a particular venue and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Is it just my age?
Whilst age can be a factor in bladder and bowel control, there will be other reasons for your symptoms and age is not a barrier to successful treatment.
Why do you scan my bladder and what does the scan show?
We scan your bladder as part of our assessment to make sure it is emptying properly and make sure you get the right treatment.
Can my bladder or bowel symptoms be cured?
There is every likelihood that your symptoms can be improved and the possibility that they can be cured. That is why we ask you lots of questions about your bladder and bowel symptoms and examine you physically, check your urine and scan your bladder.
How do I access a urine sample container if I have nothing I can use at home?
You can get a urine sample container from your local pharmacy or GP surgery.
If I need a reassessment of my continence needs, how do I go about this?
You should contact your GP, who will make a re-referral.
What is a Behavioural Intervention Group (BIG)? Will I be expected to talk at it, or share any personal information? Will there be any men there?
The Behavioural Intervention Group consists of a small group of women. At this group one of our nurses will give you information about bladder symptoms and treatment options. You will not be expected to speak or to share personal information.
Why did you check my urine? What might show up and what does this mean?
We routinely test your urine to rule out any abnormalities, e.g. urinary tract infection. If we find anything abnormal we pass this to your GP for action.
Can I get pads?
Only after a thorough continence assessment, it may be necessary to prescribe pads for you. This is often only as a temporary measure whilst you are undergoing treatment.
