At the clinic, you may meet members of the team looking after you including the surgeon, the pre-operative assessment nurse, anaesthetist and junior doctor.
The pre-operative assessment nurse will arrange all relevant tests and co-ordinate your appointments. You may have several tests and investigations at the clinic or scheduled for another date.
Tests may include:
Medical history
Blood pressure, Pulse & Oxygen levels
Blood tests
Height & weight
Urine test
Consent for your operation
ECG (tracing of your heart) if necessary
Chest X-ray if necessary
You will also be measured for stockings to reduce your risk of developing a blood clot
Further tests may include a heart scan or lung function test.
Preparing for surgery
If your surgeon has recommended that you need an operation, you will be asked to attend a pre-operative assessment clinic before the date of your surgery.
This appointment can take up to 3 hours. This is to make sure you are well enough and fully prepared for your surgery and that you are prepared for going home from the hospital (discharge) and ongoing recovery.
Please bring any medication that you are taking (or a copy of a recent prescription).
Information for Patients and Carers about eating and drinking before planned surgery and procedures
Step 1
To keep you safe and able to have your surgery you must not eat food for 6 hours before your surgery
No food, sweets, chewing gum, fizzy drinks for 6 hours before your surgery
Continue to sip still water
Take all medications, tablets and inhalers as normal unless you are told otherwise.
If you are asked to come to the hospital for morning surgery:
Eat your evening meal as normal on the day before surgery
Have a snack in the evening if you want
Do not eat anything after midnight
Drink only clear fluids after midnight
Note: ‘Clear fluids’ includes water, black tea or black coffee (no milk).
If you are asked to come to the hospital for afternoon surgery:
Have a light breakfast before 7.00am on the day of surgery
Do not eat anything after 7.00am
Drink only clear fluids after 7.00am
Step 2
Drink only still water right up until your surgery (unless your anaesthetist or surgeon tells you otherwise)
No sweets or chewing gum
You can bring a reusable water bottle with you to hospital
If you do not follow these instructions for eating and drinking, we may need to postpone your surgery.
This information does not apply if you are pregnant.
The exact time of your surgery may not be confirmed until on the day as you will be part of a theatre list with other patients. We ask more than one patient to arrive for the start of the day to help ensure flexibility if there are last minute changes and to allow the theatre staff to see you before the surgical session begins.
Drinking clear fluids before your operation reduces dehydration and headaches before surgery and reduces nausea and vomiting after surgery. It is safe for you to sip water until the time of surgery unless the team looking after you has advised otherwise. The nursing team will be able to advise you of this on the day.
Your Anaesthetic
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.
We have provided some information and links to other resources to help you get ready for your surgery. You will also find information about your recovery and getting back to normal life after your surgery. The aim is to help you maximise your chances of recovering quickly and help prevent complications.
You can download the below patient information leaflet for more information:
A list of any relevant medical conditions or surgical procedures you have/have had.
Questions you may have about your admission.
What do I do if I need an Interpreter?
If your English is limited or if you need the services of a sign-language interpreter please contact Pre-operative Assessment Clinic as soon as possible so that an interpreter can be arranged.
How do I cancel or reschedule my appointment?
This appointment is important preparation for your surgery. You must come to this appointment or let us know if you need to cancel or change it.
Who will be present during my operation?
You will always be treated by an appropriately skilled practitioner with suitable support in a location designed to look after you during your operative stay. Your anaesthetic and surgery may not be performed by a doctor or surgeon you have previously spoken to. You will have the opportunity to speak to them before your procedure, though this may be on the morning of surgery.
All hospitals in GGC are teaching hospitals. This means that medical students may be present in theatre. Most often students are only present to observe, but occasionally they may assist with very simple procedures under strict supervision. You will have the opportunity to discuss this with your anaesthetist and surgeon on the morning of surgery, however, should you wish to clarify this beforehand, please contact our team.
Where will I get my anaesthetic and who will provide it?
GGC is committed to ensuring you receive safe, prompt and timely treatment. This means that you may have to attend a different hospital to the one which hosted your clinic appointments and that your anaesthetic and surgery may not be performed by a doctor or surgeon you have previously spoken to. You will have the opportunity to speak to them before your procedure, though this may be on the morning of surgery.
You will always be treated by an appropriately skilled practitioner with suitable support in a location designed to look after you during your operative stay.
Will there be anyone other than the theatre teams present during my anaesthesia?
All hospitals in GGC are teaching hospitals. This means that medical students may be present in theatre. Most often students are only present to observe, but occasionally they may assist with very simple procedures under strict supervision. You will have the opportunity to discuss this with your anaesthetist and surgeon on the morning of surgery.
Can I continue to breastfeed after an operation?
Some women require surgery under a general anaesthetic or sedation while breastfeeding. Many women are concerned about the risk of passing drugs into breast milk. However, we advise that you should breastfeed as normal following surgery as soon as you are awake and able to do so. There is no need to express and discard breast milk. Drugs used during the operation are only transferred to breast milk in very small amounts and there is no evidence of any effects on your breastfeeding infant.
You should mention that you are breastfeeding to your anaesthetist at the pre-operative assessment visit or on the morning of surgery. This will allow the anaesthetist to plan the most appropriate anaesthetic and use the safest anaesthetic and pain-relieving drugs for you. You should avoid taking codeine after the operation.
If you are having a day surgery procedure (able to go home later the same day), you should have a responsible adult stay with you for the first 24 hours and be cautious when co-sleeping or sleeping while feeding the infant in a chair in case you are more drowsy than normal. If you need to remain in hospital after your operation and your child is not able to stay with you on the ward, you may wish to express and store breast milk.
For further information please see the following leaflet from the Association of Anaesthetists Guideline for Breastfeeding in Anaesthesia and Sedation.
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Campus – Aerial View 1
INS Surgical Building – Front View 1
This programme aims to develop the regional and national services currently offered by the Institute of Neurological Sciences (INS) situated on the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Campus in Glasgow.
As part of the programme some of the buildings will be refreshed or replaced to ensure that we continue to offer world leading person centred care.
What we are planning
We have published our Initial Agreement, which was approved in March 2023, outlining issues with the current service configuration and developed a long list of outline options.
Throughout 2023 and early 2024, the NHSGGC project team working on the INS redevelopment will develop the next stage of the business case to identify a preferred option.
To achieve this we will host workshops and meetings, engaging with a range of patients, service users and their families, staff and other professionals, Third sector groups, and other people across Scotland to:
develop SMART objectives based on the high level Strategic Objectives outlined in the Initial Agreement
Identify the preferred option for the redevelopment through an option appraisal process
Provide regular progress updates
If you would like to be involved or find out more please go to our Contact Us page to complete our Contact Form.
Latest Updates
Initial Agreement Approved by Scottish Gov
Scottish Government has approved our Initial Agreement and confirmed support for the first phase of the Outline Business Case – identification of the preferred option.
Engaging with patients, staff and the public is a key priority for INS Redevelopment.
Throughout the project there will be many opportunities for patients, their family members, NHS staff and the general public to get involved.
To register your interest in becoming a member of a group, providing feedback on the project, or to join our email distribution list (to be kept up to date about latest news and opportunities to get involved), click the button below and complete the form.
The Institute of Neurological Sciences (INS) was opened in 1974, and originally consisted of four services over three buildings:
Neurology
Neurosurgery
Neurophysiology
Neuro Critical Care
Since then, services have expanded and now include the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Neurorehabilitation, and treatments for a range of neurological conditions supported by the West of Scotland Short Stay and Day Treatment service.
From four services across three buildings, the INS now provides over 20 interlinked clinical services across seven buildings.
The specialist services provided by the Institute of Neurological Sciences support the local, regional and national populations of Scotland.
Local and Regional services cover 2.25 – 2.75 million people, with national services covering 5.5 million people.
Our services treat over 16,000 inpatient and day cases per year as well as providing over 50,000 outpatient appointments.
The INS is the largest Neurosciences centre in Scotland, providing two-thirds of NHS Scotland’s specialist neurosciences beds.
Project Background – Why the INS is changing
The services within the Institute of Neurological Sciences (INS) have undergone significant changes over recent years, with new and improved technologies and increased number of services.
The redevelopment of the INS will provide opportunities to:
enable new ways of working
implement advancing technology
provide safer environments for patient care
develop a sustainable estate that addresses the NHSGGC Board and Scottish Governments’ carbon reduction targets
continue to attract and retain world-leading staff
progress the development of an International Centre of Excellence for Neurological Sciences
Ensuring the Institute of Neurological Sciences continues to deliver world class services and treatments to the population of Scotland for years to come.
What we’ve done so far
Over the last few years NHSGGC has been working on the Initial Agreement which confirms the need for change for the Institute of Neurological Sciences (INS).
Through a series of workshops with patients, staff and Third sector organisations the project team has:
Reviewed and benchmarked the existing facilities
Produced a high level design statement which can be viewed in our design section
Identified high level benefits and merits of the project
This resulted in the submission of the Initial Agreement to the Scottish Government Health Directorate Capital Investment Group which was approved in March 2023. The Initial Agreement can be found in our document library section.
NHSGGC has now begun working on outlining the preferred option for the redevelopment of the Institute of Neurological Sciences.
Project Team
The project team comprises a range of non clinical and clinical staff from NHSGGC including Service and Capital Planning representatives.
Arwel Williams Senior Responsible Officer/Director of South Sector
Susan Walker Project General Manager
John Donnelly Director for Major Projects
Marjorie Johns Planning Manager
Andrew Baillie Deputy Director for Major Projects
Dr Bryan Dawson Project Clinical Lead
Fiona Warnock-Greer Senior Project Manager
Alastair Reid Project Manager
Susan Smith Programme Support Manager
Design
With input from key stakeholders including patients, third sector, clinical and non-clinical staff, an initial design statement was developed in 2021 to support the redevelopment of the Institute of Neurological Sciences.
The design statement is a key briefing document used to enhance the design process and ensure project objectives are achieved.
The statement was supported by Architecture & Design Scotland and Health Facilities Scotland.
How long will it take to decide the preferred option?
The NHSGGC project team are working though the first phase of the programme will run throughout 2023 into early 2024 to establish which option should be taken forward for redevelopment.
How can I find out more information on the project?
You can get in touch with us by completing the contact form. Throughout the programme there will be opportunity to get involved in workshops and to be kept up to date with recent developments.
Document Library
No downloads found!
Cancer
For people with cancer, the relationship between food and eating can change. The webpage below was written by Dietitians at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre to help you to take care of your food intake and nutrition by yourself. But if you are struggling to manage on your own you can ask a Dietitian for advice.
Dietitians and Support Workers can see you if you stay on a ward at the Beatson (or at your local hospital). Or you can ask your GP to refer you to see a Dietitian in a local clinic.
This information is for people who have been diagnosed with IBS.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects 1 in 5 adults, primarily impacting the bowel and gut. Symptoms include diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain and/or discomfort, abdominal cramps, bloating, and excessive wind. Other symptoms are nausea, heartburn, lethargy and tiredness.
Although there is no specific test for diagnosing IBS, it is important to have a diagnosis confirmed. Tests are required to rule out other conditions like coeliac disease and Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) (eg crohns disease, ulcerative colitis). If you think you might have IBS it’s important to speak to your Doctor before making dietary changes. It’s essential that you explain your symptoms, making sure to mention if you have any of the following:
– unintentional and unexplained weight loss
– rectal bleeding
– a family history of bowel or ovarian cancer
– a change in bowel habit to looser and/or more frequent stools persisting for more than six weeks in a person aged over 60 years
– iron deficiency anaemia
– nausea and / or vomiting
– reflux / heartburn
The cause of IBS is unknown, however symptoms can be improved through diet and lifestyle changes. This might include changes to what you eat and drink, exercising and finding ways to relax and manage stress.
The links below provide information and first line advice to help you manage your symptoms.
If your symptoms continue despite making these changes, speak to your Dietitian. Sometimes special Diets such as low lactose, wheat free or a low FODMAP diet can help. However these diets can cause nutritional deficiencies so always make sure that you get advice from a Dietitian before trying them. Your GP or health professional can refer you to your local Dietetic service.
When your liver is not working well, your body needs extra energy and protein. Malnutrition (weight loss and muscle wasting) is common in liver disease. This resource was written by dietitians in NHSGGC to help guide you on what to eat and drink if you have, or are at risk of, malnutrition.
For further information on nutrition, talk to your liver team. They may refer you for an appointment with a dietitian.
See Information Eating to Feel Better. Liver Disease for more information
The role of the dietitian includes nutritional assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation of nutrition related issues in respiratory patients.
Universally across respiratory conditions, the management of malnutrition is at the forefront of priorities for Dietitians – however both under nutrition and over nutrition are considered.
Having a diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) means patients use 10 times more energy to breathe than someone with healthy lungs – Therefore COPD patients need more energy to do the work of breathing. A good diet can help prevent lung infections. Ensuring the patient has a sound nutritional status reduces the risk of getting infections, improves lung function and reduces both likelihood/ duration of hospital stay. Good diet also reduces the likelihood of unplanned weight loss from eating poorly which can weaken the muscles used for breathing. Poor nutritional intake/ status can make symptoms of COPD worse and it can also decrease a patients ability to exercise.
Community Respiratory Team can be contacted on 0141 800 0790 and patient needing dietetic input will be seen by Community dietitians
See link below for short video on the role on diet and COPD.
Hospital at Home provides the same level of high-quality multi-disciplinary care they would receive as a patient in a hospital bed.
Patients who are treated within Hospital at Home also have access to hospital-level diagnostics, such as radiology, rapid blood analysis, cardiology and a range of urgent hospital-level interventions such as IV therapy and oxygen.
About the service
The service runs 8.00am – 8.00pm seven days a week (including weekends and public holidays)
About the Team
Patients are registered under the care of a Hospital Consultant
Clinical care is delivered by a team, led by a Consultant Nurse and is comprised of:
Changes to your diet can significantly improve IBS symptoms in some people. Eating well, being well hydrated and increasing/ decreasing your fibre intake (based on symptoms) might be helpful in managing symptoms. Links below provide further information on diet.
Alcohol can make IBS symptoms worse. Reducing alcohol intake can help to reduce symptoms, as well as having positive effects on physical and mental health.
If your patient requires behavioural change support to become more active, has a history of heart disease and / or has had a stroke within the last 6 months, please refer via Live Active.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has the largest MSK team in the UK and we are committed to providing the highest quality of care to our patients, and in return we invest in your development.
Our Vision
The NHSGGC MSK Physiotherapy Service will deliver a comprehensive, accessible, quality service responsive to the needs of the public it serves and fit for the 21st century. It will ensure the delivery of this service is of clinical and educational excellence encompassing at its very heart a patient focused model of care. The service will be consistent, equitable, safe and efficient and provide the highest standard of care for adult patients with a musculoskeletal condition.
Our Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide a high quality musculoskeletal physiotherapy service that is effective, person centred, safe, timely, efficient and equitable. We aim to create a dynamic and innovative culture where all staff are valued and supported to work in partnership with patients, providing a service to be proud of.
Who is in the NHSGGC MSK Physiotherapy Team?
MSK Consultant
MSK Advanced Practice Physiotherapists
GP Advanced Practice Physiotherapists
Back Pain Advanced Practice Physiotherapists
Band 6 MSK Physiotherapists
Band 5 MSK Physiotherapists
Health & Social Care Support Workers
Service lead MSK Physiotherapy
Quadrant (Senior) Managers
GP APP Clinical Leads
Team Lead Physiotherapists
Practice Development Physiotherapists
Administrative Team
We also have strong links working alongside:
Orthopaedic Advanced Practice Physiotherapists
Band 5 Rotational Physiotherapists
Community Administrative Teams
Learning and Development
Learning and development comes in many forms. We offer an excellent range of learning and development opportunities that focus on fulfilling your potential and ambition, guided by the National Education of Scotland’s 4 pillars of Practice.
In-service Training- local & service wide
Annual MSK conference
Dedicated CPD time
Course funding
Online learning platform opportunities
Organisation bursary
Dedicated MSK Practice Development Group
Dedicated B5 training
Flying start for new graduates
CPD via TURAS appraisal
Annual wellbeing event
Peer coaching
Mentorship
Weekly case review
Clinical supervision
Clinical reasoning support from Advanced Practitioners
Virtual support clinics with Advanced Practitioners
Ask the APP live Teams channel
Graduate Opportunities in NHS GGC MSK Physiotherapy
As well as the learning and development opportunities for all our MSK clinicians, we offer a dedicated B5 training pack including:
Our MSK service is split into 4 geographical areas:
Clyde (Inverclyde and Renfrewshire)
East (East Dunbartonshire and North East Glasgow City)
South (South Glasgow City and East Renfrewshire)
West (North West Glasgow City and West Dunbartonshire)
We provide assessment and treatment in both acute and primary care sites: our locations.
How To Apply
Our vacancies are advertised on the NHS Scotland Job Portal. All vacancies are listed in regions please select NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to view the opportunities within our Health Board.
Follow our Twitter account for up-dates and job opportunities
More information about the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area
The North East Sector provides both a General Nuclear Medicine and a Specialist Nuclear Cardiology service. Please select which service you wish to access by clicking the links below.
