It is difficult to give exact waiting time, but we know from your feedback that a ‘rough guide’ would be helpful.
The exact time you will wait may vary from this guide and will be affected by holidays, staff sickness, maternity leave, vacancies, the Covid backlog and the ongoing demand for our Physiotherapy service.
We do our very best to keep this wait as short as possible, while still delivering the highest quality service.
This month, the average waiting time for a routine MSK Physiotherapy appointment is approximately 13 weeks.
This guide is updated monthly and we respectfully ask you not to attend in person at local departments to inquire about it.
Once you reach the top of the waiting list, we will send a letter asking you to contact our booking centre to arrange an appointment should you still require Physiotherapy.
The form below is for parents, carers and young people only. Please complete the form below and we will phone you back. Professionals and youth organisations should phone our team on 0141 451 2727.
The Information Management team is part of the Public Health Directorate.
The Information Management service enables public health and health improvement staff across NHSGGC to have access to high quality health information.
Resources
Books
A range of books on health improvement topics, public health issues and health management. There is also a variety of books covering general health and lifestyle issues, all of which are available to borrow.
Our Public Health Resources Directory (PHRD) provides access to comprehensive information about the full range of public health and health improvement resources available to clients across Greater Glasgow and Clyde. The new system also provides an easy to use online ordering facility.
Preview and/or download (where available) pdf copies of resources
Feedback and comment on resources
Keep up to date with resource alerts
You will also find details of how to register and order resources along with guidelines on maximum quantities available to order for each resource on the site.
You should know that:
These resources are free of charge to people living or working in the NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde area. To ensure they are used to their best advantage, these materials should be used in conjunction with group teaching or individual health counselling.
Sample copies of resources are available to preview at West House.
Stòr is NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde’s digital repository for Public Health. It is a web based collection of published research and grey literature produced by and for public health in the NHS across Glasgow and Argyll & Clyde since the 1970s. All digital items can be accessed free of charge and in full text.
The Information Management team facilitates access to a wide selection of journals covering a range of public health, health improvement and management topics.
Print journal subscriptions are negotiated at a national level by NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and most titles are available to search and browse on the Knowledge Network.
This arrangement follows an extensive needs assessment and tendering process to ensure cost savings to NHS boards, increased access to journals and improved currency of journal collections to all health and social care staff in Scotland.
A back run of print journals, held in storage, is available for users to browse on request. Details of our print journals ( which cover health management, public health and health improvement) and their availability are available to download.
Inter-Library Loans
An Inter-Library-Loans and Document Delivery Service is available for NHSGGC Board staff. Before requesting a copy of an article, staff should check the Knowledge Network to see if the desired article is available online. For articles which cannot be accessed via the Knowledge Network, staff should complete the Document Delivery form and return it to a member of IM staff. To arrange a book loan please complete the Inter-Library-Loan form and return it to IM. For further information on this or any other service please contact us at: perl@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
The Knowledge Network replaced the NHS Scotland e-library as of the 1st March 2011 and provides access to more than 6000 full text journals. The Information Management team offers training in how to use the Knowledge Network either in group settings or individual drop-in sessions. Contact us to discuss training to any other aspect of the Knowledge Network.
e-Tables of Contents
The Information Management team can arrange for NHSGGC Board staff to receive the contents pages of journals via email. Theses journals may be in physical or electronic format; this service can be organised for any title for which the publisher makes this service available. Please contact us for further details: perl@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Services
Literature Search
The service
Literature searching is a process to locate reliable, appropriate and current evidence on a specific topic. Qualified information professionals conduct literature searches for NHSGGC staff on public health topics.
The search
A literature search consists of a search of several biomedical databases (such as Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library) and may also include subject gateways, the Internet and/or the holding of other libraries. The PHRU IM team offer five search types:
Rapid review (24hr turnaround, for outbreak support, media/FOI enquiry etc) – contact the IM team directly
Ad hoc / enquiry answering (1 week turnaround, brief update on specific topic/subject)
Standard (2 weeks turnaround, database(s) search to meet general/generic information needs)
Standard combined (3 weeks turnaround, database(s) and grey literature search to meet general/generic information needs)
Advanced (4-5 weeks turnaround, to inform top level projects)
Search results are emailed and contain: the databases searched, the terms used, the limits applied, and a list of references (with abstracts if available). Sourcing full text documents is a separate process and IM staff can assist in this process.
Training
The IM team also offer training on how to literature search and use the Knowledge Network. Contact the IM team if you would like to discuss training.
Clear to All – Guide to creating effective and accessible information
The aim of the Employment and Health Team is to improve the health, safety and wellbeing of our working age population. The Team continues to provide a range of services and resources to support health and wellbeing in the workplace.
Good Work
“A healthier workforce really does make a difference when it comes to staff retention, attendance and productivity.”
Looking after your staff can result in improvements in their health and morale and also a reduction in accidents and sickness absence. We provide free, confidential support and advice to help employers create a safer, healthier and more motivated workforce. All our services are free, and can benefit both your organisation and your employees.
Workplace Training Programme
The Employment and Health Team offers an extensive programme of free training to all businesses in Greater Glasgow and Clyde. This is currently delivered remotely and is advertised via our monthly newsletter.
Some training sessions are aimed at improving the wellbeing of all staff, and other more specialised sessions are aimed at managers and those with a human resources role.
Youth Health Service accredited with LGBT Charter Gold April 2024
We are delighted to announce that we have been accredited with the LGBT Charter at Gold level. The LGBT Charter is awarded by LGBT Youth Scotland and supports organisations to review their policies and practices to ensure they are inclusive to LGBTQ+ people. The programme also offers opportunities for staff training, the development of resources and raising awareness of LGBTQ+ issues.
The Youth Health Service Charter Champion group has collected evidence over the past 18 months that reflects the team’s work to make the service a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ young people and their families.
During this process, Youth Health Service staff attended LGBTQ+ awareness training to improve their knowledge and confidence in supporting LGBTQ+ young people. The team hosted several events including Purple Friday at Youth Health Service venues, where staff shared information to increase awareness of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ young people and Purple Friday posters were signed to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. The team also took part in a process mapping exercise where they evaluated a young person’s experience when they come to the service for their first appointment. The exercise also considered how staff interact with young people who attend the Youth Health Service and identified ways in which LGBTQ+ young people might be positively or negatively impacted. The Youth Health Service is proud to support LGBTQ+ young people and their families and will continue to look for ways to provide an inclusive service to this community.
Read our Annual Report 2022-2023
The Youth Health Service had another busy year, with 1224 young people attending the service. Referrals continue to increase with 1895 received this year. The majority of these came from GP Practices, and we are very grateful to the practice staff who continue to support the service. This year saw a large increase in the number of Multiple Risk sessions attended by young people, with 1034 utilised compared with 578 in 2021-2022. As with previous years, the most common issues young people presented with were related to Mental Health including anxiety, stress and low mood.
The pilot project to develop a referral pathway from Glasgow A&E departments to the Youth Health Service came to an end in March 2023. Despite the challenges associated with establishing a new project during the Covid-19 pandemic, 200 young people were referred to the service for support with drug or alcohol use. In 2022 our Youth Employability Coach supported 17 young people with CVs, interview skills and applications, Glasgow Life Youth Workers supported young people at all 9 of our venues and we were delighted to welcome a Modern Apprentice to the Business Support Team.
The Youth Health Service continues to establish itself, with uptake increasing in the North East and South of the City. Click here to read our Annual Report covering April 2022 to March 2023.
Read our Annual Report 2021-2022
Coronavirus continued to affect our return to normal service in the year April 2021 to March 2022, with new variants of the virus resulting in staff sickness and self-isolation and appointments being cancelled at the last minute.
Referrals to the service reached a record high, with 1837 young people referred for an appointment over the year. The majority of these came from GP practices, family members or young people themselves (58%). 78% of young people who attended an appointment came for the first time in 2021-2022. As with previous years, the most common presenting issues were related to Mental Health including anxiety, stress and low mood.
A pilot project with Glasgow A&E departments was launched in April 2021, forming a referral pathway between A&E staff and the Youth Health Service for young people who present intoxicated with drugs or alcohol but don’t meet the criteria for a Social Work intervention. Other service developments included a refreshed Multiple Risk programme provided by commissioned partners includem, the addition of a Youth Employability Coach to the team through Young Person’s Guarantee funding and the development of further Mental Health support options for Glasgow young people through extra Counselling sessions and iHeart group programmes.
The Youth Health Service team have been working towards achieving the LGBT Youth Scotland Gold Charter Award since June and we are making great progress. We are currently looking at creating a guide to supporting LGBTQ+ young people for our team and agreeing how we can help young people that want to change their name or pronoun when they come to the service. The LGBT Awareness training has helped us all consider LGBTQ+ young people’s experiences when they come to the Youth Health Service and what we could do better.
Our consultation is now live so our Nurses, GPs, Counsellors and Multiple Risk Workers will be chatting to LGBTQ+ young people over the next few weeks to find out what they need from our service and how we might overcome any barriers this community experience when trying to get the support they need.
Follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts for updates on how we’re getting on!
Read our Annual Report 2020-2021
We are delighted to be able to share our first Annual Report as Glasgow City Youth Health Service, covering the year from April 2020 to March 2021. The team are really proud of what we have managed to achieve during this time and the challenges that we have overcome. Similar to many NHS services, the Youth Health Service was affected by Coronavirus restrictions and appointments were provided remotely from March-December 2020 with consultations taking place by telephone or video call.
Demand for the Youth Health Service increased rapidly during this time, with mental health being the most common reason for seeking support. This theme continued throughout the year and reflected a national increase in youth mental health concerns, with research carried out by YoungMinds in Summer 2020 finding that 81% of young people aged 13-25 years felt that the pandemic and resulting restrictions had made their mental health worse and 87% saying they felt lonely or isolated during lockdown.
In January 2021 we were able to get back into our venues and hold some appointments in-person, with others still taking place virtually or over the phone. New services in Pollok and Easterhouse helped to provide more appointment opportunities for young people in the South and North East of the City. A new citywide brand for the Youth Health Service was co-produced with local young people engaged with Scottish charity Impact Arts and launched in April 2021.
Glasgow City Youth Health Service Launch September 2021
We are pleased to confirm that the expansion of Glasgow City Youth Health Service is complete. Services at Springburn and Elderpark opened in August, bringing the total to 9 venues across Glasgow City.
Julie Gordon, Youth Health Service Manager said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to be able to announce the launch of Glasgow City Youth Health Service, with 9 venues now open. We have come a long way since we opened the first service in Maryhill, but our core values remain very much the same: listening without judgement, building trust and treating everyone fairly and with respect.”
We are aware of the ways in which the pandemic has impacted young people and widened inequalities and so the need for our service has never been greater. There has been a particular focus on youth mental health over the past 18 months and as a priority, we are currently exploring additional ways of offering support. Our Multiple Risk programme is becoming established and complements the broader, holistic support provided by the Youth Health Service team. Our commissioned partners Lifelink and includem are a key part of this.
We asked one of our young service users about their experience:
“The GP was so friendly, someone to talk to every week and I could talk to her without feeling embarrassed or judged at any point. It’s amazing that more services are opening as more young people will get the help they need”
In addition to the expansion programme, we have embraced a number of opportunities to improve the support available to young people. This has included a referral pathway from A&E to support intoxicated young people and the addition of a Youth Employability Coach, funded by the Young Person’s Guarantee.
Funding for the Youth Health Service is provided by Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP).
Simon Carr, Chair of the Integrated Joint Board had these reflections:
“The Youth Health Service model is closely aligned with the HSCP’s strategic priorities, with a particular focus on early intervention and prevention. These nine services will provide person-centred support for young people in Glasgow City. We are really pleased that the service has managed to complete the expansion programme over the past 18 months, despite the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic and I join with the team in celebrating this achievement.”
New Multiple Risk provider for Glasgow City Youth Health Service July 2021
We are excited to announce a development to Glasgow City Youth Health Service. From July 1st includem will be delivering Multiple Risk support in each of our venues. Multiple Risk Workers will address risky behaviours, supporting young people to make changes, build resilience and find a positive path.
This could help young people who are involved in risky behaviours, gaming, gambling, antisocial behaviour or alcohol and drug use includem Chief Executive Martin Dorchester said: “The launch of the Multiple Risk service marks a new partnership for includem and we are delighted to be part of the Glasgow City Youth Health Service working with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and the other partners to help support and transform the lives of Glasgow’s young people who need it the most.”
Appointments are available for young people aged 12 to 19 years who live in Glasgow or are registered with a Glasgow GP by phoning our team on 0141 451 2727.
New services for Easterhouse and Pollok April 2021
Glasgow City Youth Health Service are delighted to announce the opening of two new venues in Easterhouse and Pollok. This completes phase II of the expansion programme approved by Glasgow City Joint Integration Board in 2019. Appointments can now be made on Monday evenings at Easterhouse Health Centre and Pollok Health Centre with the Youth Health Service team by phoning 0141 451 2727.
The Youth Health Service is available to young people aged 12-19 years who have a Glasgow City post code or are registered with a Glasgow GP. Referrals can be made by young people themselves, teachers, school nurses, parents, GPs or any other organisation working with young people. The only requirement is that the referral is discussed with the young person first.
At Specialist Weight Management Service (SWMS) we understand that losing weight is not just about diet and exercise. To lose weight, and sustain weight loss successfully, we have to change our behaviour and mindset.
Not all patients are required to be seen by the Weight Management Psychologists on a one to one basis. However, all patients can access our Psychology Educational Talks (offering self help advice,) on a series of weight related topics.
Psychological Approaches to Weight Management
SWMS uses Cognitive Behavioural principles. Adding a behavioural approach to dietary interventions leads to more weight loss than dieting alone.
Behavioural or Psychological approaches may include; understanding and coping with feelings, changing unhelpful thinking patterns, as well as addressing habits and behaviour cycles that can contribute to lapses in our efforts to lose weight. Some psychological approaches to weight management involve:
Self-monitoring
This involves keeping a record of information such as; your food intake and activity levels, but also; your emotions, thoughts and how these relate to situations in your daily life.
Understanding Triggers
It is often useful to understand and overcome the triggers to unhelpful behaviours and habits such as over eating.
Thinking Patterns
Our thoughts often affect our behaviour and how we feel which can influence our weight and lifestyle habits.
Goal Setting
Goal setting is a powerful tool for motivating yourself to turn your vision of an ideal future into reality. This is helped by setting short, medium and long-term goals.
Problem Solving
Is the act of defining a problem: understanding the cause of the problem: Identifying, prioritising, and selecting alternatives for a solution, and then implementing a solution.
Learning To Be Assertive
Being assertive means being able to stand up for your own or other people’s rights, in a calm and positive way, without being either aggressive or passive.
Relapse Prevention
Relapse prevention skills help us to anticipate triggers for lapses. Lapses are a normal part of a weight management journey. Preventing lapses where possible, and responding to them in a healthy way, helps us get back on track.
Are You Ready To Change
Most people who want to lose weight are motivated for many different reasons. However, there will be costs as well as benefits to making changes.
Successful change requires long-term commitment to lifestyle changes and ‘motivation’ has to hold up over time. If you have already tried to lose weight you will know how difficult changing your lifestyle can be.
Stage of Change
SWMS Psychologists use the ‘Stages of Change’ model to help with the process of behaviour change.
Take some time to carefully consider the costs and benefits of weight change now. It is better to begin the program when you ready to commit to the changes that are needed to make this a success.
Remembering your own personal reasons for weight loss will help to increase motivation and keep it strong over time.
What is Disordered Eating?
Disordered eating can prevent successful weight loss and can be a combination of the following factors including:
eating large amounts of food
fast paced eating
eating when you are not feeling hungry
eating until uncomfortably full
eating late at night
eating unusual food e.g. raw or frozen food
secret eating
hiding or hoarding food
This can also be associated with feeling out of control, feelings of guilt, shame and self disgust.
Types of Disordered Eating
There are many different types of disordered eating patterns:
Binge Eating
Eating a large amount of food Eating quickly Do not feel in control Feeling upset or guilty afterwards
Emotional Eating
Using food to help us cope with emotions Can trigger binge eating
Grazing
Eating throughout the day
Compulsive Eating
Eating when not hungry Eating all of the time
Impulsive Eating
Eating without thinking about it
The SWMS psychologists provide additional support for patients who meet disordered eating criteria for our service.
Those who feel they have disordered eating patterns should visit the MIND and BEAT websites for further information.
Psychological Educational Talks
Patients who have psychological issues related to their eating and weight such as; anxiety, depression, disordered eating, body image issues or low self-esteem, may be offered a Psychology Assessment. After a Psychology Assessment we may recommend:
attending the Psychology Educational Talks
self-help material
1:1 therapy within SWMS
attendance at a Disordered Eating Group (DEG)
support from another service
or no support may be required and patients can access the standard programme
Psychology Education Talks – “Healthy Mind Health Weight”
The “Healthy Mind Healthy Weight” talks help you learn skills that can help you to cope with common psychological problems that can affect your weight.
For clients attending the SWMS lifestyle programme, we offer Healthy Mind Healthy Weight “Virtual Talks” covering 4 topics, over 7 sessions.
During the talk, you will not be asked to speak. Where talks have two parts, attendance at both parts is highly recommended.
You do not need to attend all topics, only the sessions you feel are relevant.
Psychology Education YouTube Videos:
The Psychology Education “Healthy Mind Healthy Weight YouTube Video Links” have been created as an alternative to our “Virtual Talks” for those who are unable to attend, or wish a refresher on certain topics.
You can download copies of the slides and relevant handouts. Or, you can request printed paper copies from your group clinician.
Psychological Education You Tube Video topic links:
Disordered Eating, Self Esteem and Body Image Resources
BEAT
The BEAT website offers advice on overcoming Eating Disorders as well as offering a helpline to those wishing support and advice about their eating disorder: Tel: 0808 801 0677
Centre for Clinical Interventions Self Help Resources
The Wellbeing website, an NHSGGC service, has a information and support, including a virtual course, available to those registered to a GP based in south Glasgow.
National Mental Health Resources
Breathing Space
Breathing Space offers a confidential service to patients in Scotland on Tel: 0800 838 587 (calls from landlines are free of charge; charges may apply to mobile users). If you are depressed or experiencing low mood, you can speak to a Breathing Space advisor weekdays: Monday – Thursday, 6pm-2am, and weekends: Friday 6pm to Monday 6am.
Breathing Space – Living Life
Breathing Space – Living Life offers a confidential telephone service for people with low mood or anxiety, using cognitive behavioural interventions. Tel: 0800328 9655.
Samaritans
Samaritans is a crisis line for patients who feel in despair and in need of emotional support. The telephone lines are open 24 hours per day on Tel: 116 123. Calls are free anytime from any phone.
Clear Your Head advice and resources from the Scottish Government for coping emotionally during the COVID-19 pandemic.
SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health)
Scottish Association for Mental Health work with adults and young people providing mental health social care support, services in primary care, schools and further education, among others.
Give Us A Shout
Shout 85258 is the UK’s first free, confidential 24/7 text support service. It is a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and need mental health support.
Sandyford provide sexual, reproductive and emotional wellbeing services for people living in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde catchment area. Tel: 0141 211 8130.
Wellbeing Glasgow
Wellbeing Glasgow provides freely available downloadable leaflets, they have more services for people living in the South side of Glasgow catchment area.
EDAMH (East Dunbartonshire Association for Mental Health)
GAMH offers Glasgow based support for people experiencing mental health difficulties.
RAMH (Recovery Across Mental Health)
RAHM provides personal care and services to those living in Renfrewshire affected by mental ill health – depression, self-harm, bipolar disorder, anxiety and other conditions.
Crossreach
Crossreach offers confidential counselling in the Glasgow city centre. Tel: 0141 221 1535.
MWRC (Muslim Women’s Resource Centre)
Muslim Women’s Resource Centre (MWRC) offers a responsive approach to addressing key issues and needs for Muslim women. Helpline Tel: 0808 801 0301.
Lifelink
Lifelink offers support to people who are struggling to cope with everyday stress or who are feeling anxious or depressed. Issues such as debt, bereavement, addiction, self-harm/suicide and problems with relationships or family can all interfere with a persons quality and experience of life.
Heads Up (NHSGGC Mental Health)
NHSGGC’s mental health pages provide advice and information on mental health conditions, about how you can support yourself or the people you care for, the service available for you and the range of interventions you may participate in.
Support for Carers – Your Support Your Way Glasgow
Your Support Your Way Glasgow – Call or email the Carers Information Line for information and advice about support for unpaid carers and to make a referral for support (carers can self-refer or someone else can refer on their behalf). The Carers Information Line is available Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm.
Carers Information Line (CIL) – Phone 0141 353 6504 or email: info@glasgowcarersinformation.org.uk
Geneen Roth (2004). Breaking Free From Emotional Eating.
Jan Chozen Bays (2017). Mindful Eating.
Lynne Henderson (2010). The Compassionate-Mind Guide to Building Social Confidence.
Dennis Tirch (2012). The Compassionate-Mind Guide to Overcoming Anxiety.
Paul Gilbert (2009). Overcoming Depression.
Deborah Lee (2012). The Compassionate-Mind Approach to Recovering from Trauma; Using Compassion Focussed Therapy.
Thomas F Cash (1998). The Body Image Workbook.
Psychological and Wellbeing Apps
Psychology and Wellbeing apps can be downloaded onto your smart phone. Some apps are free and very easy to use. Some examples are listed below:
Mindshift
Is a free self-help anxiety relief app that helps you reduce worry, stress, and panic followed by evidence-based strategies.
SAM Self-help Anxiety Management
Is a friendly app that offers a range of self-help methods for people who are serious about learning to manage their anxiety.
Happify
Happify’s science based activities and games can help you overcome negative thoughts, stress, and life’s challenges. Developed by leading scientists and experts, who’ve been studying evidence-based interventions in the fields of positive psychology, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioural therapy for decades.
Headspace
Is a guide to mindfulness for your everyday life. Learn meditation and mindfulness skills from world class experts. From managing stress and anxiety, to sleep, focus, and mind-body health.
Calm
Calm is the perfect mindfulness app for beginners, but also includes hundreds of programs for intermediate and advanced users. Including guided meditation sessions and sleep stories.
Smiling Mind
Is a free mindfulness meditation app to assist people in dealing with the pressure, stress, and challenges of daily life.
Buddhify
Buddhify is here to help you bring more calm, clarity and kindness to all parts of your life. Whether you are looking to reduce stress and anxiety or get a better night’s sleep, Buddhifyhas easy to follow guided meditations to help you live happier and healthier.
Stop Breath Think
Relax, sleep better, get happier and be healthier with guided meditations, soothing music, nature sounds, master classes and much more.
Sleepio
The sleep improvement app. Includes; a sleep improvement program, your own personal sleep expert, personalized help, day and night, incorporating a healthkit and device integration.
Worry Time
To help manage the symptoms of anxiety, worry and rumination. Worry Time interrupts repetitive thinking by setting aside worries until later, so you don’t get caught up in them and can get on with your day. This means you can deal with worries once a day, rather than carrying them around with you 24/7.
Insight Timer
Guided meditations and talks led by the world’s top meditation and mindfulness experts, neuroscientists, psychologists, and teachers from Stanford, Harvard, the University of Oxford and more. To help calm the mind, reduce anxiety, manage stress, sleep deeply and improve happiness.
NHS Mindfulness App
Mindfulness Based Approaches within NHSGGC, legally known as Greater Glasgow Health Board. This App includes access to national guidelines.
paindata – a local pain management resource containing a host of patient information and resources, made by clinicians working in the NHSGGC Pain Service. Resources include information about medication and non-English translations of some of our resources.
Persistent (or chronic) pain is very different from ‘normal’ (or acute) pain, and strategies that work well for managing acute pain are often unhelpful – or worse – when it comes to persistent pain. Here is a good overview of how persistent pain differs from normal pain, from the neurosymptoms.org website.
Why doesn’t my medication work anymore? Painkillers don’t usually help very much for chronic pain conditions. See this NHS-approved resource, ‘Painkillers Don’t Exist’ for more information.
Focus on Opioids (Morphine and related drugs) – September 2024
Opioids are painkillers in the Morphine family of drugs. There are many different types, ranging from weak opioids like Codeine, to strong ones like Oxycodone (or Morphine itself), but they all work roughly the same way in the body. Opioids have been in the news recently as we learn more about how unsuitable they are for long-term use. Although they work very well for a few weeks (making them great for pain after surgery or an acute injury), after this time the body gets used to them and they become less effective (tolerance). They also start to cause more and more side effects, as well as problems like physical and psychological dependence.
This short piece of writing is by a patient who attended the pain clinic. He wanted to share his experience of becoming dependent on opioids, and how he eventually overcame this.
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde have produced a series of leaflets explaining how to use the common Morphine drugs safely, including how to reduce and stop them if they no longer work:
The problem with strong Morphine drugs(opioids) – a collection of resources for patients, carers and professionals at the Opioids Aware website
Pain Service Information
We have produced a range of booklets locally, introducing some of the concepts and treatment strategies that we use in the pain service. These will open as pdf files in a separate window, unless otherwise indicated (see here for non-English translations of our introductory guide to self-management).
Flippin’ Pain – an online resource co-created by people with persistent pain, healthcare professionals, pain scientists and communications experts. It aims to help you make sense of the science behind your pain, and put this knowledge into action.
Live Well With Pain – a collection of helpful videos and other resources designed to help you learn the skills you need to become an effective self-manager of your pain.
Pain Concern is a Scottish charity providing advice and support to people with chronic pain.
Pain Toolkit – a great self-management resource, developed by someone who has lived with chronic pain.
Welcome to the website for the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Pain Service. These pages contain information about the Pain Service, as well as online resources to support people living with chronic pain.
Chronic pain is different from ‘normal’, or ‘acute’ pain! Strategies that work well for acute pain are often less successful – or can even make things worse – in chronic pain conditions.
Please use the link below to find out more about chronic pain, and how the Pain Service can help you.
Your GP or secondary care specialist can refer you to the NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Pain Service. Most new referrals are offered an introductory information session and brief telephone chat before the first clinic appointment. This is to give you a chance to see what we do in the pain clinic, and let us know how you hope we can help you.
About the team
We are a multidisciplinary team of Doctors, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists and Psychologists. You may see one or more of us at different stages of your journey through the pain service.
3rd Floor Admin Suite 133 Balornock Road Glasgow G21 3UW
Contact Telephone Numbers
0141 355 1491
0141 335 1492
0141 335 1493
0141 335 1494
Victoria Ambulatory Care Hospital
Location
Langside Road Glasgow G42 9TY
Contact Telephone Numbers
0141 347 8005
0141 347 8006
Victoria Ambulatory Care Hospital
Location
Langside Road Glasgow G42 9TY
Contact Telephone Numbers
0141 347 8005
0141 347 8006
Inverclyde Royal Hospital
Location
Larkfield Road Greenock PA16 0XN
Contact Telephone Number
01475 633777
Guidance for Referral and Signposting
Here you will find everything you need to signpost and refer your patients to our physical activity programmes. If after browsing you still have questions then please call 0141 232 1860 and select the Health Professional option and someone will be able to help you. Please also call this number if you would like to receive a health professional pack with all the information and forms you need to refer your patients. All resources are also available below to download and print off for you to use.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have made it easy to assist patients in your area to become more active, through the introduction of three bespoke physical activity programmes; Live Active, Vitality and Health Walks. These programmes, designed by health care and fitness specialists, are quality assured and tailored to the needs of patients with various abilities and health conditions.
In addition our six Local Authority partners have a range of general physical activity opportunities available such as gym facilities, swimming and a range of exercise classes. There’s something everyone can take part in regardless of their current activity level, age or medical condition.
Choosing the right programme for your patient
We have provided you with summary details on each programme and created a simple flowchart and referral guidance which you can use as a quick guide to help you make your selection.
Take a look at the flow chart (pdf) to find out which programme is right for your patient.
Live Active – for people who need some support to become active
Vitality – exercise classes for people with medical conditions
Health Walks – guided group local walks suitable for everyone
General Physical Activity Opportunities – a range of local physical activity opportunities put on by the local authority
Live Active – for people who need support to become active
If your patient isn’t sure where to start and wants or needs some support to become more active then Live Active is the right choice.
View Live Active videos below:
Through the help and support of our specialist Live Active Advisors, patients will receive bespoke advice and encouragement to set physical activity goals.
Over the course of a 12 month period and through the support of our one to-one consultations, either in person or on the telephone, our Live Active Advisors will provide patients with the knowledge, tools and confidence they need to meet their goals.
A physical activity plan is tailored for each individual and Live Active Advisors help patients choose from a range of activities available to them in their local area such as Vitality classes, supervised gym sessions, swimming, health walks to name but a few. Rest assured that the Advisors have a wealth of knowledge of all the opportunities available to patients locally to become more active.
Live Active Advisors are also on hand every step of the way offering techniques to cope with setbacks if they arise and advice on how to gain the right social support to keep them on track. The Advisor will agree a personalised support plan for the patient in terms of what support they need and how often e.g. telephone calls, catch ups etc. This unique service is ideal for patients who are keen to make better lifestyle choices but need help to do so.
Patients will also be offered access to wider NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde support services including Quit Your Way.
Where
Live Active operates across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde within various Leisure Centres and Community Centres. When making a referral for your patient (see below on how to make a referral) you will be asked to select the site/venue they want to attend.
What next?
If your patient is eligible (please see referral guidance) and would benefit from attending Live Active, please complete the appropriate referral form.
Referrals can be made via SCI Gateway (please complete all appropriate fields and ensure you specify which site/venue your patient would like to attend) or by completing one of the following referral forms:
Please complete the appropriate Live Active Referral Form, ensuring you provide all of your contact details as well as those of the patient
The Live Active Advisor will contact the patient upon receipt of the referral form. If the patient has not heard anything within 2 weeks then please give your patient the Live Active telephone number – 0141 232 1860 and select the Live Active option.
Cost
The Live Active one-to-one behavioural support between the Advisor and Patient is completely free. Patients will only pay for the additional activities they wish to take part in.
If you are still unsure if Live Active is the most suitable programme for your patient, please check our flowchart and referral guidance or give us a call on 0141 232 1860 and select Health Professional option or email LiveActive@ggc.scot.nhs.uk for more information.
Live Active operates across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde within various Leisure Centres and Community Centres across our six Local Authority Partners:
Vitality – exercise classes for people with medical conditions
Vitality exercise classes have been specifically designed for people living with medical conditions such as; Parkinson’s disease, MS, Stroke, Cardiac Conditions, Osteoporosis, Cognitive impairments and COPD. It is also ideal for those who have a fear of falling or find their strength and balance is starting to impact on their daily lives.
Vitality is delivered by highly trained staff meeting the required national fitness qualifications as well as having undertaken bespoke NHS GG&C Vitality training, delivered by a range of condition specific physiotherapists. There are various classes available within the Vitality programme each designed to build and maintain strength, improve co-ordination and flexibility meaning that your patients can participate in a safe, comfortable, and above all else fun environment. Classes last for approximately 60 minutes in total with a warm up, main section and cool down/stretch included.
Where
Vitality classes operate across Greater Glasgow and Clyde in a range of community centres and leisure centres. If you would like to find out specific class details please call 0141 232 1860 and select Vitality option, or see link below to current timetable:
If any of the questions below are answered YES for your patient, they are NOT suitable for community based exercise at this time.
Do you lose your balance because of dizziness or do your frequently lose consciousness?
Do you feel pain in your chest at rest or when you do physical activity?
Do you get short of breath at rest or doing light activity?
Has your doctor advised you not to participate in exercise?
If your patient has had a stroke within the last 6 months or has a heart condition they should be referred to the Live Active Exercise Referral Scheme to gain access to Vitality Classes – this requires a referral. Referrals can be made via SCI Gateway or by completing the following referral form (please note that Referral Form B is for patients with a heart condition).
If your patient would find it difficult to be active independently, and would require behaviour change support to become more physically active, they should be referred to the Live Active Exercise Referral Scheme – once referred they may be signposted to Vitality classes.
For all other patients ie those who do not require behavioural change support, those who do not have a history of heart disease and those who haven’t had a stroke within the last 6 months:
Complete the following Electronic Vitality Contact Sheet and click submit. Or simply ask your patient to call 0141 232 1860 and select Vitality option.
All new participants to the class will be required to complete a Vitality Suitability Questionnaire (like a PARQ) on their first visit. Ideally if you can support them to complete this (link below on how to get some of these delivered to you) and give it to them so they can pass to the instructor on their first visit, this will save time on their first visit. But don’t worry if you can’t – this will be completed at their first visit at the class with the Instructor.
Resource Details – direct link to ordering copies of the Vitality SQ
Any questions please contact liveactive@ggc.scot.nhs.uk or call 0141 232 1860 and select Health Professional option and someone can chat through the process with you.
Health Walks – guided group local walks suitable for everyone
Walking has been described as “near perfect exercise”. Almost all patients can take part in Health Walks, so there’s no referral form needed. Walks are easy, sociable and good fun, with a volunteer walk leader on hand to encourage participants to go at a pace they are comfortable with.
It’s a great way for people to get out and about, enjoy the sights of their local parks and gardens and meet new people. No specialist equipment is required however, participants are asked to dress for the weather and wear appropriate and comfortable footwear.
Health walks are free, last for up to one hour and take place regularly at various locations across Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Where
There are over 75 Health Walks every week across the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.
If Live Active, Vitality or the Group Health Walks are not what your patient is after, our 6 partner Leisure Trusts have a wide range of other physical options available. All you need to do is inform your patient to call 0141 232 1860 and select General Physical Activity Opportunities and they will be directed to their local Leisure Trust
More information on local physical activity opportunities:
We have created a general contact form if your patient isn’t sure what to do or what physical activity programme would suit them best. Please complete the form if your client/patient would like a local Physical Activity Advisor to contact them to discuss how best to become more active
Please note – if you have access to your patients full medical notes and want to refer directly to Live Active, please complete a Live Acitve referral form instead (see Live Active section above for referral forms and guidance).
