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Hand Hygiene is one of the most effective actions to reduce the spread of pathogens and prevent infections, including the COVID-19 virus. Conducting hand hygiene at the right time, using the right technique, with either Alcohol-Based Hand Rub (ABHR) or soap, water and disposable towels is critical.

All healthcare staff should follow the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual to prevent spreading infection to those in the healthcare setting.

Members of the public can help prevent infections when visiting healthcare settings by following the advice in our Healthcare Associated Infection: Information for the public leaflet.

Further information about the global campaign led by the World health Organisation can be found on the WHO website.

Useful Resources

Contact Information

Contact Name: Stefan Morton, LHBC, Infection Prevention and Control

Email: Stefan.morton@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

5 Moments for Hand Hygiene

Our poster and video demonstrates the 5 moments of hand hygiene.

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) staff collaborated to produce an informational video regarding 5 Moments of Hand Hygiene. This was developed to highlight the common failures that medical staff incur, as reported in audits of compliance. The video also highlights various anecdotal responses when challenged, given by existing medical staff members within NHSGGC. It features an introduction and closing statement by David Stewart, Lead Director for Acute Medical Services.

Staff involved in making this video were recruited from the North East IPC Team and Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI). Recording and post-production was carried out by GRI Medical Illustrations.

6 Steps for Hand Hygiene
Evidence Base, Medical Staff Information, Zero Tolerance and Frequently Asked Questions
Hand Hygiene Videos

Please click on the links below to view the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Hand Hygiene Videos. The videos are best viewed with sound on.

Top Tips for Preventing Infection, Useful Links and Hand Hygiene Education

Infection Control training modules, including those offered by NES, can be accessed via learnPro.

Art, architecture, design, music and nature all have a positive impact on our health. The NHSGGC arts programmes aim to create safe and welcoming environments and positive experiences for patients, visitors and staff.

The programme is based on growing evidence of the positive psychological, physical and biological effects of arts participation and is inspired by the creative talent of Scotland. All our work is developed in collaboration and supported by arts, education and voluntary sector partners.

See below for details about current exhibitions and upcoming concerts in our hospitals, have a look at cutting-edge design for new healthcare buildings and find out more about arts in medical care.

Email us at HIadmin@ggc.scot.nhs.uk if you would like to get involved.

What’s on

We are pleased to announce the reinstatement of our art exhibitions programme, after a near 24-month hiatus. The initial activities will be focused at The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital with the display of a major Creative Scotland funded project, Woven in Govan.

Woven in Govan

Woven in Govan is a presentation of work by seven artists, highlighting the experiences of women careworkers during the Covid-19 pandemic and the historical burden of care placed upon women in society as a whole. More information about the project can be found on the Woven Art website, and on instagram .

The project is part of a major European partnership between Platform TU (Ukraine), Intercult (Sweden), and Fablevision (Scotland).

Current Exhibition: Shout Outs @ Staff Rest and Relaxation Hubs, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Acute Hospitals (From 24 September 2020)

Displayed in the newly opened NHSGGC staff Rest and Relaxation Hubs, Leanne Ross’ Shout Outs offer immediate bursts of joy, reflection and humour for the front line staff, key workers and other NHS employees who use these spaces. 

Made instinctively, Leanne’s work elevates her daily routine by turning mundane everyday activities into bold, energetic and often humorous slogans and phrases. These passionate declarations written large over bold, brightly coloured backgrounds combine a sense of protest with the universal joy of what it is to shout something out loud.

Selected pieces by Leanne have been chosen for display in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Rest and Relaxation Hubs. With frontline staff under extreme pressure throughout the COVID19 pandemic, the NHS have developed a series of new R&R Hubs that are intended to provide care and respite for all staff. Leanne’s fresh, energetic, funny and kind works will enliven these spaces. They will speak directly to staff and hopefully help to put a smile on their faces, before or after they go on their shift.

For those inspired by Leanne’s work, a limited number of blank Shout Outs will be available on which staff can write their own messages. These will be displayed alongside Leanne’s work and can be shared online via the hashtag #ShoutOutNHS

Developed and delivered with support from KMA Dot Com, ArtLink Edinburgh, Laura Aldridge, Lauren Gault and Kendall Koppe. 

Thanks to Lauren, Leanne, Kendall and of course Leanne

Current Exhibition: Energy is pattern @ QEUH

This exhibition gives patients and visitors at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital the opportunity to appreciate work from mid-20th century and contemporary artists from Glasgow alongside pattern designs from around the world. It aims to highlight the power of colour and pattern over mood and wellbeing.

Current Exhibition: Archaeological Housework @ New Victoria Hospital

Archaeological Housework is a photographic exhibition and courtyard installation at the New Victoria Hospital. It celebrates the creative work of Fiona Gorman –  artist, teacher, home-maker, carer and a person living with dementia.


Exhibition at the New Victoria 

This exhibition is presented by Art in Healthcare in partnership with Health Improvement and Public Health NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Art in Healthcare provides displays from their large collection of original works of art into healthcare settings across Scotland. Their aim is to transform medical environments into welcoming and engaging spaces for the benefit of patients, visitors and staff. The collection has been developed carefully over more than twenty years, and they strive to represent the best of Scottish Art whilst taking into account the needs of people receiving care in healthcare establishments and medical teams.

To find out more about Art in Healthcare and their collection of artworks please visit their website www.artinhealthcare.org.uk 

If you would like to support music in NHSGGC hospitals please contact the Health Improvement Team HIadmin@ggc.scot.nhs.uk  

Animating Public Spaces

Launched in July 2017, the Animating Public Spaces programme is a new, evidence-based music and arts programme which has been developed in collaboration with arts, education and voluntary sector partners to ensure that all healthcare spaces are safe and welcoming and to celebrate Glasgow’s creative talent. The programme is based on a growing body of research on the positive psychological, physical and biological effects of arts participation and cultural attendance.

Art in the Gart

The Art in the Gart programme provides patient-led art and gardening activities at Gartnavel Royal Hospital. 

Art in the Gart wants to make the best use of the grounds and buildings on site to increase access to meaningful high quality arts activity to support mental health recovery and well being. The programme was launched on 31 August 2012.

Art in the Gart – Our Strategy for Gartnavel Royal Hospital Site 2012 – 2015

Past events and exhibitions

Art in Medical Care

Art in Hospital provides an extensive ongoing programme of visual arts in a variety of healthcare settings in the city of Glasgow and Scotland wide.

Initially practising within long-term care for older people, Art in Hospital has diversified to include those being cared for within rehabilitation and assessment units, those with life-limiting illnesses, young physically disabled, mental health and outpatients, rheumatology patients, renal dialysis patients and those in need of palliative care.

Art in Hospital

Useful Resources
Art in Health

There are a number of creative artist lead projects in Glasgow and Scotland, which aim to demonstrate the positive impact that creative and performing arts can have upon health and wellbeing. These projects work with professional artists and local community organisations using a variety of media including drawing and painting, digital photography, textiles, video, printmaking, music and drama.

Renfrewshire’s The Buddy Beat

Creative Therapies

GalGael – carving out a future

National Alliance for Arts, Health and Wellbeing 

Arts Culture Health and Wellbeing Scotland (ACHWS)

Music and Health

MacDonald, Raymond AR (2013) Music, health and wellbeing: a review International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Health and Wellbeing 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3740599/

Polyphony, Common Wheel 

Health by Design
Social Determinants of Health

Improving health and tackling health inequalities: Actions for all – leaflet, Glasgow Centre for Population Health (2014)

Dodds, Sarah (2016) Social contexts and health, Glasgow Centre for Population Health – report

Social Determinants of Health: The Solid Facts. 2nd edition. (2003) edited by Richard Wilkinson and Michael Marmot 

Voluntary Health Scotland (2016) Loneliness: A threat to Scotland’s Health Briefing Paper

McCann, Alison; Mackie, Phil & Conacher, Ann (2017) Social Isolation & Loneliness: What is the Scope for Public Health Action? Scottish Public Health Network

Organisations
Evidence Summary for Policy: The Role of Arts in Improving Health and Wellbeing

Accurate, effective and accessible information is essential for the provision of high quality services and care. It lies at the centre of successful person-centred healthcare, helping people manage their health and wellbeing, and make fully informed decisions on the healthcare they receive.

People’s ability to understand information can change in different situations and environments. Age, disability, language barriers, cultural differences, low literacy levels and emotional distress can all affect understanding. The Patient Rights (Scotland) Act places a legal obligation on us to ensure that patients are informed and supported to be involved in decisions about their care and treatment.

This guide has been developed to support individuals in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to create simple, clear and concise information that allows us to meet our legislative requirements and the needs of our patients. In this context, patient information refers to written information such as leaflets, flyers and posters, as well as video and audio recordings.

The production of patient information is governed by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s: 

Let’s get started

Research

Please check all existing resources before creating any new patient information. It may be that someone has already developed information on the same or a similar subject, or there may a suitable online resource.

Public Health Resource Directory – an extensive range of booklets, leaflets and posters available to order via our Public Health Resources Directory

Print On The Web – patient information developed by Medical Illustration Services (this resources can only be accessed by NHSGGC staff)

NHS Inform – Scotland’s national health information service

You should be able to evidence:

  • the need for a new resource. How has that need been identified?
  • engagement with patients, families and carers. How will they would find the information useful?
  • funding for the resource. Do you have agreement from a service manager that a resource is required?
  • clinical governance input. Have you discussed the new resource with your local group?
  • collaborating with colleagues in other localities, sectors or Health Boards
    Can the resource can be used GGC-wide, regionally or nationally?
Writing

Consider your content carefully, and be clear about the information you want to convey to your target audience. Be sure to explain any instructions in detail, and include facts about risks, side effects and benefits. If you are using any third-party information, make sure you have the correct permissions for use; for example, any text or illustrations used from another source.

It is important that your content is fit for purpose. You should engage with your target audience for feedback; they will be able to tell if what you have written is helpful, clear and answers their questions. Ask your peer group to do the same.

You should review your content against the Patient Information Checklist (pdf). When you are satisfied with your content, and have final agreement from all stakeholders, please complete this form and send this to cleartoall@ggc.scot.nhs.uk with a copy of the information leaflet?

The NHGGGC Web Team provide the following guidance on copyright issues:

Copyright is universal policy which states that anyone who has written or created original material owns it. It cannot be reused in whole or part without written permission from the owner. Copyright applies to text (digital and hard copy), images, audio and video, even if it is in the public domain.

To publish material in part or in full that is not copyright owned by NHSGGC then you must check with the copyright owner. Be cautious when publishing conference presentations or posters and get written consent from the authors to publish such material on any websites.

To use any content taken from online resources for purposes other than non-commercial research, study and teaching, you should read the terms and conditions associated with the use of the digital resource. If there is no information available you should assume that you cannot reuse the resources. (This includes search results from a Google images search for example.)

To find out more about copyright and the training available please contact library staff via library.network@ggc.scot.nhs.uk.

Quality

It is essential that patient information produced within NHSGGC meets the quality standards outlined in the Patient Information Management Policy. All patient information will be quality assured with regards Clear to All principles prior to progressing to production.

Clear Language

If you need support or guidance on writing information for patients, please contact the Clear to All team by emailing cleartoall@ggc.scot.nhs.uk.

Clear Design

Medical Illustration Services provide a free service for the design of all patient information. They can also advise on the most appropriate and cost-effective method of distribution.

Contact: 0141 211 8580 or email medillgri@ggc.scot.nhs.uk.

Translation and Accessible Formats

We have a legal obligation to ensure that all patients are communicated with in a way they understand and that best meets their needs, including the use of accessible formats. Consider your target audience to ensure that the needs of equality groups have been taken into consideration.

The Equality and Human Rights Team (EHRT) hold the central budget for translations and other accessible formats. To request information in an alternative format, please download and complete the form and submit for approval (cleartoall@ggc.scot.nhs.uk).


Urgent requests, such as appointment letters, clinical instructions or health records for a patient in active care, should be emailed directly to the EHRT (nuzhat.mirza@ggc.scot.nhs.uk). This form does not need to be completed for urgent requests.

If your translation is needed within the next 4 days please send direct to nuzhat.mirza@ggc.scot.nhs.uk (you will be redirected if Nuzhat is out of the office)


We only translate information that has been produced by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. If you need a translated version of a charity or Public Health Scotland publication, please indicate this on the form.

Insert Statement

A statement has been produced that should be placed in all leaflets.  It states the following in English plus the ‘top six’ community languages (currently Polish, Mandarin, Romanian, Arabic, Urdu and Farsi).
 
‘If you require this information in an accessible format, such as large print or braille, or in a community language, please use the contact details on your patient information leaflet or letter.’

Ordering as an insert

This insert should be included with appointment letters and pre-attendance information posted to the patient, and can be given to patients on attendance at clinics or on admission. It is supported by posters displayed within hospitals and GP surgeries and is also offered on Solus Screens.
 
The leaflet is available from stock in packs of 100 and can be ordered via the PECOS system or by any method used to order goods from stock (e.g. paper indent). It is available in 2 formats to suit varying distribution methods – as a single sided A5 sheet or as a one-third A4 sheet (compliments slip format) suitable for DL type envelopes.
 
Order codes are as follows:

  • 97106 – Size 1/3 A4 (compliments slip format)
  • 97107 – Size A5

Printing the statement within a publication

If you would like to include the statement in your document (as opposed to using an insert), you can use image 1 (portrait) or image 2 (landscape) and adjust to size.

Other formats

This statement is also available in other formats, including words and pictures, audio and British Sign Language.


Please note, interpreters should be used to communicate information which is normally given verbally to English speaking patients; translated materials are for written materials only.

You can get advice on translation and accessible formats from the NHSGGC Equalities and Human Rights Team (0141 201 4560) or email: cleartoall@ggc.scot.nhs.uk).

Review existing patient information

The NHSGGC Patient Information Policy states that patient information should be reviewed at least every three years. It is the responsibility of both the service and the document owner to ensure that information made available to patients, families and carers within any healthcare setting is accurate and current.

If your information is due for review, you should re-assess its need.

  • Is there any new and more relevant information available elsewhere?
  • Have you consulted your target audience about the usefulness of the resource?​

Changes should only be made to content if they:

  • Reflect changes in practice or evidence
  • Correct factual inaccuracies
  • Improve or enhance the users understanding
  • Reflect feedback from users

Remember to check that all addresses, phone numbers and external web links are correct.

When you are satisfied with your content, and have final agreement from all stakeholders, please complete this form and send this to: cleartoall@ggc.scot.nhs.uk with a copy of the existing document.

Your amendments will be quality assured in relation to Clear to All Principles before progressing to production.

Document and Resources
Contact Us

If you need support or guidance on writing information for patients, please contact the Clear to All team at: cleartoall@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

Smoking remains the single biggest preventable cause of ill-health in UK (Ref: ASH (2014) ASH factsheet 2: Smoking Statistics, illness and death. http://ash.org.uk/files/documents/ASH_107.pdf).

Within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, 25% of the population are currently smokers and men are more likely to smoke than women. 

In 2013, the Scottish Government launched their new tobacco strategy for Scotland, ‘Creating a Tobacco-Free Generation’ with the aspiration of achieving smoking rates of 5% or lower amongst adults in Scotland. 

In response, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde tobacco control activity and “Quit your way” service adopts a wide approach to tackle the harm caused by tobacco. Supporting people to stop smoking is the most well known tobacco control measure.  However, actions to prevent young people from starting to smoke and protecting people from the harm associated with secondhand smoke are just as important. 

Tobacco control brings together the broad themes of Prevention, Protection and Stop Smoking and requires strong partnerships with public, private and voluntary groups to influence smoking culture and reduce smoking rates. 

To find out more about what our services can offer call the Quit Your Way service on 0800 916 8858 or visit:

Training and development opportunities for the health improvement workforce.

Our new NHSGGC Public Health Workforce Development SharePoint site is where you will be kept up-to-date with the latest news, approaches and learning and development opportunities for the core Public Health Workforce to equip staff with the skills, training and feel supported to do their job. This SharePoint Site is aimed at the Core Health Improvement/Public Health Workforce within Greater Glasgow & Clyde. For more information or to request access contact: HIAdmin@ggc.scot.nhs.uk .

Our training and development opportunities directly support many of the priority themes set out in Turning the tide through prevention, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde public health strategy 2018-2028 and also contribute to the development and maintenance of public health competencies.

Life Circumstances are the circumstances in which people live which impact directly on their health both mentally and physically (Scottish Public Health Observatory).These circumstances can include:

  • Living conditions e.g. secure housing, locality, overcrowding, green space, traffic
  • Income e.g. having enough to live on
  • Secure and good employment e.g. Living Wage
  • Education e.g. Opportunities for Learning

Evidence suggests that if these issues are taken into account as part of an individual’s care in the NHS then opportunities arise which can lead to improvements in health and reduction in inequalities.

For example, current reforms to the welfare state are likely to impact adversely on NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde patients for example they may increase mental distress, poverty and diseases related to poverty all of which will have an impact on the individual, their family and friends and the NHS in responding to increased demand.  Income inequality in the United Kingdom is currently at its highest in the last 40 years. Increasing rates of child poverty have also been noted with 1 in 5 children in Scotland living in poverty with this rising to 1 in 3 where there is a child with a disability.

Life circumstances are also linked to social class which include factors such as economics (wealth/income/occupation), political factors (status/power) and cultural factors (lifestyle/education/values/beliefs). 

Evidence suggests that individuals with poorer life circumstances are:

  • More likely to have poorer health including living with long term conditions e.g. Heart Disease
  • More  likely to die prematurely
  • More likely to be living in poverty
  • Less likely to make healthier lifestyle choices
  • Less likely to achieve good educational qualifications
  • More likely to be living in communities of high deprivation
  • More likely to be in insecure employment, in work poverty and underemployment 

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have a range of programmes to tackle life circumstances which includes access to money advice in acute hospitals, employability services, staff training programmes and service delivery developments.

Resources for NHSGGC Staff

An e module has been developed for all NHSGGC Staff on:

  • Poverty and Financial Inclusion
  • Employability
  • These can be accessed via LearnPro and can be found under the specialist subjects tab

See also:

Health Literacy is about people having enough knowledge, understanding, skills and confidence to use health information, to be more active partners in their care, and to navigate health and social care systems.

Health Literacy is being increasingly recognised as a significant public health concern. Health Literacy can affect anyone at anytime,  for example receiving new or distressing health information. Never make assumptions about a person’s health literacy level as it may not always be apparent.

Health Literacy in Scotland. Making it Easy from NES on Vimeo.

Those of us with lower levels of Health Literacy:

  • Are generally 1½ to 3 times more likely to experience poor health outcomes
  • Have poorer health status and self-reported health
  • Wait until we are sicker before we go to the doctor
  • Find it harder to access services appropriate to our needs
  • Find it harder to understand labelling and take medication as directed
  • Are less able to communicate with healthcare professionals and take part in decisions
  • Are less likely to engage with health promotional activities, such as influenza vaccination and breast screening
  • Are at increased risk of developing multiple health problems
  • Have higher rates of avoidable and emergency  admissions
  • Have higher risks of hospitalisation and longer in-patient stays
  • Have difficulty managing our own health and wellbeing, that of our children, and of anyone else we care for
  • Have greater difficulty looking after ourselves when we have long-term conditions

Further information can be found on the following websites:

Patient Experience and Public Involvement (PEPI) support NHSGGC to listen and understand what matters to people. This allows us to improve our services using your experiences of care. The team help staff and members of the public to listen and learn from each other. 

PEPI support staff and services to engage with people on care and service delivery. They apply best practice when informing and involving patients, carers and the public. 

The team also provide expertise and support around the organisation’s public engagement and consultation activities. This is in line with statutory duties and national guidance. 

PEPI Team services and resources

Glasgow Neurosurgery is based at the Institute of Neurological Sciences and the Royal Hospital for Children, both on the campus of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow.

The department provides neurosurgical services to the west of Scotland, and has played an important role in the development of Neurosurgery and clinical neuroscience research, both in the UK and internationally, including the development of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS).

In collaboration with the University of Glasgow Neuro Society, the department also hosts visits and talks from the world’s leading neurosurgeons. Previous speakers include the Chiefs of Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins, Harvard, Oxford and Cambridge Neurosurgical departments.

The service accepts both emergency referrals and non-emergency elective referrals from the following West of Scotland Health Boards:

  • NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
  • NHS Lanarkshire
  • NHS Ayrshire and Arran
  • NHS Western Isles
  • Parts of NHS Highland, including those located within Argyll and Bute HSCP

Services

Adult Neurosurgery

The adult Neurosurgery department houses a large number of both general and subspecialty-focused Consultant Neurosurgeons who work across a full range of areas including neuro-oncology, neuro-vascular, spinal and functional neurosurgery.

Paediatric Neurosurgery

The Paediatric Neurosurgery department deals with a wide range of problems affecting children, including developmental craniofacial and spinal problems, hydrocephalus and brain tumours of childhood.

Making an emergency referral to neurosurgery

Emergency referrals can be made to the neurosurgery department using the SCI Gateway Emergency Dialogue system. This system is in place across all Emergency Departments and Orthopaedic departments within NHSGGC.

If you are referring from out with NHSGGC, from one of the above areas, please contact the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) switchboard on 0141 201 1100.

Please note the following before making a referral:

  • If you have a patient with a life or limb-threatening illness or any other emergencies, please ensure their referral is discussed with their responsible consultant prior to referral to the emergency neurosurgery on call service. It is imperative that senior (consultant level) clinical input is involved in decision making and a clear clinical question forms part of all referrals.
  • If a scan report suggests discussion with the on call neurosurgery service, please ensure the clinical scenario and imaging findings are discussed with the patient’s responsible consultant prior to referral.
  • If you require advice regarding complications post-operatively for a patient treated by this neurosurgery service, please follow the instructions above as an emergency referral.

Emergency referral of a patient with a spinal injury with neurological deficit

If you require advice regarding a patient with spinal injuries and neurological deficit, please contact the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit on call service, available via QEUH switchboard on 0141 201 1100. Please note, the National Spinal Injuries Unit is able to accept referrals from all NHS Scotland Boards. More information can be found at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Spinal Unit website.

Please note that all referrals are audited regularly and if deemed inappropriate, feedback for such referrals will be carried out through appropriate channels.

Making a non-emergency referral to neurosurgery

If you are a GP or Hospital Clinician who wishes to refer a non-emergency patient into the Neurosurgery service in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, this can be done electronically or as a paper letter referral.

If you need more information on an existing referral, if known, please document the neurosurgery consultant’s name to whom the initial referral was made. All follow-up discussions should be directed to that particular consultant’s team to expedite appropriate decision making and treatment plans, when possible.

For Neuro-oncology MDT queries, contact Deborah Houston, Neuro-oncology MDT Coordinator Deborah.Houston@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

For Pituitary MDT queries, contact endosouthmdt@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

For questions about imaging, please discuss with on-call Neuroradiology via QEUH switchboard on 0141 201 1100.

Referring to Neurosurgery: a Clinicians Guide

This section of the website is for clinicians and other health professionals. If you are a patient and think you require a referral to our neurosurgery service, please contact your GP to discuss your concerns.

If you are a GP or Hospital Clinician who wishes to refer a patient into the neurosurgery service in NHSGGC, this can be done via SCI Gateway. Access to SCI Gateway referrals to neurosurgery is available to A&Es in GGC, orthopaedics in GGC and GPs.

If you have a patient with a life or limb-threatening illness, please ensure their referral is discussed with their responsible consultant prior to referral to the emergency neurosurgery on call service. It is imperative that senior clinical input is involved in decision making and that a clear clinical question forms part of emergencies referrals.

For all patients with spinal injuries and neurological deficit please refer to The Spinal Injuries Unit on call via switchboard.

For patients in GGC with thoracolumbar fractures who are neurologically intact please refer to their local orthopaedic spine team.

If a scan report suggests discussion with the on call neurosurgery service, please ensure this is discussed with the patient’s responsible consultant prior to referral.

For queries about the Neuro-oncology MDT please contact Deborah Houston at Deborah.Houston@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

For queries about Pituitary MDT please contact PituitaryMDT@scottish.onmicrosoft.com

​If you have read this advice and need to contact the emergency neurosurgery referral service, please do so via QEUH switch board on 0141 201 1100.

​Please be aware we audit all of our referrals and inappropriate referrals will be escalated to our Management Department

Donor Human Milk – what is it?

Donor human milk (DHM) is breastmilk donated to a human milk bank by mothers who have extra to spare. Donors are screened, including blood tests, to make sure their milk is suitable. The milk is also tested for bacteria before being heat treated. Just like with blood donations, the milk is freely donated, and its use tracked and recorded. 

In the UK, like many countries, DHM is available for some babies whose mothers may not have enough of their own breastmilk in the early days. Other types of feed include infant formula which is usually made from cow’s milk but doesn’t have all of the benefits of human milk.  

Donor Human Milk – Why donate it?

Local, national and global recommendations support the use of donor human milk, especially for babies who are born early, are very small or sick. Most of the babies getting donor human milk are being cared for in a neonatal unit. It is mainly offered for the first few days but sometimes can be for longer. We also provide some donor milk for mums at home who can’t breastfeed due to medical circumstances. 

Donor human milk can also be used to support breastfeeding in the first day or two. Some babies may require a little extra milk while waiting for mums milk supply. You can read Eilidh’s story below.

Eilidh’s story: Donor Human Milk – supporting breastfeeding

New mum Eilidh leaned on the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Milk Bank to breastfeed her son.

“To put it simply, the milk bank and provision of donor milk is the reason I’ve been fortunate enough to breastfeed my son. He arrived at 37 weeks and had a short stay in the NICU, and donor milk allowed him to get a great start while we were separated in those early days.

“I had some challenges with breast feeding at the start – my milk took a while to come in, expressing wasn’t yielding the volumes he needed to gain weight and latching was hard, but the milk bank and provision of donor milk meant that, while all these issues were ironed out, he continued to get all the goodness he needed from donated breast milk. This set him up for when I was able to give him what he needed.

“We are so grateful to the women who donate their milk and allow this service to be available to those who need it,” said Eilidh.

Mothers are supported to collect their colostrum and to express frequently. This helps to establish their own milk supply. There is lots of information about expressing, breast feeding and early feeding challenges at RHC Neonatal Infant Feeding

Donor human milk provides easily digested nutrition along with many anti-infective and other active components that help protect baby’s immature tummies and keep them healthy. 

If you would like to donate, please go to the “How to become a donor” section below to access the screening form. You can also arrange a collection of milk from there. 

How to become a Donor

Becoming a donor is an amazing step and could help many babies across Scotland. Your own baby is the priority, so we only take milk that is truly surplus to your baby’s needs. The age limit for donation is around two. We can also take stored milk that is less than 90 days old. You can find out about expressing your milk from the Parent Club.

Who can donate milk?

Although you are donating breast milk, it’s similar to becoming a blood donor and there are only a few things that would stop you donating. There is a screening process which includes questions about your medical history, lifestyle and diet.

You can donate milk if:

  • you are breast feeding or expressing for your own baby
  • you are and remain in good health
  • you are able to commit to a period of donating
  • you have milk stored appropriately and in acceptable containers

You cannot donate milk if:

  • you smoke, vape or are using nicotine replacement therapy
  • you take certain medications including antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, certain pain killers and high blood pressure medication.
  • Please contact the milk bank to discuss medications and herbal remedies you take regularly

You can donate if you have had a piercing, tattoo or blood transfusion but we can’t complete the blood tests until 4 months after this.

Click below for screening:

If you would like more information about donation or to get a paper copy of the screening form, please use the Contact Form and we will get back to as soon as we can.

To arrange milk collection click the Collection Form button.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to live near the milk bank?

No, we can collect donor milk from all over mainland Scotland.

Can I donate milk I have already stored in my freezer?

Yes but the milk must be pasteurised within 90 days so it’s important to let the milk bank know as soon as possible so that it can be transported within that time. If you are donating milk already in your freezer, remember to answer the health and lifestyle questions for that time.

Can you use the blood tests I had done antenatally?

No, unfortunately we can’t. We do some extra screening tests which are not covered by your antenatal blood tests.

What happens to the milk?

The milk is tested for unwanted bacteria. All breast milk has bacteria in it, and in normal circumstances these are acceptable and helpful. Because our milk is used to feed premature and sick babies we need to make sure no unwanted bacteria are present.

Once all the screening tests are concluded, the milk is re-labelled and distributed throughout Scotland.

Memory Milk Gift – donation after loss

We believe every family who lose a child before the age of two, should have the choice to donate breast milk in their memory and commemorated on our Memory Milk Tree at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. 

To find out more about Memory Milk Gift Initiative click the link below.