Within the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital we have an Alongside Midwifery Unit, also known as our AMU. This is our hospitals midwife led unit which we are recommending to all women that are low risk of labour and birth complications.
The birthing rooms within the unit are designed to have a homely and relaxing feel and are equipped with mood lighting, speakers and aromatherapy diffusers. We also have lots of equipment to support you in upright and active birth including birthing balls, CUB chairs and large birthing pools. Within the unit we can offer gas and air, morphine and water immersion for pain relief and we can also support you in waterbirth.
The unit is minutes away from labour ward should you request any alternative pain relief such as an epidural or if you or your baby require any additional support. Please talk to your midwife at your next appointment if you are interested in using our AMU for your labour and birth.
The AMU at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) is a wonderful, new exciting Midwifery led birthing unit situated alongside our very popular Labour Suite. We have 3 ensuite rooms available, 2 have state of the art birthing pools. We, as a Team, encourage all pregnant women with no antenatal risk factors to experience intrapartum Midwife led care and birth their babies within our AMU.
The rooms are comfortable and spacious with space to mobilise during labour, a birthing couch and recliner chairs are supplied for those times when our labouring women wish to rest. However, upright and active positions are encouraged during labour and birth. Aids such as peanut balls birthing balls, ballet bars and rebozo sling with chair is available to facilitate this. Hydrotherapy pools in the rooms are a fantastic option for not only pain relief but also to aid comfort and support a weightless freedom of movement which helps our women get their bodies into optimal positions to birth their babies. Our staff are trained to welcome your little ones into the world underwater if this is your preferred birth plan.
We encourage all our women to eat and drink throughout labour, so please remember to pack your favourite energy boosting snacks into your bag.
We have Bluetooth speakers in the rooms for your birthing playlist. The speakers also have vibrant laser lights should you wish this for your environment. We also provide oil diffusers. We can provide some aromatherapy oils to diffuse but if you have a preferred scent then please bring it with you. Fairy lights and battery operated candles are in all AMU rooms.
Pain relief options within the AMU are hydrotherapy, gas and air, TENS and morphine injections. If you wish to use hypnotherapy/meditation techniques during your labour our staff are more than happy to support you. We would encourage you to take the time to consider your plans and document them into your BadgerNotes birth plan, this way all your care providers will know your wishes in advance.
We will listen to your babys heartbeat every 15 minutes in the first stage of labour and every 5 minutes in the second stage of labour using a pinard stethoscope and/or a handheld doptone machine. If we find your baby needs some further monitoring then a wireless CTG machine will be commenced for at least 20 minutes. If we have any concerns during your labour, fully informed discussions with yourself and birthing partner will take place prior to a possible transfer to obstetric led care and your allocated Midwife will remain with you at all times.
Once your baby is born and all is well you may be offered the opportunity to go home that day. We encourage a minimum of 6 hours after birth to stay and have a rest in our department. During this short stay your baby would have a hearing screen as standard, a full neonatal examination, we would support your choice of feeding and supervise this if required, you would have some observations taken and if all remains well then you should be spending your first night as a family in your own home. During some very busy periods this option is not always available but we always aim to provide it.
NHSGGC is carrying out validation of our waiting lists to ensure our patients continue to have the same treatment needs and that they can receive the most appropriate care in the correct place. The next phase of this work is the introduction of an automated process, with the assistance of our NetCall software.
Patients who have been referred to NHSGGC for a hospital-based outpatient appointment will automatically receive a text and/or email asking them to confirm whether they still require the appointment now, at a future date, or not at all.
Patients will only be contacted if they have been waiting for a specified number of weeks. This time period will differ across different clinical specialties and some patients may not receive a message.
The text/email will be from ‘NHS-NoReply’ and patients are asked to follow the instructions contained in the message. If you have any queries or concerns, please can contact our Referral Management Team using the following details:
If a patient tells us they no longer require an appointment, they will be removed from the waiting list and the referring GP will be notified of this.
Please support your NHS by looking out for the text message and if you receive one, respond as soon as possible. Thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a waiting list validation exercise?
The exercise will help us to support patients who have been waiting for their appointment to understand whether the needs of each individual remain the same as when the initial referral took place.
Why is NHSGGC undertaking this work?
In some cases, patients need to wait for a number of weeks for their appointment. This work is being carried out to ensure that everyone who is waiting for an outpatient appointment still needs one and to ensure that each patient’s personal treatment requirements remain the same as when referred.
How long after I am referred will I receive the text message?
The period of time will be different for every clinical specialty.
I have been referred for an outpatient appointment at hospital – will I be contacted?
You will receive an automated text message from NHS-NoReply asking you to click a link. This will take you to a webpage where you will be asked to confirm your preferences in relation to your appointment.
How will I be contacted?
You will be contacted directly by text message. The message will be sent from ‘NHS-NoReply’.
I have only just been referred, why do you need to know if I still need an appointment that has just been made?
Patients will not be contacted immediately. You will only be contacted when you have been waiting for a number of weeks.
Who will contact me?
You will receive an automated text message from ‘NHS-NoReply’.
What should I do when I receive the text message?
Please follow the instructions on the text message, which will ask you to click a link. This will direct you to a website where you will be asked some basic information and to confirm your intention to receive your outpatient appointment.
Who should I contact if I have any questions?
Please get in touch with our Referral Management Team using the following details:
If you have concerns about your personal health or referral needs, please speak with your GP. If you have concerns or questions about NHSGGC’s validation work or the text message you have received, please contact our referral management team.
What happens if I delete the text message by mistake?
Don’t worry, if this happens, please contact our Referral Management Team who will be able to help.
I forgot to respond to the text message and I’m worried that I’ve missed my appointment.
If you do not respond to the initial text message, you will receive two further follow-up messages. If a response is not received you will have a letter sent to your address. Please make sure to respond as soon as you are able.
If you do not respond to any of the text messages or letter, this may cause issues for your appointment.
I don’t have a mobile phone. What should I do?
If you do not have a mobile phone, or you haven’t provided your number, you will be contacted by email.
I don’t have a mobile phone or email address. How will I be contacted?
You will receive a letter to your home address with details of what to do.
I am a carer for a family member who have received a referral, will the text message come to me or my family member?
If you are recorded on the patient’s contact details as primary contact, the message will be sent to you. You are asked to respond on their behalf.
A list of the Health Centres and Clinics within the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area can be found below.
We have nine main hospital sites and 35 hospitals. This includes five maternity hospitals/units, five Emergency Departments, three Minor Injuries Units, and the Glasgow Dental Hospital.
Patients under 16 years are asked not to attend the Emergency Departments at the RAH, GRI or IRH as these departments are currently very busy. Patients under the age of 16 in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area, that require urgent care, are advised to attend the Emergency Department at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow. See address below.
Managed car parking was re-introduced at many of NHSGGC’s hospital sites from Thursday 1st June 2023 during peak hours of 07:00-16:00 Monday to Friday. This action was taken to address some of the peak, weekday challenges that parking at busy hospital sites create, and in doing so strike a balance between the needs of staff, patients and visitors.
We recognise that car parking space allocation has to be properly managed to ensure that our hospitals remain accessible and so that we can minimise potential hazards for both pedestrians and other vehicles.
As was the case prior to the COVID pandemic, there is a system of permit and non-permit staff spaces, combined with allocated parking for patients and visitors as well as spaces for holders of blue badges, which can be utilised by both members of the public and staff.
Parking at our hospital sites will continue to be free for staff, patients and visitors.
The following information has been produced to give guidance to staff in relation to how the managed car parking process operates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What proportion of parking at each of our sites is dedicated to staff?
We have to ensure that there is access to parking at all of our sites for staff, patients and visitors. We have a system in place where there is an equitable distribution so that everyone who needs to access our sites and services can. Currently the share of parking for staff including both permit and non-permit at our main acute sites is as follows; Please note these figures exclude blue badge spaces, as these can be used by any blue badge holder (patient or staff).
Glasgow Royal Infirmary – 49%
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and Royal Hospital for Children campus – 47%
Gartnavel campus – 54%
Royal Alexandra Hospital Campus – 53%
Stobhill – 56%
New Victoria – 40%
West Glasgow Ambulatory Care Hospital – 44%
Can we extend the amount of parking available to staff?
Unfortunately, at many of our sites, there is no additional land available to extend car parking. A prime example of this is at the GRI. We recognise that hospital sites are often very busy and that staff need parking areas that are dedicated to you. However, our patients and visitors also need to be able to access our buildings and a managed approach is the fairest and most equitable way of ensuring everyone can park free at our sites.
There are also planning restrictions in place at many sites that prevent any expansion of parking. Find out more about the Board’s net zero targets and aims for sustainability to reduce emissions on our Sustainability webpage.
Can a park and ride system be put in place for staff so we can park offsite and travel to main acute sites to reduce the number of cars on site?
Unfortunately, NHSGGC does not own surplus estate to make such a scheme possible. We do operate an inter-site bus service for staff, which is free, so that if you are able to use public transport to one site, you can still travel between others without the need for a private vehicle.
I have to work across more than one site, will my permit be transferrable?
Individual car parking permits issued for one site can be used at another one.
What is the criteria for use of NHSGGC pool cars?
As we are aware there has been a rise in the number of request to utilise pool cars across various areas of the board due to the increase cost of living. The Corporate Transport team have received high numbers of enquires and request for access to pool cars and for service related pool cars. These request have been managed by the Corporate Transport Team utilising where possible existing pool type cars. In some cases there has been a need to procure additional pool cars for service specific request
Pool Cars for ad hoc users
The Corporate Transport team have been working with a wide variety of service and departmental leads to identify cars/pool type cars that can be better utilised during core hours. There has been a number of services and pool cars identified through this work that would allow ad hoc pool car users to full utilise existing pool type cars within the current fleet of vehicles. Below outlines the current location, number of cars available and the contacts that should be used to book a pool car. It is recommended that booking should be made in advance where possible.
GP OOH – Caledonian House
Booking Number – 0141 636 8412
6 Cars available between 8.00am – 5.00pm
Pick up and Drop off address – Caledonia House, 140 Fifty Pitches Road, Glasgow,G51 4EB
QEUH Facilities Pool Cars
Booking Number – 0141 354 9650
4 Cars available
Pick up and Drop off address – QEUH Labs Building, 1345 Govan Road Glasgow, G51 ATF
Gartnavel Royal Hospital
Booking Number – 0141 211 6437
2 Cars available between 7.00am – 6.00pm
Pick up and Drop off address – Gartnavel Royal Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12 0YN
Central Decontamination Unit
Booking Number – 0141 232 2800
1 Car Available
Pick up and Drop off address – Central Decontamination Unit (Cdu), 24 Finlas Street, Cowlairs Industrial Estate, G22 5DT
Central Stores/Pharmacy Distribution Centre
Booking number – 0141 211 6560
2 Cars available between 7.00am – 6.00pm
Pick up and Drop off address – 21 Dava Street, G51 2JA
Pick up and Drop Off address – Cuthbertson Building, Wishart Street, Glasgow.
Royal Alexandra Facilities
Booking Number – 0141 314 7082
1 Car Available
Pick up and Drop off address – Facilities Office at RAH, Corsebar Road, Paisley, PA2 9PN
Requirements to drive a Pool Car
Drivers making a booking request for the 1st time will be required to submit their driving licence, the new style photo card licence should be accompanied by the paper copy or the traditional paper copy will be sufficient. An annual driving licence inspection will be carried out by the transport department to ensure registration is maintained and active.
All drivers of NHSGGC pool cars are required by law to hold a full current driving licence, by signing the vehicle log sheet and / or in the course of driving on behalf of NHSGGC business you declare to be the holder of the appropriate licence.
All Pool Car driver must carry out a first use check on the vehicle to identify any defects, accident damage or missing parts. All users must complete the appropriate documentation that will be issued with the vehicle keys. At the end of each booking the driver is responsible for handing the vehicle back in a clean and appropriate condition. All documentation must be returned at the end of each booking with the keys. Damage and Condition of vehicles will be routinely checked with the last driver being held accountable for any un-reported damage or defect.
Future opportunities for Pool Car availability
Currently there are large numbers of vehicles not used during the out of hour’s period. Below is a list of pool type cars that if required could be accessible after 4pm but required daily at 8am.
10 Cars available at Royal Alexandra Hospital – Maternity – contact to be arranged.
4 Cars available at Vale of Leven – Maternity – contact to be arranged.
6 Cars available at Inverclyde Royal Hospital – Maternity – contact to be arranged
Recently developed Pool Cars
As outlined in the introduction there has been large amounts of work developed in conjunction with service leads and departments to provide Pool type cars for employees. Below outlines the services, location and number of Pool Cars place.
Renfrewshire HSCP – 3 Cars – based at Mile End and Dykebar Hospital
Care Home response team – 1 Car – based at 21 Dava Street Glasgow
Barr Street – home service 2 Cars – based at Barr Street Woodside Health Centre.
Greenock HC – nursing staff – 4 Cars – based at the Greenock Health Centre
Police Custody Nursing Staff – 2 Cars – based at Govan Police Station
Oral Health – Stobhill and Dykebar – 2 cars
Leverndale Occupational Therapist – 2 Cars based at Leverndale Hospital
Mental Health Liaison Service – 3 cars – based at QEUH, GRI and Stobhill
QEUH Neurology Ward – 1 Car – QEUH site
Recommendation
There is further opportunity to extend pool car facilities across the board. These opportunities can first be developed by looking at ways of better utilisation of existing fleet. There are a number of small type vans that can be used at certain periods of the day and there can be further developed pool share schemes with services operating out of the same location. The recommendation would be to work with services who have regular “Grey Mileage Claims” and “Staff Taxi Use” to identify pool car facilities that can be shared and better utilised.
How do I get more information on public transport services?
Traveline Scotland provide journey planning information for public transport services across Scotland.
Are there ways I can save money for travelling to and from work by public transport?
NHSGGC staff can purchase annual season tickets for First Glasgow, SPT ZoneCard and ScotRail and repay the cost via salary deductions over the year. More information is available from Travel Plan Office.
Are there alternatives to annual tickets?
First Glasgow offer 10% discount for NHSGGC staff on 4 weekly season tickets via their First Commuter Travel Club. More information is available from Travel Plan Office.
Do NHSGGC offer any options for staff to purchase a bike?
Through Cyclescheme you can save between 25-39% on a brand new bike and accessories and spread the cost over 6, 12, 18 or 24 months through your salary. More information is available from Travel Plan Office.
Where can I get more information on car share options?
Rowanbank Clinic is a mental health secure care centre on the Stobhill site.
The first patients were admitted to Rowanbank Clinic during July 2007. The 74 bed centre became fully operational on a phased basis over the next 18 months.
This facility improves services for adults with mental health problems who may pose a risk to others or have the potential to commit an offence because they are unwell. It provides specialist treatment and support in modern, purpose-built accommodation designed to meet the specific needs of patients and staff.
A carers support group has been set up to provide information and support for family and friends of service users who use forensic services. The group’s purpose is to provide time, space and much needed support just for family and friends.
To maintain the safety of patients, visitors and staff, visiting still needs to be carefully managed. You can find current information and guidance on the Patients, Hospital Appointments and Visiting page or contact the ward or unit directly to discuss visiting arrangements.
Further Information
Services
Adult Mental Health – Secure Care
Unlike other mental health hospitals where the average length of stay is around six weeks, patients at Rowanbank Clinic will normally spend around three years undergoing treatment and rehabilitation before they are transferred to another hospital or discharged. It is therefore vital that patients have access to the specialist care and treatment they require to give them the best possible chances of recovery.
Patients have access to a range of general health services along with specialist mental health services delivered by psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists, clinical forensic psychologists, social work and forensic psychiatrists which will include:
treatment for mental illness (including access to drug, psychological and behavioural therapies and counselling)
rehabilitation (including individual and group therapy, education, training, occupational therapy)
health improvement (including opportunities for physical exercise)
Although providing drug and therapeutic treatment is obviously important, making sure patients are equipped with the practical skills and experience to help them cope after they are discharged is also vital. They need access to a range of facilities and activities as part of their overall treatment programme. Rowanbank is equipped with a number of recreational and therapeutic facilities including an IT learning centre, therapy kitchen and access to arts and crafts and gardening projects. As patients spend the majority of their time inside the building, they need access to exercise facilities. This not only improves their overall physical health but will boost mental health: regular exercise has been shown to reduce levels of stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression. Rowanbank Clinic has a sports hall, gym and a five a side football pitch.
Carers Group
The carers support group has been set up to provide information and support for family and friends of service users who use forensic services. The group’s purpose is to provide time, space and much needed support just for family and friends.
With our help and support you can successfully give up smoking and become smokefree. You can do it, We can help.
Smokefree Services are responsible for a wide range of tobacco projects aimed at reducing the damage from tobacco to people in and around Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
