If you have any of the following injuries or symptoms, A&E is not the place to get the care you need.
Here are some of the most common reasons people attend A&E inappropriately. You’ll find information below on how to manage to each of the following issues:
If you have a broken finger bone, and there isn’t an open wound. Tape or bandage the finger so it cannot move and attend your nearest Minor Injuries Unit (MIU).
Broken lower arm
If you think you have broken your arm, between your elbow and hand, and there isn’t an open wound… Immobilise the arm (keep it as still as possible) and attend your nearest Minor Injuries Unit (MIU).
Cold or sore throat
If you have an infection of the upper airways, such as a cold or sore throat. Most cases can be managed at home with rest and over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol.
If your symptoms are severe or prolonged, contact your local pharmacy.
Cut finger
If you have a cut or laceration to your finger that does not involve the nail, you can manage this at home.
Clean and dress the wound.
If the wound is deep, bleeding heavily, or shows signs of infection, attend your nearest Minor Injuries Unit (MIU).
Diarrhoea and/or vomiting
If you have a sudden onset of diarrhoea and/or vomiting, it is likely due to infection. Most cases can be managed at home with rest and by drinking plenty of fluids.
If there is blood in the stool, a high fever, or if symptoms persist, contact your local pharmacy or contact your GP.
Lower back pain
Pain in the lower back is often due to muscle strain or minor injury. Most cases can be managed at home with rest and gentle movement.
If the pain is severe, persistent, or associated with numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control, contact your GP or attend your nearest Minor Injuries Unit (MIU).
Nausea and vomiting
If you are feeling sick and/or being sick, it can be caused by many things. Sickness can usually be managed at home with rest and over-the-counter medicines.
If you are unable to keep fluids down or your symptoms persist, contact your local pharmacy or GP.
Small injury to the head
If you have a minor cut, scrape, or bruises to your head, you can manage this at home.
Clean any wounds and apply ice to reduce swelling.
If you notice symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting or confusion, contact your GP, visit your nearest Minor Injuries Unit (MIU), or call NHS 24 on 111.
Sprained or strained ankle
Stretching or tearing the ankle ligaments is usually caused by twisting or rolling the foot. Most cases can be managed at home with rest, ice, compression and elevation.
If you experience severe pain, cannot bear weight, or notice a deformity, contact your GP or attend your nearest Minor Injuries Unit (MIU).
Sprained or strained foot
Injury to the ligaments or muscles of the foot is usually caused by twisting or overuse. Most cases can be managed at home with rest and elevation.
If you are unable to walk, or there is severe swelling or deformity, contact your GP or attend your nearest Minor Injuries Unit (MIU).
Sprained or strained wrist
Over stretching or tearing the wrist ligaments is often due to a fall. Most cases can be managed at home with rest, ice, compression and elevation.
If you are in severe pain, or notice a deformity, contact your GP or attend your nearest Minor Injuries Unit (MIU).
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
If you have an infection of the urinary tract, you can most likely manage this at home.
Make sure to drink plenty of fluids and contact your local pharmacy or GP, especially if you develop a fever or back pain.
Viral infection
If you have symptoms such as: fever, cough or feeling generally unwell, you can manage this at home with rest and over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol.
If your symptoms are severe or prolonged, contact your local pharmacy.
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Mood changes are a necessary part of human functioning. It’s natural to feel anxious, worried, sad or low sometimes. But when mood changes become severe, persistent and interfere with normal life, we need to take notice.
The persistent low mood of depression is deeper, longer and more unpleasant than the short periods of unhappiness we all have from time to time. Similarly, persistent anxiety is more than just feeling worried. Many people experience symptoms of depression and anxiety at the same time. Significant depression or anxiety affects more than one in ten people during their life.
More Information
Depression – Introduction
Depression is a very personal experience. Symptoms can vary from person to person but usually include changes to your:
Thoughts (for example feeling worthless or to blame, hopeless and incapable)
Mood (feeling persistently down, anxious, or numb)
Behaviour (for example losing interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities).
You may also notice physical changes such as loss of appetite, tiredness, or aches and pains.
Depression can come on gradually so it can be difficult to notice something is wrong.
Many people continue to cope with their symptoms without realising they are ill. It can take a friend or family member to suggest that something might be wrong.
The most common symptoms of depression are:
Little interest or pleasure in life
Feeling down, hopeless, numb or empty
Sleep disturbances. Difficulty falling or staying asleep. Sleeping too much
Tiredness and lack of energy
Appetite disturbances. Not eating enough, or overeating
Feeling bad about yourself. Feeling like a failure, believing that you have let other people down
Difficulty concentrating on things like reading or watching television
Moving or speaking much more slowly. Or becoming fidgety or restless
Thinking about death and dying. Thinking about harming yourself. Wondering if you would be better off dead.
People may find themselves worrying excessively over the smallest things, blaming themselves for everything that goes wrong, and feeling irritated by those around them.
Depression has been described as a “heavyweight” “a state where nothing tastes, smells or feels right” or “being in a world without colour or laughter”.
Depression can cause bleak and distressing thoughts, including suicidal thinking and planning. With support and treatment, the negative feelings often pass.
If you are unsure whether what you are experiencing is depression, the following questionnaire might help you decide whether you should get help PHQ9.
Anxiety – Introduction
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry, or fear. Everyone feels anxious sometimes, but for others, it can be an ongoing problem. A bit of anxiety can be helpful; for example, anxiety before an exam can keep you alert and improve performance. Too much anxiety, however, affects focus and concentration.
Some of the most common symptoms of anxiety are:
Feeling uneasy a lot of the time
Having difficulty sleeping, feeling tired
Poor concentration
Being irritable
Being extra alert
Feeling on edge, not being able to relax
Needing lots of reassurance from others
Tearfulness
When you’re anxious or stressed, your body releases stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. These cause the physical symptoms of anxiety which include:
A pounding heartbeat
Breathing faster
Palpitations (an irregular heartbeat)
Feeling sick
Chest pains
Headaches
Sweating
Loss of appetite
Feeling faint
Needing the toilet
“Butterflies” in your stomach.
Anxiety symptoms can happen occasionally or regularly. They may start suddenly or come on gradually. They can be a nuisance or extremely disabling. Specific anxiety disorders include:
Panic disorder (when you have panic attacks)
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Generalised anxiety disorder
Social anxiety
Specific phobias
What helps
Regular exercise can be very effective in lifting mood and increasing energy levels. Exercise can help improve appetite and sleep. The research behind this shows that physical activity stimulates chemicals in the brain called endorphins, which can help you to feel better. Inactivity can cause a vicious circle: the less you do, the less you want to do. It is also important to eat well. If you aren’t eating regular healthy meals, your body won’t have enough energy, leaving you lethargic and slow.
Although you may not feel like it, keeping in touch with people can help you feel a bit more grounded and sometimes put things in perspective. Try a short phone call to a close friend or relative, or an email or text.
Try to avoid too much stress, including work-related stress. If you’re employed, you may be able to work shorter hours or work in a more flexible way, particularly if job pressures seem to trigger your symptoms.
Be kind to yourself! Depression and anxiety can make you feel inadequate or worthless. It’s hard to do nice things for yourself when you feel like that. As soon as you feel able, do something enjoyable for yourself or someone else.
Depression and anxiety can make everyday tasks overwhelming. It can help to break things down into smaller, more manageable steps. Set yourself a goal each day, starting with something small and working up to bigger tasks that you may have been putting off.
When you feel ready, you may find it helpful to do something to help other people, as this may help overcome feelings of isolation, take your mind off your own problems and make you feel better about yourself. The Scottish Recovery Network encourages people to share their personal journeys to recovery. Reading and sharing stories of hope, optimism, and strength can help balance the negativity of depression and can help an individual feel more in control of their own life again.
Learning how to relax and be mindful can also be helpful in your recovery.
Overcoming depression and anxiety can take time but there is treatment available. Most people recover. Understanding yourself helps – learning to recognise your own ‘warning signs’ of how you react under stress, or when things become difficult, is an important part of staying well in the future.
Find out more
There are times in our lives when many of us will experience feelings of low mood and anxiety.
The Scottish Association for Mental Health offer community-based services for people with mental health problems and has a role in policy development and campaigning on mental health issues.
Helping someone else
There is helpful information on the NHS Inform webpage on supporting someone with Depression if you’re worried about someone you care about or care for who is depressed.
If you’re caring for someone with a mental health difficulty these organisations can offer support:
Depression and anxiety cause feelings of sadness, guilt, despair and hopelessness. Self- esteem and confidence can be badly shaken.
People with depression or anxiety may avoid their friends and relatives rather than ask for help or support. This is often when they need your help and support most.
How do you help someone who may not want your help, or feel they deserve help? You can help by just being there. Showing a real interest in them, not just their problems. Be prepared to listen, and to spend time with them. This can help counter the unpleasant, negative thoughts they will have about themselves.
Someone who is depressed may need a lot of encouragement to get help. You could find out about local support groups, relaxation classes, or self-help literature. You could offer to go with them to a group or doctor’s appointment.
Sometimes it can feel that the person you know and love has changed so much, you find it hard to recognise them. If you have serious concerns about their well-being or think they may be suicidal urgent help is needed. You can call their GP or go to accident and emergency.
Supporting a friend or relative who is depressed or anxious can be an opportunity to build a closer and more satisfying relationship. However, it can be hard work and frustrating. You might feel helpless or annoyed if the person won’t accept your help. Unless you pay attention to your own needs, it can make you feel unwell too. Finding a support group and talking to others in a similar situation might help.
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn’t worth living.
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling that we can all get but sometimes it can become excessive and stop you from doing the things you want to. These feelings can become a problem when they cause distress or make us feel uncomfortable. There are various types of anxiety disorders depending on how often they occur or if they are triggered by certain things. Examples might be when the feelings of anxiety can occur all the time for no apparent reason with lots of worrying thoughts and physical symptoms such as a racing heart, feeling breathless, knot in your stomach, increased sweating. This is called Generalised Anxiety. Sometimes these symptoms can occur without warning for short periods of time for no apparent reason. These are called Panic attacks. Sometimes the feelings of aniety can be brought on by specific things such as a fear of heights or crowded places or spiders etc. These are described as Phobias.
Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
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On this page we are happy to share a selection of examples of Quality in Action, which is what quality looks and feels like within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. These examples will continue to grow as ‘Quality Everyone Everywhere‘ is implemented through 2024-2029.
Share Your Stories of Quality in Action
If you are a staff member we would love to hear about projects you’ve been involved in which showcase Quality. Please complete this short form – https://forms.office.com/e/gAfCSJt4MD. You can also complete this on someone else’s behalf if you have seen or witnessed a great example of Quality.
If you are a member of the public and have experienced an example of Quality you would like to tell us about, please get in touch. You can do this my emailing: ggc.qualitystrategy@nhs.scot.
Real Life Examples of Quality in Action
2025 – Quality in Action Stories
Keeping Families Together: Neonatal Care at Home
Jaundice is the most common neonatal condition, and when it happens treatment traditionally means a hospital stay and separation from home comforts but thanks to an innovative pilot at the Royal Hospital for Children, families now have another option: Neonatal Hospital at Home, an innovative example of Quality in Action.
Over a period of 6 months the pilot offered phototherapy treatment for jaundice in the family home. The results speak volumes:
23 babies and their families benefited from home-based care
60 maternity bed days were freed up, creating capacity for high-risk patients
£1,050 saved per bed day, demonstrating cost efficiency
This approach aligns with Scotland’s priorities for personalised care and NHSGGC’s Women and Children’s Strategy 2025. It’s a powerful example of how innovation can improve patient experience, reduce pressure on hospital resources, and keep families together when it matters most.
Family Voices
“Having the option to treat our baby at home for jaundice was absolutely life changing. With an older child at home, avoiding readmission meant less disruption and distress.”
“Honestly can’t recommend this enough and will be forever grateful for the opportunity to have done this at home.”
“Being able to treat the wee one at home was fantastic. The team were in contact daily and contactable if I needed them which was very reassuring.”
“I found treatment at home far more relaxing than being in hospital – being in my own home with my husband made the world of difference.”
Keeping Patients Safe, Warm and Supported Beyond Hospital Walls
In Gartnavel Hospital, when a 90-year-old patient at the Brownlee Centre was referred to our ‘Safe and Warm’ advice service, it sparked a life-changing chain of support. Delivered in partnership with Drumchapel Citizens Advice Bureau, the service tackles energy, benefits and debt concerns for patients in hospital.
In this case, the advisor ensured home safety improvements, secured Priority Services registration, and carried out a benefits check which helped the person claim Pension Credit and Council Tax reduction. This resulted in backdated payments worth £1,458.80. This provided financial help and gives peace of mind and dignity for someone living alone after being in hospital.
Compassion in Action: How our Volunteers Make a Difference
Sometimes, the smallest gestures have the biggest impact. Recently, an elderly gentleman arrived at reception seeking help to find his clinic. Trish, one of our volunteer welcome guides, noticed he looked frail and unwell. Concerned for his safety, she acted quickly.
What happened next shows the true value and Quality of our welcome guides:
Trish encouraged him to sit and arranged for a porter to escort him safely to his clinic.
When the gentleman became distressed after losing his wallet containing £100, Trish contacted the clinic team, who located and returned it.
Recognising his vulnerability, Trish offered to call a family member or taxi. The gentleman had no one to call but was grateful for the support and accepted Trish’s offer of calling a taxi.
This story highlights that welcome guides do far more than give directions. They provide reassurance, practical help and a person-centred approach that makes patients feel cared for from the moment they arrive. Our welcome guides embody compassion and vigilance, ensuring every patient feels safe and supported. Their actions remind us that care begins at the front door.
Driving Sustainability in Orthotics with Digital Shape Capture
The NHSGGC Orthotic Service has transitioned from traditional casting to digital scanning for ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs). In doing so we’ve reduced waste, improved patient outcomes and aligned with the Board’s sustainability and value programme.
Four months post-rollout, digital shape capture reached 98%, and a year later, this was sustained at 88%.
Casting AFOs involved costly, non-recyclable materials and courier transport between sites and external manufacturers, leading to delays, risk of loss and increased carbon emissions. Digital scanning offers repeatability, faster turnaround and improved patient care while saving approximately £26,000 annually.
Palliative Care and Care Around Dying: Building the Future Together
In March, NHSGGC brought together 163 people from across health and care services, hospices, the third sector, corporate teams and people with lived experience for an Accelerated Design Event (ADE). The goal was to co-create a new Palliative Care and Care Around Dying Strategy for our whole system.
By 2040, projections show that 90% of all deaths in Scotland will require palliative care, with the greatest need among older adults. Acting now ensures we keep patients and families at the heart of care while meeting future demand.
The NHSGGC strategy is in development following the ADE and will be published on completion in 2026.
2024 (From June-December following Board Approval of the Strategy in June 2024)
Project Milkshake
What was the aim and what did we do?
To support consistent practice with the use of standardised milkshakes as part of the food first step within the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) Step 5 pathway.
We worked in partnership with care staff and care home chefs to develop 14 different milkshake recipes.
We tested and adapted the recipes based on how people enjoyed them and the impact on nutritional scores.
We arranged for every member of staff in the care home to be given food first and food fortification training.
We provided access to the recipe booklet.
We provided on-going support and troubleshooting throughout the project and beyond.
What was the outcome?
There is no additional cost to NHSGGC in implementing this programme.
Residents enjoyed the milkshakes and there was a positive impact in weight with overall reduction from medium to low risk of malnutrition.
There was a reduction in referrals to dietetics and in the use of oral nutritional supplements.
There was a 42% reduction in the number of reported falls.
HMP Low Moss Improving the Cancer Journey
In partnership with Macmillan, East Dunbartonshire Improving the Cancer Journey Service is a ground-breaking service that has been developed within Low Moss Prison, specifically tailored to support people living in prison to navigate the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. This pioneering initiative aims to provide holistic care and emotional support to these individuals.
This video shows how the project is increasing options for people who are affected by a diagnosis of cancer whilst living in prison. We will hear from members of the team in the prison as well as partners from the community health improvement team who support the Macmillan Improving the Cancer Journey Service.
Spiritual Care Service
NHSGGC registered chaplains are trained professionals who offer confidential, compassionate, inclusive, non-judgemental, person-centred spiritual, emotional and bereavement care and support for all hospital communities in our health board.
The spiritual care team are available to support and listen to everyone, including family and friends, staff, students and volunteers – this includes people of all backgrounds, faiths and non religious beliefs, who have equal access to the spiritual care service.
In this video we hear from one of the Healthcare Chaplains and two members of staff who received support from the Spiritual Care Team following the sudden death of one of their colleagues.
National Green Theatres Projects – Neptune System
What was the aim and what did we do?
To reduce the carbon footprint across theatres in NHSGGC by eliminating single use surgical containers in theatres.
Currently the disposal of clinical waste costs £500 per tonne.
To address this we accessed the supplier of the Neptune System and conducted a pilot programme at the Royal Hospital for Children.
What was the outcome?
There was a reduction in time changing Vacsaxs and a reduction in the amount of plastics in theatres.
Elimination of issues with control suction within theatres at QEUH.
Improvement in infection control processes due to limited exposure to bodily fluids.
Improvement in efficiency in theatre providing an organised waste supply chain.
Suicide Reduction and Management of Ligature Risks
What was the aim and what did we do?
To reduce the risks of self-harm and suicide.
In 2020 NHSGGC began to identify and remove ligature points from patient areas where possible.
We developed a Board-wide Suicide Reduction and Management of Ligature Risks Policy to ensure a systematic and uniform approach was taken to managed ligature risks.
We developed a self-harm control checklist and a LearnPro module.
Quantifiable data on ligature points in patient areas was developed and used to generate a list of areas in order of risk.
We invested in removing ligature points where possible, starting from very-high risk areas through to low-risk areas.
This resulted removing the most common ligature point used by patients in mental health wards.
What was the outcome?
Reduction in the number of known ligature points from patient areas.
Reduction of ligature incidents using a fixed ligature point reported on Datix.
Safer environments by reducing access to material used to self-harm.
Pre-Operative Pharmacist Consultations
What was the aim and what did we do?
To address long waiting lists for elective orthopaedic surgeries by removing hip and knee replacements to day case or short stay surgeries.
Stobhill Hospital has developed and implemented a day case arthroplasty service as part of the Arthroplasty Rehabilitation in Scotland Endeavour (ARISE).
We introduced consultations with pharmacists for all hip and knee replacement patients at Stobhill.
The pharmacists provides peri-operative medicines advice, person-centred discharge education on use of medicines.
What was the outcome?
Patients felt more confident in taking their medicine.
Staff felt the service improved efficiency of medicines supply and prescribing standards.
People who had previous experience of surgery felt this approach was an improved experience.
Staff felt the service freed them up to spend more time focussing on caring for patients.
People were discharged earlier and had less appointments after they were discharged.
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Mental Health teams across Greater Glasgow and Clyde
In the mental health services you may be invited to meet with people in a variety of different settings or teams. Services are organised to be able to provide varying levels of intensity of intervention depending on how severe or complex your condition may be.
Here are some of the teams you may be invited to attend, what do they do and which ones are in your area:
Primary Care Mental Health Teams (PCMHT)
PCMHTs work with people who may be experiencing common mental health problems such as mild to moderate depression, anxiety or phobias. PCMHTs are usually staffed by mental health nurses, mental health practitioners and psychologists, and have strong links with GP surgeries. These teams usually provide psychological therapies, and work with people for up to a few months.
Access into a PCMHT can be through your GPor you could refer yourself.
East Dunbartonshire PCMHT
10 Saramago Street
G66 3BF
Tel: 0141 232 8203
East Renfrewshire (Bridges) PCMHT
Eastwood Health and Care Centre
G76 7HN
Tel: 0141 451 0590 (general enquiries only)
Glasgow North East PCMHT
1251 Duke St, Parkhead
G31 5NZ
Tel: Main Switchboard 0141 531 9000
Glasgow North West PCMHT
12 Sandy Road
G11 6HE
Tel: 0141 232 9270
Glasgow South (Wellbeing) PCMHT
26 Florence Street
G5 0YX
Tel: 0141 232 2555
Inverclyde (PCL) PCMHT
Crown House
30 King Street
PA15 1NL
Tel: 01475 558 000
Renfrewshire (Doing Well) PCMHT
12 Seedhill Road
PA1 1JS
Tel: 0141 849 2208
West Dunbartonshire PCMHT
Main Street
G83 0UA
Tel: 01389 828203
Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT)
CMHTs (also sometimes named resource centres) work with individuals experiencing mental health problems such as bipolar disorder, depression, severe anxiety or psychosis. CMHTs are staffed by mental health nurses, occupational therapists, psychiatrists and psychologists. These teams provide a variety of interventions, care and treatments, and can work with you as required to meet your needs.
Access into a CMHT comes by referral from your GP or Social Services.
East Renfrewshire Adult CMHT
Eastwood Health and Care Centre
Drumby Crescent
G76 7HN
Larkfield Centre (East Dunbartonshire)
10 Saramago Street
G66 3BF
Arran Resource Centre (Glasgow North East)
121 Orr Street
G40 2QP
Auchinlea House (Glasgow North East)
11 Auchinlea Road
G34 9QA
Springpark Resource Centre (Glasgow North East)
101 Denmark Street
G22 5EU
Arndale Resource Centre (Glasgow North West)
80-90 Kinfauns Drive
G15 7TS
Riverside Resource Centre (Glasgow North West)
547 Dumbarton Road
G11 6HE
Shawpark Resource Centre (Glasgow North West)
Maryhill Health and Care Centre
51 Galbraid avenue
G20 8FB
Brand Street Resource Centre (Glasgow South)
Festival Business Centre
G51 1DH
Florence Street Resource Centre (Glasgow South)
26 Florence Street
G5 0YX
Rossdale Resource Centre (Glasgow South)
12 Haughburn Road
G53 6AB
Stewart Centre (Glasgow South)
5 Ardencraig Road
G45 0EQ
Inverclyde Adult CMHT
Crown House
30 King Street
PA15 1NL
Paisley CMHT (Renfrewshire)
49 Neilston Road
PA2 6LY
West Renfrewshire CMHT (Renfrewshire)
12 Seedhill Road
PA1 1JS
Goldenhill Resource Centre (West Dunbartonshire)
199 Dumbarton Road
G81 4XJ
Riverview Resource Centre (West Dunbartonshire)
Dumbarton Joint Hospital
G82 5JA
Older Adult Mental Health Teams (OAMHT)
OAMHTs work with people who experience a range of mental health problems that are, by and large, associated with the later years in life such as dementia or depression that results from experiencing other problems such as loss (although in reality these problems can affect people throughout their lifespan). OAMHTs are largely staffed by mental health nurses, dementia care co-ordinators, psychiatrists, psychologists and occupational therapists.
Access to an OAMHT is by referral from yourGPor apsychiatrist.
Woodlands Resource Centre (East Dunbartonshire)
15-17 Waterloo Close
G66
East Renfrewshire OAMHT
Eastwood Health and Care Centre
Drumby Crescent
G76 7HN
Belmont Centre (Glasgow North East)
300 Balgrayhill Road
G21 3UR
Parkview Resource Centre (Glasgow North East)
152 Wellshot Road
G32 7AX
Shawpark Resource Centre (Glasgow North West)
Kelvindale Road
G20 8JU
Glenkirk Resource Centre (Glasgow North East)
129 Drumchapel Road
G15 6PX
Shawmill Resource Centre (Glasgow South)
Pollokshaws Clinic
G43 1RR
Elderpark Clinic (Glasgow South)
20 Arklet Road
G51 3XR
Inverclyde OAMHT
Crown House
30 King Street
PA15 1NL
Renfrewshire OAMHT
Renfrewshire Older Adults Team
12 Seedhill Road
PA1 1JS
Cairnmhor Resource Centre (West Dunbartonshire)
Cardross Road
G82 5JA
Goldenhill OAMHT (West Dunbartonshire)
199 Dumbarton Road
G81 4XJ
Alcohol and Drugs Recovery Services
Alcohol and Drug Recovery Services work with people who are experiencing problems related to their alcohol and/or drug use. These specialist services aim to help people reduce the harm of their experiences and to control their alcohol and/or drug use, and they also understand the kind of difficulties that often go hand in hand with an alcohol or drug problem. They offer a range of health and social care services including practical support, advice and care and treatment. The services you will be offered will be tailored to your particular needs and goals and may include: information and harm reduction advice; detoxification programmes and medication to assist with alcohol or drug dependency; mental health assessment and intervention; physical health assessment; psychological therapies; recovery-focused services; and access, where appropriate, to residential services. Staff working in the Alcohol and Drug Recovery Services includes nurses, social care workers, doctors, psychologists and occupational therapists.
You can access Alcohol and Drug Recovery Services by referring yourself directly or by being referred by your GP.
East Dunbartonshire Alcohol & Drugs Service
Kirkintilloch Health and Care Centre
10 Saramago Street
Kirkintilloch, G66 3BQ
Tel: 0141 232 8211
East Renfrewshire Addiction Team
St Andrews House
113 Cross Arthurlie Street
Barrhead, G78 1EE
Tel: 0141 577 4685
Glasgow North East Drug & Alcohol Recovery Services
The Newlands Centre
871 Springfield Road
Parkhead, G31 4HZ
Tel: 0141 565 0200
Glasgow North East Drug & Alcohol Recovery Services
Westwood House
1250 Westerhouse Road
Easterhouse, G34 9EA
Tel: 0141 276 3420
Glasgow North West Drug & Alcohol Recovery Services
7 Closeburn Street
Possil, G22 5JZ
Tel: 0141 276 4580
Glasgow North West Drug & Alcohol Recovery Services
7-19 Hecla Square
Drumchapel, G15 8NH
Tel: 0141 276 4330
Glasgow North West Drug & Alcohol Recovery Services
Possilpark Health & Care Centre
99 Saracen Street
Possil, G22 5AP
Tel: 0141 800 0670
Glasgow South Drug & Alcohol Recovery Services
Twomax Building
187 Old Rutherglen road
Gorbals, G5 0RE
Tel: 0141 420 8100
Glasgow South Drug & Alcohol Recovery Services
Pavilion One, Rowan Business Park
5 Ardlaw Street
Govan, G51 3RR
Tel: 0141 276 8740
Glasgow South Drug & Alcohol Recovery Services
130 Langton Road
Greater Pollok, G53 5DP
Tel: 0141 276 3010
Glasgow South Drug & Alcohol Recovery Services
10 Ardencraig Place
Castlemilk, G45 9US
Tel: 0141 287 6188
Inverclyde Integrated Alcohol Service
Wellpark Centre
30 Regent Street
Greenock, PA15 4PB
Tel: 01475 715 353
Inverclyde Integrated Drug Service
Cathcart Centre
128 Cathcart Street
Greenock, PA15 1BQ
Tel: 01475 499 000
Renfrewshire Integrated Alcohol and Drug teams
Back Sneddon Centre
20 Back Sneddon Street
Paisley
PA3 2DJ
Tel: 0300 300 1380
West Dunbartonshire Community Addiction Team (Clydebank)
New address:
Goldenhill Resource Centre
199 Dumbarton Road
Clydebank
G81 4XJ
New telephone: 0141 941 4400 – option 3
West Dunbartonshire Community Addiction Team (Dumbarton)
Dumbarton joint Hospital
Cardross Road
Dumbarton
Tel: 01389 812 018
Specialist services
There are a range of services that provide care for specialised presentations, these include psychotherapy, forensic services, trauma services, child & adolescent mental health services, and eating disorders service. Most of these services require a specialist assessment before a referral can take place.
Inpatient services
For some people, admission to hospital will aid their recovery. In this case, hospital staff will work closely with you, your family and community services to ensure that your stay in hospital is as beneficial and as short as possible. The majority of people will not need hospital admission.
Some of the people you may meet in the mental health services
In the mental health services you may meet with a variety of people from a range of professions who all work together to provide the best quality of care to you or someone you care for or care about.
Here are some of the people you might meet, and what they do:
Mental Health Nurse
Mental health nurses are there to get to know you and understand your needs. Their role is to offer you advice and support. They will work closely with you, your carers and other members of the team to plan your care. Their training covers the whole range of mental health issues across all ages. They can help you to set goals and plan for the future, assist you to manage your medication or provide brief psychological interventions.
The mental health nurses in the community is often referred to as a Community Psychiatric Nurse or more commonly as a CPN.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a doctor who specialises in mental health. A consultant is the most senior psychiatrist. In order to assess your mental health, they will ask you about your background and previous treatment, as well as your current situation. They will discuss the results of your assessment and diagnosis with you. They will discuss with you what tests or treatments you might need, and can prescribe medication if required. They may also want to meet with you again to review the effects of any treatments.
Psychologist
Psychologists are trained to understand how people think, feel and behave. They have knowledge and experience of a range of psychological therapies. The role of the psychologist is to help you to improve your mental health, wellbeing and quality of life. If you are referred to a psychologist, they will talk with you about your feelings, thoughts and behaviour. They will help you to understand the problems you are experiencing, and work with you to identify ways you can deal with these problems. A psychologist does not prescribe medication.
Occupational therapist (OT)
An occupational therapist will help you to overcome physical and psychological barriers, enabling you to carry out daily activities and tasks that maintain health and wellbeing. This might include preparing meals, visiting the shops, or continuing with a favourite leisure activity. An OT can assist you with learning new skills to help you to get the most from life.
Social worker
A social worker will find out what your welfare needs are and tell you how they can help. They can give you and your family the information and support that you may need to deal with a range of issues such as housing, benefits, education, child care and respite care. They can also assist with assessing a variety of social, accommodation and financial needs.
Types of mental health interventions you may be offered
In the mental health services, you may be offered a range of interventions to meet your particular needs and circumstance.
Here are some of the interventions and treatment approaches you might be offered:
Behavioural Activation
A structured approach that encourages you to take part in activities you feel are positive rather than withdrawal and inactivity. It aims to increase how constructive you feel in your life and also how much pleasure you experience as a result of activity.. Behaviour is learned and behavioural activation therefore aims to change the way you feel by changing what you do.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a treatment that focuses on our emotions, thoughts and behaviours. How we think and behave has an effect on their emotions and vice versa and so changing ways of thinking and behaving will help you to change how you are feeling. Your therapist will work with you to identify and alter your negative thoughts, assumptions and beliefs so that you are able to have a more balanced perspective on yourself, others and your life. As a result your difficulties will be significantly improved.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
IPT is a therapy that works by discussing difficulties you are having in the light of key relationships in your life. It is especially effective for those suffering from depression where the trigger may be in the interpersonal world and can include transitions; significant losses and interpersonal conflict. The IPT therapist will help you discover key elements of your relationships that may benefit from some changes and in turn you will see an improvement in your mood and general well-being.
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Mindfulness has been defined as paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally (in contrast to being absorbed in ruminating on the past or future). It helps us learn how to bring awareness to our thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and behaviours; encouraging us to recognise and respond to early signs of difficulties. It has been shown to be particularly helpful for those who have suffered from depression in the past. MBCT is often taught in a group course format.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Motivational Interviewing is a style of interaction based upon psychological principles that aim to help you to change particular behaviours that will help your health, such as stopping drinking or improving your way of managing how you deal with a chronic health problem e.g. asthma or diabetes. Your therapist will work with you to explore various motivational aspects of current and potential future behaviours and actions.
Psycho-education
These approaches involve helping you learn about your difficulties and some straightforward steps you can take to improve things for yourself. Psycho-education is delivered to an individual or in a group approach like a ‘training course’. It is also available as a self-help resource online. The courses and resources may provide all the help you need or may be the first part of a broader treatment programme.
BSL – Mental Health Teams
Mental Health – Primary Care Mental Health Team (PCMHT)
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Primary Care Mental Health Team (PCMHT)
PCMHTs work with people who may be experiencing common mental health problems such as moderate to severe depression, anxiety or phobias. PCMHTs are usually staffed by mental health nurses, mental health practitioners, and psychologists, and have strong links with GP surgeries. These teams usually provide psychological therapies, and work with people for up to a few months.
Access to a PCMHT can be through yourGPor you could referyourself.
Community Mental Health Team (CMHT)
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Community Mental Health Team (CMHT)
CMHTs work with individuals experiencing significant mental health problems such as bipolar disorder, depression, severe anxiety or psychosis. CMHTs are staffed by mental health nurses, occupational therapists, psychiatrists and psychologists. These teams provide a variety of interventions, care and treatments, and can work with you as required to meet your need.
Multi-Disciplinary Team
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)
A range of health and social care staff who work together in providing the necessary care and treatment. This can be either in the community or in hospital. It can include nurses, psychologists, doctors, occupational therapists, dieticians, physiotherapists and social workers
Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
BSL – Mental Health Workers
Psychiatrist
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Psychiatrist
Consultant psychiatrists have the overall responsibility for diagnosing a mental health condition and prescribing treatment. Psychiatrists are qualified medical doctors who specialise in mental health conditions.
Social Worker
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Social Worker
A professional who can help to assist with practical aspects of life and may have had training in providing psychological assistance. Social workers work collaboratively with various organisations, such as local authorities and the NHS, who provide support.
Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN)
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN)
Registered nurses who are trained in mental health and can give long-term support to those living in the community.
Counsellor/Psychotherapist
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Counsellor/Psychotherapist
Counselors or Psychotherapists work with individuals, couples, families and groups to help them overcome a range of psychological and emotional issues. They use personal treatment plans and a variety of non-medical treatments to address the client’s thought processes, feelings and behavior, understand inner conflicts and find new ways to alleviate and deal with distress.
Occupational Therapist
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help people of all ages who have physical, psychological or social problems. This could be help with shopping, brushing their teeth, or helping to assist with a person’s child care, professional development or attending social activities
Keyworker
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Keyworker
A ward nurse who is responsible for implementing the care plan and often develops reports regarding your progress.
General Practitioner (GP)
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – General Practitioner
GPs are family doctors who provide general health services to a local community. They are usually based in a GP surgery or practice and are often the first place people go with a health concern.
Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
BSL – Mental Health Interventions
Art Therapy
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Art Therapy
A form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of communication.
Assessment
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Assessment
When someone is unwell, health care professionals meet with the person to talk to them and find out more about their symptoms so they can make a diagnosis and plan treatments. This is called an assessment. Family members should be involved in assessments, unless the person who is unwell says he or she does not want that.
Care Plan
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Care Plan
Mental health professionals draw up a care plan with someone when they first start offering them support, after they have assessed what someone’s needs are and what is the best package of help they can offer. People should be given a copy of their care plan and it should be reviewed regularly. Service users, and their families and carers, can be involved in the discussion of what the right care plan is.
Care Programme Approach (CPA)
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Care Programme Approach (CPA)
A way of co-ordinating the care and treatment that a person with significant mental health problems receives from various health and social care services. This is used in specific circumstances for a small number of individuals with complex needs when there are several agencies involved in their care.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Is a type of psychological or talking therapy. It can be a treatment for different mental health problems. It is usually structured and time-limited. It aims to help you understand how your problems began and what keeps them going. CBT works by helping you to link the way that you think (your thoughts, beliefs and assumptions), with how you feel (your emotions) and what you do (your behaviour). CBT has been shown to help with many different types of problems. These include: anxiety, depression, panic, phobias, stress, bulimia, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder and psychosis. CBT may also help if you have difficulties with anger, a low opinion of yourself or physical health problems, like pain or fatigue.
Counselling
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Counselling
Counselling is a type of talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues.
Group Therapy
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Group Therapy
Group therapy is a form of talking therapy where a group of individuals meet regularly with a therapist to help each other to discuss their individual struggles and ways to tackle them.
Inpatient
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Inpatient
Most people with mental health problems receive the care and treatment they need while living in the community. But sometimes when a person is very unwell or is potentially at risk to themselves or to others, they may need treatment in hospital for a period of time.
Wellness or Recovery Plan
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Wellness or Recovery Plan
A mental health recovery plan is a way to be actively involved in recovering from mental health problems and take control of your mental health, so you can work toward achieving treatment and recovery goals. It helps you look at ways of staying well and make best use of your supports.
Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
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There are six Health and Social Care Partnerships (HSCP) across the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area, who manage a wide range of local health and social care services delivered in health centres, clinics, schools and homes.
East Dunbartonshire HSCP – Bearsden, Milngavies, Torrance, Cadder, Campsie Glen, Kikintilloch and Twechar
East Renfrewshire HSCP – Neilston, Uplawmoor Newton Mearns, Barrhead, Giffnock, Stamperland,Clarkston, Eaglesham
Inverclyde HSCP – Greenock, Inverkip, Gourock, Port Glasgow, Kilmacolm, Quarriers Village, Wemyss Bay
The Equality & Human Rights Team offers a range of training opportunities for staff members.
In addition to our scheduled training courses, we make every effort to respond to specific requests from staff groups. In order to ensure that we have sufficient information to do this, please consider the following before completing the request form.
Purpose of Training
It is important to be clear about what you wish to achieve with your training request, such as policy compliance, service improvement or staff development. Please ensure training is:
• Approved via relevant NHSGGC management structures
• Documented in line with governance standards
• Linked to Staff PDPs and eKSF updates
Please note that training should not replace relevant HR practice and procedure. If there are concerns about conduct or live investigations outstanding, this is a matter for the Human Resources Department. For further information, go to the HR Connect Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpage.
Training Content
You will be asked to specify the topics, competencies or behaviours to be covered in your training. For example: EQIA Lead Reviewer Training; Human Library; Equality Act overview; Communication Support; BSL Act; Anti-racism Plan.
For further information about our current equalities work, legislation and resources, please go to NHSGGC – Equalities in Health
Location & Registration
It is the requester’s responsibility to provide a suitable venue for training to be delivered. Please ensure availability of equipment and facilities for the agreed training delivery, such as a projector for PowerPoint or breakout space as required. Please note it is also the requester’s responsibility to manage course registration.
Evaluation
Course evaluation should be in place,such aspre/post assessments, feedback forms, observation or peer review.
Submit request
To submit a training request, please complete the online form. A member of the Equality & Human Rights Team will be in touch to discuss your request.
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We want to ensure that all our patients have access to the right care in the right place at the right time. This means making sure that everyone understands the range of services available in order to decide what best meets their needs.
Many patients with protected characteristics can experience barriers to receiving the care they need. These include a lack of accessible information explaining the emergency care system, difficulties understanding and working their way through the appointments system and problems managing online or telephone support.
A&E departments are often the only service people are aware of that they can walk into to get help when they are worried and in pain. This means that they are often in the wrong place to get the proper care for their ailment. It is therefore vital to provide accessible information and routes to care for those who don’t know the system.
Working with protected characteristic groups
We are liaising with our emergency departments and charities to create opportunities to engage directly with protected characteristic groups. We will work with them to –
Create accessible resources that describe routes into our services and the alternatives to emergency care
Capture people’s experiences of accessing the right care in the right place to use as case studies
Help us support our emergency services to meet the needs of people with protected characteristics
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Digital solutions are making access to health care easier for many people. However, for some people, they are creating additional barrier to accessing care.
Also, where traditional routes into services are being replaced by digital ones, there may be a negative impact on people with certain protected characteristics – such as age, disability and race.
For example Glasgow Disability Alliance’s ‘Disabled People’s Mental Health Matters’ report (2021) highlighted that of the 2,500 disabled people involved, 1,500 faced digital exclusion with no access to devices, Wi-Fi or lacking the confidence to use it.
We want to ensure that these changes to the way patients access care will not disadvantage anyone who is digitally excluded. To this end, we are assessing the impact of all proposed service redesigns where digital solutions feature as alternatives to pre-existing care pathways. We are also engaging with protected characteristic groups to better understand their experience of using digital routes into services and will make appropriate adjustments.
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NHSGGC is committed to improving the experiences and health outcomes for patients with a learning disability (LD).
Our Acute Learning Disability and Autism Group leads this programme of activity and is working with local LD groups, patients, carers and families to improve hospital inpatient experiences.
This work includes a focus on –
Improved admission process, including providing thorough background information/ hospital passport
Reduced length of stay
Reduced hospital complications
Greater Carer involvement.
Autistic and Neurodivergent people experience some of the greatest inequalities in society
It is estimated that one in 100 people in Scotland are Autistic or Neurodivergent. There are many reasons why Autistic people may face barriers in accessing healthcare, including the following –
Executive functioning differences such as working memory, decision making and time management can lead to professionals to perceive Autistic people as being unwilling to engage with services or not requiring them.
Autistic people are very likely to experience the sensory world in a different way and healthcare environments have unusual smells, noises and lighting. These sensory differences may also be increased if the person is anxious or stressed.
A lack of understanding and stigma felt by Autistic people when engaging with services can lead to attempts to mask autistic symptoms which can lead to poor patient experience.
Everyone’s experience of being autistic is different, so it’s vital that all our staff understand the importance of a person-centred approach. There are lots of different kinds of reasonable adjustments that can be put in place which could greatly improve patient experience.
Activities include –
The introduction of an Autism Passport that can be shared between patients and staff. This will explain what should be considered when delivering care
Supporting Autistic and Neurodivergent people to sense check services as part of our Disability Discrimination Audits
The production of an Autism and Neurodivergence patient pathway app to provide easy access, useful information for staff.
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