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.
What to expect at your first appointment
New patient information
In the first instance your call will be assessed by the referral management centre. If an appointment is required a telephone consultation appointment will be arranged for you.
Infected toe nail surgery cases and wound/ulcers are exceptions to this and will require you to attend a face to face consultation or have a virtual (telephone/video) consultation.
New patient telephone appointment
You will be given a day and time for the podiatrist to phone you. Please ensure you have provided us with the correct contact number when making this appointment. If further treatment is required a virtual consultation may be offered.
Virtual (Near Me) consultations
You will be allocated an appointment time to log into our virtual waiting room. Instructions and guidance will be provided for accessing these clinics. If further treatment is required a face to face consultation may be offered. Learn more about our virtual clinics here.
Face to face appointment
If you are asked to attend the clinic for an appointment please read the following guidance to help keep you safe:
- Wear a face covering within the building
- Use hand sanitiser when entering and leaving clinical areas and after touching furniture or equipment
- Maintain the recommended physical distance wherever possible
- Attend for appointments at your appointment time. Please do not attend early for these as physical distancing must be maintained within waiting areas
- You should attend your appointment alone unless you require assistance. This will allow physical distancing to be maintained within our waiting areas and clinical rooms
- You should only attend our department if you have an appointment. We will not be able to accommodate seeing anyone out with allotted clinical times and cannot appoint people who attend the department for booking appointments
- It is essential that you do not attend if you have a persistent cough, fever, or loss of taste or smell. In this instance you should contact us to reschedule your appointment.
If you are an existing patient
Return appointments
These are gradually being reintroduced on a phased return basis dependent on your previously assessed need (see figure 1 above). You will receive a phone call offering you an appointment. These may take a different format from what you have previously been used to. Appointments may be phone calls, virtual (Near Me) consultations or face to face. You will be advised by our call centre as to your appointment type.
Telephone appointment
You will be given a day and time for the podiatrist to phone you. Please make sure you
have provided us with the correct contact number when making this appointment
Virtual (Near Me) consultations
You will be allocated an appointment time to log into our virtual waiting room. Instructions and guidance will be provided for accessing these clinics.
Face to face
When attending
- Wear a face covering within the building
- Use hand sanitiser when entering and leaving clinical areas and after touching furniture or equipment
- Maintain the recommended physical distance wherever possible
- Attend for appointments at your appointment time. Please do not attend early for these as physical distancing must be maintained within waiting areas
- You should attend your appointment alone unless you require assistance. This will allow physical distancing to be maintained within our waiting areas and clinical rooms
- You should only attend our departments if you have an appointment. We will not be able to accommodate seeing anyone out with allotted clinical times and cannot appoint people who attend the department for booking appointments
- It is essential that you do not attend if you have a persistent cough, fever, or loss of taste or smell. In this instance you should contact us to reschedule your appointment.
As well as the Insertion & Maintenance of Adult Indwelling Urethral Urinary Catheters SOP, see NHSGGC Vascular Access Devices Guidelines for information on PVC / CVC.
Approximately 30% of our Adult Acute Hospital in-patients will have a Peripheral Venous Catheter (PVC) in place during their stay and in order to minimise the risk of bloodstream infections (bacteraemia) it is important that clinical staff are aware of the salient education points:
Peripheral Venous Catheter (PVC) in adult in-patients:
Skin is cleansed with an antiseptic containing Chlorhexidine 2% in 70% Isopropyl alcohol and left to dry before PVC insertion.
Access should be via the needlefree connector not the port at the top of the device. Before accessing this you should “scrub the hub” for at least 15 seconds with Chlorhexidine 2% in 70% Isopropyl alcohol wipe.
A single or multi-lumen needlefree connector must be primed with 0.9% normal saline before attaching to PVC.
A PVC care plan should be commenced as soon as possible after PVC insertion and the PVC must be checked at least once per day. The care plan must be fully completed to ensure optimal practice to avoid patient harm.
PVC/CVC
Vascular Access Devices (VADs)
Urethral Urinary Catheter Care Hub
The UUC Hub is where you will find all of our information and resources concerning Urethral Urinary Catheters.
Many of our patients will require an indwelling urinary catheter to be inserted during their stay in hospital. It is important that staff involved in the insertion and maintenance of these devices have access to training and guidance to ensure the comfort and safety of their patient.
The Infection Prevention and Control Team (IPCT) are working in conjunction with Practice Development to ensure that staff are supported and have the knowledge and skills to care for a patient with a urethral urinary catheter.
NHSGGC Documents
Links to urinary catheter guidelines can be found at:
UUC guidance for Acute in-patients is under development.
Catheter Passport
The National Catheter Passport (NCP) is an information resource given to patients and was created to improve both care and communication around urinary catheters.
National Catheter Passport (NCP)
Guidance for the use of the National Catheter Passport
Staff can order the National Catheter Passport via PECOS (SKU code 223848) whenever they order their supply of catheters and should be used once the decision has been made for the catheter to remain in situ – this may be on discharge from hospital or whilst at home.
Education
Staff caring for a patient who requires an indwelling urethral urinary catheter should complete the NES module entitled ‘Urinary catheterisation’. Staff should log in to LearnPro NHS and add the NES Urinary catheterisation to their programme.
HEI
The Healthcare environment inspection team may visit your ward to inspect the care and maintenance of these devices. Published on the HEI website are the methodology and inspection aide memoir. We recommend that staff familiarise themselves with these two documents.
NHSGGC Infection Prevention and Control Team
The IPCT have developed a tool to measure compliance with the urethral urinary catheter care plan. This tool can be used by staff to measure their own ward compliance.
Recommended Links
Use these toolbox talks to share information at huddles, safety briefs and meetings to introduce changes and increase awareness with your staff.
Recommended Links
Guidelines are divided into 4 sections:
Core Prevention Guidelines (includes SICPs)
National Infection Prevention and Control Manual
Cleaning of Near Patient Equipment
(All appendix documents in WORD to facilitate ward specific cleaning schedule)
Decontamination Guidance
Hand Hygiene Guidance
Outbreak Incident Management Plan
Patient Placement
Terminal Clean of Ward/Isolation Room
TOY Cleaning
Twice Daily Clean of Isolation Rooms
Water Damage
Disease Specific Information
Chickenpox
Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI)
COVID-19
CPE (Carbapenemase Producing Enterobacteriaceae)
NHSGGC Resources
Educational Resources
Staff can undertake a NES LearnPro module on CPE and MRSA Screening by logging into the LearnPro NHS website here.
National Resources
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)
Environmental Organisms in High-Risk Clinical Areas
Gastrointestinal Diseases
Group A Streptococcus (Strep. pyogenes)
Head Lice
Influenza
Loose Stools
NHSGGC Bowel Movement Record (Bristol Stool Chart)
Measles
Meningococcal Disease
Meticillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
What is MERS-CoV?
MERS-CoV is a viral respiratory disease. It is a strain of coronavirus first identified by the Netherlands in 2012. Symptoms include fever and cough that progress to a severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In some cases, a diarrheal illness has been the first symptom to appear. There is currently no vaccine available for MERS-CoV.
Since April 2014, there has been a marked increase in reported infections with MERS-CoV outside the UK. There continues to be a risk of imported cases to the UK, and health professionals should remain vigilant. Early identification and rapid implementation of appropriate infection control measures for suspected cases is crucial.
While the risk of MERS-CoV in individuals who meet the case definition for a possible case in the UK following travel to/from the Middle East is low, testing for MERS-CoV is warranted together with rapid implementation of appropriate infection control measures while awaiting results of testing.
NHSGGC MERS-CoV SOP
MERS-CoV Primary Care Algorithm (interim)
NHSGGC MERS-CoV Aide Memoire: Out of Hours and Minor Injuries
NHSGGC MERS-CoV Hospital Pathways:
NHSGGC Reception/Triage posters:
Health Protection Scotland Guidance
Patient Assessment: Assessment and initial management of travellers presenting with febrile respiratory illness, returning from an area where infection with MERS-CoV could have been acquired in the 14 days before symptom onset.
Close Contacts: The risk to contacts of confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infection is low but contacts should be followed up in the 14 days following last exposure and any new febrile or respiratory illness investigated urgently for MERS CoV.
National Infection Control Guidance
(Information (HPS) can be found here) including information for healthcare workers.
A precautionary principle must be applied for novel or emerging respiratory pathogens of high consequence when the mode of transmission is incompletely determined.
Droplet, contact and airborne precautions (including the use of correctly fitted FFP3 respirators) should be applied for all patients admitted with a suspected or confirmed novel or emerging respiratory pathogen (e.g. MERS-CoV or Avian Influenza).
The link below, outlines the infection prevention and control advice for healthcare workers involved in receiving and caring for patients, who are suspected or confirmed cases of MERS-CoV.
Mpox
Multi-drug Resistant Organisms (MDRO)
Mumps
Norovirus
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Rubella
Scabies
Shingles
Tuberculosis
VRE
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Linked Policies / Associated Policies
Water Safety
This is where you find our information and resources concerning water safety.
The SOP below and risk assessment provide direction and guidance for ward based staff, to meet their responsibilities for the control of risks associated with water systems in NHS premises.
These documents should be read in conjunction with the Board Water Systems Safety Policies and written schemes.
Recommended Links
Vulval Clinic
This service cares for women who have conditions affecting the vulval area, where initial treatment has not been successful.
We see women with a range of different conditions which include (but are not limited to):
- Lichen Sclerosus
- Lichen Planus
- Lichen simplex chronicus
- Rare vulval skin conditions
- Vulval pain.
What to expect at the vulval clinic
This is a specialist multidisciplinary clinic run by two gynaecologists and a dermatologist. Due to the nature of the conditions, you may also be seen by other specialists from sexual health and oral medicine.
You can expect to undergo a consultation and examination, which will include looking at the vulval skin. You may be asked if we can monitor your condition with photographs, available via our clinical photography service. These would form part of your confidential clinical record and access is limited to clinicians involved in your care.
We may need to perform a vulval biopsy, under local anaesthetic.
How to access this service
You will be referred by a consultant dermatologist or gynaecologist who will have reviewed you first. In some instances, you may be directly referred by your GP.
If you have previously been seen in this clinic, you can refer yourself back if necessary. This is called a patient initiated referral.
Where will I be seen?
The vulval clinic is located in clinic area K at the New Victoria Hospital.
Clinic times
The clinic is usually held on the first Friday of the month. Both gynaecologists and our dermatologist are available 9am – 1pm. Our gynaecologists are also available 1.00pm – 5.00pm.
Additional information and resources
One Stop Hysteroscopy Clinics
Our one-stop hysteroscopy service sees women for a range of different conditions including:
- Postmenopausal bleeding ( bleeding which happens more than a year after the change of life)
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Lost coil threads/ need a hormone coil inserted.
As well as clinics to investigate these things we also have treatment clinics for:
- Removal of endometrial (womb) polyps
- Endometrial ablation (a minor surgical treatment for heavy periods).
What will happen in the clinic?
Before you attend the clinic you will be sent a leaflet explaining what to expect and outlining possible procedures which may be carried out during your visit.
There are currently 2 hospitals that have a ‘One Stop’ clinic, Stobhill Hospital and the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH).
On arrival
When you arrive at Stobhill you can either check-in at the self-service points in the entrance hall or go straight to Clinic F to check in there.
When you arrive at the RAH you need to go to the reception in the Maternity Building where you will be directed to Clinic B.
The consultation
Once you have checked in you will be seen by a consultant. They will take your medical history and ask about your symptoms. You will then be shown to your private diagnostic suite. Each suite has a private changing room and separate treatment area. A nurse will help you get ready and explain things to you.
Most women will have a vaginal scan carried out. Some women will have a hysteroscopy examination (tiny telescope used to check the lining of the womb) and some women will have a sample of tissue taken from the lining of the womb (pipelle biopsy). Your consultant will discuss all of these things with you before carrying them out.
After your examination, you can stay in the recovery area for a hot drink or, if you prefer, leave immediately.
You will be given an information leaflet about any tests you have had and also given a card with the telephone number for the service in case you need more advice following your appointment.
Your consultant will write to you and your GP with the results of your investigations and will arrange any further treatment that is needed.
How do I access this service?
You can be referred by your GP or by a hospital consultant.
Where will I be seen?
The clinics are held in Stobhill Ambulatory Care Hospital, Level 2, Clinic F and the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Maternity Building, Ground Floor, Clinic B.
Opening times and contact details
Clinics run: Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.
Stobhill Hospital
Charge Nurse Shona Brown: 0141 355 1212
Royal Alexandra Hospital
Senior Charge Nurse Janette Lindsay: 0141 314 9553
Further information
The Gynaecology Oncology Department at Glasgow Royal Infirmary is the referral centre for the West of Scotland.
Our service offers diagnosis and specialist treatment for all types of gynaecological cancer. Treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Women are cared for by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of specialists which includes oncological surgeons, clinical and medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, clinical nurse specialists (CNS) and pharmacists.
How will my care be managed?
The team meet once per week to discuss all patients with a suspected or confirmed gynaecological cancer. Decisions regarding further investigations and potential treatment plans are made at this meeting. You will be informed of the recommendations from this meeting by your gynaecology consultant or your clinical nurse specialist.
Your care may be delivered at the following locations:
Hospitals
- Glasgow Royal Infirmary
- Stobhill Ambulatory Care Hospital (Stobhill ACH)
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.
Outpatient clinics
Outpatient clinics are held in:
- Stobhill ACH
- Glasgow Royal Infirmary
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.
Inpatient surgery
Inpatient surgery is based in Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
Other treatments
Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and clinical trials are delivered from the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.
What if I need surgical treatment?
If you require surgical treatment you will be referred to the Gynaecology Oncology Department at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. You will then receive an appointment for a clinic with the Gynaecology Oncology Consultant who will discuss the proposed treatment plan with you. This may be in the form of a face to face clinic appointment, a telephone or video consultation.
Preoperative assessment
You will also receive an appointment for a preoperative assessment (POA) clinic at either Glasgow Royal Infirmary or Stobhill Hospital. This will be a face to face appointment with a trained pre-operative assessment nurse.
They will ask you some questions regarding your general health, past medical history and medication history.
They will check your pulse and blood pressure and take some routine pre surgery blood tests.
Your surgical appointment
You will receive details of the date and time for admission for surgery by letter and or telephone. At the moment all patients who have been referred for surgery are asked to socially isolate for a minimum of 2 weeks before their operation.
A Coronavirus/Covid 19 test will be done prior to surgery. This is usually a swab from the nose and throat. You will need to attend the ward for this in the days prior to your surgery.
We will only proceed with your cancer operation if the Covid test is negative. All of these steps are taken to reduce your risk of exposure to coronavirus and reduce your risk of developing Covid 19.
What if I need chemotherapy or radiotherapy?
If you require chemotherapy or radiotherapy you will receive this treatment at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. The department is actively involved in research and clinical trials. The clinical trials unit is also based at the Beatson.
Our staff
We have a dedicated team made up of consultants, advanced nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and support staff.
The gynaecology oncology consultants based at Glasgow Royal Infirmary are:
- Dr Kevin Burton
- Dr Rhona Lindsay
- Dr Nadeem Siddiqui.
The Gynaecology Oncology Nurse Specialists are:
- Clinical Nurse Specialist Lesley Kelly: 0141 201 3356
- Clinical Nurse Specialist Margaret McClay: 0141 201 3357
- Clinical Nurse Specialist Rae Roan: 0141 314 6827
If you require support then you can contact your local Clinical Nurse Specialist or those based at Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.
Additional support
You may find the following websites helpful:
About the service
The Pre-operative Assessment (POA) service plays an important part in the preparation for your surgery.
A pre-operative assessment is performed on all patients who are to have an operation or a surgical procedure performed under general anaesthetic or regional anaesthetic.
The service will help provide the tools and support you need to ensure you have the very best outcome from your operation.
We have provided some information and links to other resources to help you get ready for your operation. You will also find information about your recovery and getting back to normal life after your operation. The aim is to help you maximise your chances of recovering quickly and help prevent complications.
We encourage you to read through the website and discuss any questions you may have about your anaesthetic with your pre-assessment nurse or anaesthetist.
Step-by-step ‘What to expect’ videos
What to expect when attending your pre-operative assessment outpatient appointment
What to expect when attending your pre-operative assessment hub appointment
What we do
The aims of the service are to:
- Establish an up-to-date picture of your current general health.
- Arrange appropriate blood tests, investigations and referral for medical advice, based on your current health and planned operation.
- Make an assessment of your suitability for ambulatory surgery (day surgery), same-day admission for surgery or requirement for post-operative specialist care.
- Provide information about your surgery, anaesthesia, intraoperative care and postoperative pain treatments in the hope of reducing any anxiety and facilitating your recovery.
How you’ll be referred to the service
Your pre-operative assessment happens after you and your surgeon have decided that an operation is necessary, before your surgery date.
You may be offered an appointment at any POA clinic across Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Similarly, you may be offered a date for your operation at any hospital across Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
NHSGGC is committed to ensuring you receive safe, prompt and timely treatment. This means that you may have to attend a different hospital than the one which you attended for your clinic appointments.
Phototherapy is a treatment which uses natural and artificial light to treat some skin (dermatology) conditions, such as psoriasis and some types of eczema.
Artificial light therapy can be given in hospitals and some specialist centres, usually under the care of a dermatologist. These treatments are not the same as using a sunbed.
