The Andrology service is part of the Pathology Department based within the Laboratory Medicine and Facilities Management Building at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
Laboratory Opening Hours are between 9:00am and 5:00pm, Monday – Friday.
The service is accredited by UKAS to ISO 15189: 2012 to perform the following diagnostic analyses:
Sub-Fertility
Post Vasectomy
Reversal of Vasectomy
Antegrade Ejaculation (spinal injuries)
Retrograde Ejaculation
Clinical Tests Available
Name of Test
Specimen/Container Requirements:
Further Information:
Semen Analysis
Semen analysis is strictly by pre-booked appointment only.
Andrology semen analyses are requested by clinicians/G.P.’s
The specimen should be brought by the patient at their appointment time:
Within 40 minutes of production for sub fertility and reversal of vasectomy.
Within two hours of production for post vasectomy.
A room is available for patients to produce their samples on site. This must be booked when making appointment.
Please refer to Patient leaflet for more information
Only Laboratory provided containers will be accepted for analysis.
These are available as part of the specimen kit. Specimen kits are available on request from:
Andrology Department, Level 3, Laboratory Medicine and Facilities Management Building, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, 1345 Govan Rd, Glasgow, G51 4TF (0141 354 9488).
Arranging Semen Analysis Appointments
All requests for semen analysis can be made by the requesting clinician/GP or the patient themselves. Appointments are booked by telephoning the Pathology Department Office on 0141 354 9487, option 1 “Andrology Appointments”. This booking in service is available between 9:00am – 12:00pm and 1:00pm – 4:00pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). We currently cannot accept requests via Trakcare.
If a patient can produce their sample at home and deliver it to the Lab within 40 minutes for sub fertility analysis and 2 hours for post vasectomy analysis, a drop-off only appointment should be booked. Patients that cannot make it from their home to the lab in these time limits should request a room-use appointment.
Patient Preparation
Each patient must be issued with a specimen kit before they attend their appointment. Please ensure that you complete the enclosed request form before issuing to the patient. We will only accept containers that are provided as part of these kits as these have been tested and passed a non-toxic by the laboratory. Some plastics are toxic to sperm and can affect sperm motility. Each kit consists of:
Directions to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
How the NHS handles your data 2018 leaflet
Patient information leaflet for either sub fertility or post vasectomy analysis
To obtain a supply of these kits please contact the laboratory on 0141 354 9488 from 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday (excluding public holidays).
*For Retrograde analysis – the lab will supply a different container please contact the lab to discuss this.
Sample Minimum Acceptance Criteria
It is mandatory that samples are labelled with at least three unique identifiers which are as follows;
Surname
Forename
Date of Birth
CHI number
The request form data must match the above information on the sample, a lack of patient or sample information may result in the laboratory not performing the analysis.
Request form should also contain;
Forename and Surname
Patients address
Requesting clinician details including destination for report
Type of sample
All relevant clinical information
If your patient is awaiting IVF please note this in the Clinical Comments box and the sample will be prioritised.
When attending for their appointment, patient will be asked to confirm the following information about their sample.
Date and time of sample production
Is the sample complete
When their last ejaculate occurred
WHO Reference Ranges for Sub Fertility
World Health Organisation (WHO) laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen (6th edition) (2021) lower reference values are shown in the table below.
The lower 5th percentile (with 95% confidence interval). These values represent the quality of various semen parameters where a couple achieved a natural pregnancy within 12 months of unprotected intercourse.
The TZI is one of the indices of multiple sperm defects (number of abnormalities per sperm). This is useful in understanding if there are issues regarding spermatogenesis (sperm production) and can be correlated to fertilisation rates. We do not routinely report the TZI. If this is required, please ensure you request this on the referral form or call the laboratory within 7 days of reporting. The categories of TZI are given below, although it is best to understand that the higher the number (maximum of 4) the higher the number of abnormalities per sperm.
TZI Number
Category
≤1.6
Normal
1.61 – 1.80
Borderline
>1.8
Pathological
Human Reproduction, Vol.26, No.12 pp. 3207–3212, C.L.R. Barratt, Bjorndahl, R. Menkveld and D. Mortimer 2011 ESHRE Special Interest Group for Andrology Basic semen analysis course: a continued focus on Accuracy, Quality, Efficiency and Clinical relevance
Turnaround Times
Results available electronically within 5 working days from receipt of specimen
Information for Patients
You have been asked to provide a semen sample as part of infertility investigation or after a vasectomy operation. Please do not attend the hospital without an appointment, we will not be able to analyse your sample.
For Sub-Fertility Patients (including Reversal of Vasectomy)
A semen analysis is usually advised if a couple are having difficulties becoming pregnant. This is an extremely common problem affecting up to one in seven couples in the UK. Among those experiencing difficulty, a male fertility problem is considered important in around 40 per cent of couples.
The sample will be analysed according to World Health Organisation (WHO) standards for volume, pH concentration, motility and morphology. Results will be sent to the referring doctor within 5 working days.
Please note the laboratory will not issue results to anyone other than the requesting doctor.
Please read all of the information provided in the specimen kit carefully as it contains essential information about your appointment and what the laboratory needs you to do so that they can analyse your sample.
For Post Vasectomy Patients
A semen analysis is advised to ensure your vasectomy operation has been successful. Samples can be analysed no earlier than 16 weeks after your operation and with a minimum of 24 ejaculations before sample production.
Please read all of the information provided in the specimen kit carefully as it contains essential information about your appointment and what the laboratory needs you to do so that they can analyse your sample.
Results will be sent to the referring doctor within 5 working days.
Please note the laboratory will not issue results to anyone other than the requesting doctor.
During this time contraceptive precautions should be taken until clearance has been given by your surgeon or doctor.
Some plastics are toxic to sperm so only specimen containers provided within the specimen kits will be accepted.
Extremes of temperature can damage sperm, please keep the sample at body temperature whilst it is being transported to the laboratory, for example by carrying it in your inside pocket.
A condom and/or artificial lubricant must not be used for semen collection as it will kill sperm.
Sperm motility can decline over time so it is important that the sample is examined in under an hour for infertility testing.
The number of days of sexual abstinence can affect sperm quality – Abstinence should be between 2-7 days for semen analysis.
The sperm are in the first part of the ejaculate so the whole sample needs to be collected.
Viscous samples or specimens where there is sperm agglutination/aggregation can affect semen analysis results.
The Advanced Staining section of the laboratory comprises Immunocytochemistry, Immunofluorescence, Neuropathology, Enzyme Histochemistry (Muscle & Nerve biopsies) and Special Stains
Please see the full list of staining techniques and ICC markers that are under our scope of accreditation with UKAS for further details.
The accreditation section on the front page of this website details any staining tests/ICC Markers/other techniques that are not currently under our scope of accreditation.
See the sections below and the user manual for specific information on sending neuropathology specimens, muscle biopsies, nerve biopsies or specimens for immunofluorescence.
Neuropathology
Neurosurgical Biopsies for Intra-operative Diagnosis (Smear or Frozen)
The laboratory must be notified of all potential intra-operative investigations, a minimum of 24 hours in advance of surgery via 0141 353 9530 (89530) or by paging 17627. When initially contacting the lab, the patient name, CHI Number, surgical procedure, location and estimated time of biopsy should be provided so that appropriate medical and laboratory staff cover can be arranged.
Failure to notify the lab of a case in advance of the surgery taking place may lead to delays in obtaining an intra-operative report if pathologist/laboratory staff are unavailable or allocated elsewhere.
Ideally all intra-operative cases should be discussed with a neuropathologist at the appropriate MDT meeting.
Containers
Sterile, screw cap containers should be used and are stored and managed by theatres. Please contact: 0141 354 9530 (89530) if you urgently require additional containers, you will need to send a porter to collect them.
All containers should be clearly labelled with patient name, date of birth, CHI number, ward number and consultant.
If a specimen is small, the specimen can be put on a glass slide within the container. Please do not add any fluid to the container.
High-risk specimens must carry appropriate danger of infection and clinical information provided.
Point of delivery
Please contact Neuropathology 0141 354 9530 (89530) to alert us that a fresh specimen is on its way so that we can prepare for its arrival.
The specimen should be brought by the porter to:
Neuropathology, NHSGGC Pathology Department Level 3, Laboratories & Facilities Management Building Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow G51 4TF
It is the clinician’s responsibility to arrange immediate transportation of a specimen to Neuropathology.
The specimen must be handed to a member of Laboratory staff on delivery.
Neurosurgical Biopsy for Paraffin Histology
No prior notification is necessary.
Containers
Sterile, screw cap containers should be used and are stored and managed by theatres. Please contact: 0141 354 9530 (89530) if you urgently require additional containers, you will need to send a porter to collect them.
All containers should be clearly labelled with patient name, date of birth and CHI number.
High-risk cases must carry appropriate hazard labels.
Tissue Fixation
10% formal saline is supplied by the Pathology Specimen Reception when requested by theatres. Please contact 0141 354 9513 or 0141 354 9514 (89513/89514) when required.
Institute of Neurosciences Theatres
Please contact the department and organise a porter to bring suitable empty containers to the department.
Royal Hospital for Children Theatres
The neuropathology department supplies containers with 10% formal saline on request. Please contact the department before requesting a porter to come and collect the containers.
The container should be at least twice the volume of the specimen and filled with 10% formal saline.
Accompanying Information
Completed request forms should carry the consultant’s name, ward number, patient’s name, CHI number, address with post-code, date of birth, date of operation and relevant clinical information.
For more technical information/specimen enquiries, please contact Neuropathology on 0141 354 9530 (89530)
Point of Delivery
Neuropathology, NHSGGC Pathology Department Level 3, Laboratories & Facilities Management Building Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow G51 4TF
Muscle & Nerve Biopsies
Muscle Biopsy
Prior notification
Elective cases should be booked with the lab with as much notice as possible. The cases can be booked by contacting the neuropathology laboratory via 0141 354 9530 (89530) or through page 17627 or the appropriate consultant.
If there is a danger of infection, these cases must be discussed with medical staff before biopsy as the range of investigations which may be performed with these specimens is limited.
COVID-19
Muscle biopsies are being processed routinely, however the department should be contacted in advance of sending the sample, if the patient is a known COVID positive patient.
Fresh muscle specimens will only be accepted in Neuropathology from 9.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Any specimen arriving outside these hours will not be processed appropriately.
Specimens must be placed in a dry, clean universal container. No saline, gauze or formalin should be in the container. The muscle should be dropped into the container and the lid screwed on. The specimen should be transported immediately to Neuropathology.
If there is to be a delay of any longer than 20 minutes it is advisable that the universal container (not the muscle directly) should be transported on ice (not dry ice). If transported in this manner, the specimen container should be well insulated to prevent direct contact with the ice and potential damage to the muscle biopsy.
All containers should be clearly labelled with patient name, date of birth, CHI number, ward number and consultant. Universal containers must be placed in a specimen bag accompanied by a request card and muscle biopsy request form. This form also contains detailed handling instructions and our full delivery address.
High-risk cases must carry appropriate hazard labels.
Universal containers must be placed in a specimen bag accompanied by a request card and muscle biopsy request form.
Accompanying Information
A muscle biopsy request form and the completed request form must carry the consultant’s name, ward number, patient name, CHI number, address with post-code, date of birth, date of operation, relevant concise clinical data and the nature of the laboratory request. Muscle Biopsy request forms are linked here or available from the Pathology Lab. Tel. 0141 354 9530 (89530)
Point of delivery
Contact Neuropathology on 0141 354 9530 (89530) or page 7627 who will advise on delivery of specimen.
Neuropathology, NHSGGC Pathology Department Level 3, Laboratories & Facilities Management Building Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow G51 4TF
Fresh nerve biopsy samples are being routinely processed for analysis within the department. However, if the patient is known to be COVID Positive, please can this be indicated clearly on the form so the laboratory will be able to take the appropriate precaution when processing these samples.
Prior notification
Elective cases that require a frozen section should be booked with the lab with as much notice as possible. Any nerves for neuropathology which do not require a frozen section should be sent in formalin.
Nerve biopsies which require frozen section must be booked in advance (more than 24 hours) by calling 0141 354 9530 (89530) or through page 17627 or the appropriate consultant. The cases can be booked by contacting the neuropathology secretaries via 0141 354 9486 (89486) or through page 17627 or the appropriate consultant.
If there is danger of infection, these cases must be discussed with medical staff before biopsy.
A service to receive unfixed nerve specimens can be offered until 4.00pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). Specimens must be placed in a dry, clean universal container. No saline, gauze or formalin should be in the container. (The nerve should be dropped into the container and the lid screwed on). The specimen should be transported immediately to neuropathology.
Please contact Neuropathology 0141 354 9530 (89530) to alert the team that a fresh specimen is on its way so that they can prepare for its arrival
High-risk cases must carry appropriate hazard labels.
Universal containers must be placed in a specimen bag accompanied by a request form.
All containers should be clearly labelled with patient name, date of birth, CHI number, ward number and consultant. Universal containers must be placed in a specimen bag accompanied by a request card.
Accompanying Information
Completed request forms must carry the consultant’s name, ward number, patient name, CHI number, address with post-code, date of birth, date of operation, relevant concise clinical data and the nature of the laboratory request.
Point of delivery
Neuropathology, NHSGGC Pathology Department Level 3, Laboratories & Facilities Management Building Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow G51 4TF
Contact: 0141 354 9530 (89530)
The specimen must be handed to a member of Laboratory staff on delivery.
Immunofluorescence
The pathology department offers a service for immunofluorescence testing on skin, renal, conjunctival and oral biopsies.
Skin, Renal, Oral and Conjunctival Biopsies requiring immunofluorescence should be placed in Michel’s fixative immediately after collection.
Michel’s fixative is capable of preserving fresh tissue for up to 5 days before there is any deterioration in the sample. The request form is checked for the date a sample is taken, to ensure that it has been received within time. Michel’s fixative is available from the pathology department upon request. The fixative should be stored between 2-250c and not be used after it has reached its expiry date.
COVID-19
Fresh samples are processed routinely for immunofluorescence analysis. However, if the patient is known to be COVID Positive, please can this be indicated clearly on the form so the laboratory will be able to take the appropriate precaution when processing these samples.
Danger of Infection
Specimens that are suspected or are known to contain blood borne viruses (e.g. HIV, Hep B, and Hep C) are classified as Category 2 and can be dealt with using the appropriate safety precautions.
Specimens suspected or known to have Category 3 organisms (e.g. TB, Leprosy, and Anthrax) or Category 4 organisms (e.g. Ebola, Lassa Fever and Haemorrhagic Fever) or CJD are not suitable for analysis via immunofluorescence.
For further information regarding immunofluorescence or danger of infection samples, please contact the Immunocytochemistry Department of the pathology laboratory (0141 354 9518 or 89518).
All specimens must be accompanied by an appropriately completed Trakcare form, or if this is not possible a NHSGGC Pathology request form (available through PECOS – product code 100509) may be used. If appropriate, an accompanying speciality request form (placenta, HPV cytology, muscle etc.) should also be included.
Level 3, Laboratory Medicine and Facilities Management Building
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
Tel: 0141 354 9513 (89513) or 0141 354 9514 (89514)
Please use a purple bag for histopathology specimens and a white bag for cervical cytology specimens
Minimum Sample Acceptance Criteria
CHI/Unique identifier, Surname & Forename or if no CHI/unique identifier, the Surname, Forename and Date of Birth must be provided.
A minimum of 3 matching patient identifiers across both the specimen pot labels and forms are required to accept a specimen and meet legislative requirements.
Only Specimen containers and Forms that satisfy the essential criteria listed below can be accepted into the department.
Request Form
Essential:-
CHI Number or a temporary unique identifier (e.g. ZP number)
Patient’s Full Name or unique coded identifier
Date of Birth
Nature of Specimen including qualifying details (Any Danger of Infection information is essential)
Desirable:-
Patient’s Address including Postcode (essential if no CHI number)
Clinical Information/history including risk/danger of infection (essential for fresh tissue and frozen section)
Date and time of sampling
Practitioner’s contact number (bleep or extension)
Gender
Location and destination of report
Requesting Practitioner
Investigation Required
Sample Container
Essential:-
CHI number or a temporary unique identifier (e.g. ZP number)
Patient’s Full name or unique coded identifier
Date of Birth
Nature of Specimen or identifier including qualifying details
Labelling to indicate if there is a risk/danger of infection
Desirable:-
Date and Time of Sampling
Other Essential Information
The full address to which the report should be sent must also be included.
N.B: Pre-printed labels do not indicate the address to which the report should be sent.
A short clinical history must also be provided.
A brief clinical history is invaluable in the interpretation of the histological findings and should be given in every case.
As many pathology cases require considerable clinico-pathological discussion before a diagnosis can be reached, it is essential that the name of the patient’s consultant, the name of the requesting doctor and the contact telephone or page numbers are put on the request form where asked.
If the report is required urgently this should be stated on the request form along with a contact telephone number or page number.
The laboratory cannot supply a report on unlabelled specimens or specimens received without request forms.
Failure to provide the required information may result in delays in processing specimens and/or in the provision of a Pathology report to the appropriate location.
Fixation (Tissue Preservation)
Normally, specimens should be transferred in a sealed container with 10% neutral buffered formalin, which prevents tissue decay, ideally the volume of formalin should be at least 10 times the volume of the specimen, but for major resections this may not be possible. Please ensure that containers are properly sealed before dispatch as leaking specimens will not be picked up by Transport/ Facilities staff. If you have a Formalin spill, follow your own spill procedures.
No fixative should be added if:
a frozen section is requested (including: brain biopsies taken mid surgery for smear analysis, muscle biopsies and paediatric rectal biopsies – see individual sections for more information)
the specimen is thought to be a lymphoma – whole lymph nodes only
there is a need to collect and process fresh surplus tissue for medical research purposes
The sample is for Cytology
The sample is for Immunofluorescence
Sending Fresh Tissue
All fresh tissue must be delivered to the Pathology Department immediately and Pathology Specimen Reception should be notified that fresh tissue has been sent.
Tel: 0141 354 9513 (89513) or 0141 354 9514 (89514)
If you are unsure of the correct procedure, contact Pathology Specimen Reception for advice on the telephone numbers above.
Delay in receipt of a “fresh” specimen may make diagnosis impossible.
Fixatives and specimen jars are available from:
Specimen Reception (L3/B/021),
NHSGGC Pathology Department
Level 3, Laboratory Medicine and Facilities Management Building
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
Tel: 0141 354 9513 (89513) or 0141 354 9514 (89514)
Urgent Specimens for Pathology
Requests for urgent results should be clearly marked on the request form and contact telephone or page number provided.
The consultant pathologist should be notified before the specimen is sent if an urgent result is required.
It is the responsibility of the clinical team to ensure that emergency/urgent specimens are transported urgently to the Pathology Laboratory.
Precautions for “Danger of Infection” (DOI)
In practice, these are specimens that carry the risk of transmitting Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus, HIV, M. tuberculosis and other category III pathogens.
The Clinical Microbiology Department should be contacted where there is any uncertainty.
Such specimens, include those from confirmed or suspected cases of the disease, known carriers (e.g. those known to be hepatitis antibody or antigen positive), as well as patients from an ‘at risk’ group (e.g. drug abusers).
‘Danger of infection’ (DOI) stickers must be put on the specimen bag, the request form and the specimen container.
If the nature of the DOI is known please include this in the clinical details.
Specimen bags should be sealed so that they can be opened without the use of sharp or pointed instruments.
For large specimens, containers should be enclosed in individual plastic sacks tied at the neck. The request form should be placed in a plastic envelope which is then securely tied to the neck of the sack.
“Danger of Infection” specimens should always be sent in an adequate volume of buffered formalin.
Pathology Non-Conformances (Unable to Accept Specimen)
If a specimen is received in Pathology and the specimen and/or request form has been mislabelled, is unlabelled or there are discrepancies between the request form and specimen container, the Laboratory staff will make every attempt to contact the sender to clarify the error, including telephoning the source and contacting requesting clinician etc. identified from any information that has been supplied.
If the Laboratory staff are unable to rectify the problem by telephone, a “Non-conformance letter” will be sent to the requesting clinician.
This letter is accompanied by the request form and identifies the nature of the non-conformance with a request that this is rectified, and the requesting clinician takes responsibility for the changes.
Specimens will not be returned but will be kept in Pathology Specimen Reception labelled with the appropriate non-conformance number, until the non-conformance has been resolved.
Cytology Non-Conformances
The laboratory cannot supply a report on unlabelled specimens or specimens received without request forms. Failure to provide the required information may result in delays in processing specimens and/or in the provision of a pathology report to the appropriate location.
In the event of an urgent specimen being received in diagnostic cytology, where the specimen and/or request form has been mislabelled, the technical staff in the lab will make every attempt to contact the sender and clarify the mislabelling error, including telephoning the source and contacting the requesting clinician etc. identified from any information that has been supplied.
In the event of there being insufficient information to allow cytology to contact the sender, the specimen will be kept refrigerated for one week, in the hope that the lab will be contacted. If no contact has been made at the end of this period, the specimen will be discarded.
The NHSGGC Pathology Department provides a comprehensive diagnostic Histopathology, Cytopathology and Mortuary service for adults and children in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area, including the laboratory part of the cervical screening programme for NHSGGC, Grampian, Tayside, Orkney, Shetland, Ayrshire and Arran. In addition, the department supports a number of specialist services, wider managed clinical networks, regional and supra regional services examples of which include Gynaecological, Ophthalmic, Osteoarticular services, West of Scotland Heart and Lung Centre, Neuropathology and Paediatric Pathology. Mortuary services are additionally provided for the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal (COPFS) and Police Scotland.
Departmental Links
Please use the links below to access specific information for each of our laboratory areas:
The NHSGGC Pathology Department is located at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) on the 3rd floor of the Laboratory Medicine and Facilities Management Building.
Laboratory Opening Hours
The Pathology Department is open:
Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday and Public Holidays: 8:00am – 12:00pm
The Pathology Department specimen reception is also open Monday to Friday from 5:00pm – 7:00pm for the receipt and handling of specimens delivered by “late vans” and couriers.
Pathology Contact Details
NHSGGC Pathology Department
Laboratory Medicine and Facilities Management Building (Level 3)
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
1345 Govan Road
Glasgow
G51 4TF
Scotland
UK
For General Enquiries:
Tel: 0141 354 9500 (89487) Option 6
For Results:
Tel: 0141 354 9476 (89487) Option 2
For Technical Enquiries/Sending Specimens:
Tel: 0141 354 9513 (89513)/0141 354 9514 (89514)
For Mortuary Enquiries:
Tel: 0141 354 9357 (89357)
Accreditation
The NHSGGC Pathology department has been accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), using the ISO 15189:2012 set of international laboratory standards. This assessment provides formal recognition of our ability to provide a high-quality laboratory and clinical service across all our diagnostic specialities (Histology, Neuropathology, Diagnostic Cytology, Andrology, HPV Screening, Electron Microscopy, Post-mortem and Mortuary Services).
Where possible the department participates in national external quality assurance schemes for all testing procedures/medical reporting specialties. Where established EQA schemes are not available inter laboratory comparison or alternative external quality assurance schemes have been set up.
The full list of accredited tests provided by the department can be seen in our schedule of accreditation.
UKAS GEN 6
The Pathology department utilises the Telepath Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Due to the limitations of this software, we are currently unable to fully meet the requirements of the UKAS publication GEN 6 – Reference to accreditation and multilateral recognition signatory status.
This publication sets out the requirements of reports/results released by the laboratory containing the appropriate use of UKAS logos and identifying any tests that are accredited and those that are not. The LIMS currently being utilised within Pathology does not allow us to present the UKAS logo within our reports. Whilst it is possible to enter a small amount of additional text without any difference in formatting at the end of each report, the referencing to the accreditation of tests could potentially interfere or cause the misinterpretation of pathology results (particularly with molecular and companion diagnostic tests such as PD-L1 that already have statements at the end of the reports explaining treatment/scoring decisions and the specific criteria required to be met). Where possible the department is including a small statement at the end of reports if a test used is out of our scope of accreditation.
The Pathology department have risk assessed this. Although we are not able to present this information on our reports the department’s user manual and website present full details of our accreditation, including a link to the UKAS page for our up to date schedule of accreditation and a list of currently out of scope techniques including details of progress made to add them to our scope or reasons for them currently being unaccredited.
A number of investigation techniques carried out by the department are currently outside the scope of accreditation (see table below). This will usually be due to the technique not being performed frequently or being controlled/run by another department. However, the department will complete internal validation and IQC procedures before the implementation of any technique and participate in national external quality assurance (EQA) schemes or alternatives where possible:
NHSGGC Pathology Department Out of Scope Techniques
Test/Investigation
Internal Validation and IQC
EQA Scheme Participation
UKAS Extension to Scope Status
Joint Fluid/Crystal Analysis
Yes
Signed up to Pilot
Not in Scope
Mohs clinic (run by Dermatology)
Yes
Not in Scope
Appearance and Viscosity for Andrology testing
Yes
Not for these criteria
Not UKAS accredited parameters
Digital Pathology
Yes
Signed up to Pilot
In Progress
NUT-1 (ICC)
Yes
Not Available
Expected 2024
Sarc A4 (ICC)
Yes
Not Available
Expected 2024
PIN 4 (ICC)
Yes
Not Available
Expected 2024
FLI & ERG (ICC)
Yes
Not Available
Expected 2024
Roche Benchmark Southgate’s Mucicarmine (SS)
Yes
Yes
Expected 2024
PRAME (ICC)
Yes
Not Available
Expected 2024
E17 (ICC)
Not acquired yet
Expected 2025
SF1 (ICC)
Not acquired yet
Expected 2025
Specialist Referral Centres In some cases we may need to refer work/carry out additional testing not available within the department (for example the double reporting of bone tumours and the referral of additional molecular genetic testing with some breast cancer cases).
All referral centres are subject to review on an ongoing basis and we make sure they are accredited to the relevant bodies and produce results of a similarly high standard to our own.
The one exception to this rule is that we are currently referring triple negative breast cancer cases to NHS Lothian (Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh) for PDL-1 (clone 22C3) immunocytochemistry staining. Edinburgh are currently in the process of validating this test and adding it to their scope of accreditation.
The department aims to provide a first-class service. If we have failed to meet your expectations, please do not hesitate to contact us, henceforth we can attempt to rectify the situation.
If you wish to discuss a report, please telephone the consultant whose name appears at the bottom of the report, in the first instance. The consultant will be happy to review the case and seek a further opinion within or out with the department as required.
User Feedback Survey
We invite all our users to complete our user survey form. Please return via email to the quality manager. The information obtained from this survey will allow us to develop and improve the service we offer. We greatly appreciate the time and effort taken to complete this.
General Comments, Complaints and Feedback
For general complaints/compliments/comments on the service please contact:
You should complete this essential learning within two weeks of starting in your new role. For NHSGGC Bank Staff this must be completed prior to your first orientation shift. If you require support please seek this from your Healthcare Support Worker Mandatory Induction Standards reviewer and line manager. You can also contact us at: ggc.practicedevelopmentinduction@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Essential Learning
HCSW Fundamental Care
HCSWs work in many different clinical areas delivering safe, effective, person-centred care. These areas include inpatient wards, outpatient areas, emergency departments, critical care and theatres.
Although these resources refer to inpatient care, they have relevance to all HCSWs new to our organisation.
Person-centred care is about putting the person at the heart of their care. By asking and listening, we can understand more about the person and do the things that are most important to them. This helps us to provide care that is individualised and improves their experience of care. Delivering high-quality, person-centred care is everyone’s business in NHSGGC.
Food and fluid gives our body energy to allow us to carry out our everyday tasks. Delivering the right amount of food and fluid to our patients is an important role of the HCSW. In your first few shifts on the ward, work with the mealtime coordinator at meal service and find out what’s available for patients, and how to help them with their meals. By supporting people to eat and drink we can help them recover from their illness or surgery and get out of hospital sooner.
A pressure ulcer is an area of skin damaged by pressure. It can be caused by sitting or lying in one position for too long or by rubbing or dragging skin across a surface. The risk of developing a pressure ulcer increases when a person has problems with walking, using the bathroom or they don’t eat and drink enough. It is important that the skin is kept clean and dry and if there are any devices (such as a splint or catheter) the skin under and around these are checked regularly to make sure no damage is developing.
Pressure ulcers can develop very quickly. There are simple measures that you can do to help reduce the risk of your patients developing a pressure ulcer including regular observation of their skin and making sure that they are not sitting or lying in the one position for too long and writing this on the Care Rounding Chart. Your colleagues may refer to pressure ulcer prevention as ‘Tissue Viability’.
Essential Learning Resources
learnPro® module GGC: 080 Prevention of Pressure Ulcers
Infection control is everyone’s business and we all have a part to play in keeping both ourselves and the people we look after safe. People with infection are more likely to come to harm, stay in hospital longer and may even die as a result. Keeping your hands clean, washing them regularly and using personal protective equipment (known as PPE) are important in stopping the spread of infection. In healthcare, Hand Hygiene and PPE are two of the 10 Standard Infection Control Precautions (known as SICPs), which are described in more detail in the GGC:007 Statutory Mandatory Modules.
Essential Learning Resources
learnPro® module GGC:007 Standard Infection Control Precautions
learnPro® module NES: Prevention & Control Infection: C.Difficile
Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs) may be insufficient to prevent cross transmission of specific infectious agents. Therefore, additional precautions, Transmission Based Precautions (TBPs), are required to be used by staff when caring for patients with a known or suspected infection or colonisation. More detail is available in the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual: Chapter 2 – Transmission Based Precautions (TBPs) (scot.nhs.uk). Speak to your line manager about when TBPs may be required and the PPE requirements for these specific patients that require them.
learnPro® NES: Scottish IPC Education Pathway – Foundation (Infection Prevention & Control tab)
Palliative and End of Life Care
This outlines the minimum requirements of a Paediatric HCSW to support safe, effective, person centred palliative care within NHSGGC. The Paediatric Supportive and Palliative Care team at Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) provide tertiary specialist paediatric palliative care across the paediatric spectrum, from the antenatal period, through infancy and childhood and also for young people until they reach their 16th birthday (and those who are 17-18 years but still accessing services at RHC). The service provides an individual patient-centred pathway from diagnosis or recognition that a condition is life-threatening or life-limiting.
The team will accept referrals from any healthcare professional. If a patient requires to be assessed by a member of the team the named consultant for the child or young person’s care must give approval. Get in touch with the team with an electronic referral via TrakCare® – Paediatric Supportive and Palliative Care consult.
or click on the pink leaf tile on the right hand side of Staffnet homepage
Moving and Handling
Moving and handling activities is a key part of your duties. This includes assisting patients and tasks such as moving equipment, laundry and stores. To keep yourself and patients safe it is essential you have the correct level of training.
If you have a Scottish Manual Handling Passport no foundation practical training course is required. Bring the passport document in to show your SCN or Team Lead. For Registered Nurses on the NHSGGC Staff Bank, send a copy by email to adminstaffbank@ggc.scot.nhs.uk. The dates of Moving and Handling training documented in the passport will go into the ward/ department training records. Complete the mandatory learnPro module: 005 Manual Handling Theory together with the practical competency assessment within your clinical area carried out by one of the local assessors.
All patients should be verbally encouraged to move and position themselves independently. When a patient needs to be moved, handled or requiring a mechanical aid this should be carried out with a member of the ward / department team and not on your own. Please, do not to use hoisting equipment until training completed.
Basic Life Support
You may come across emergency situations when you are at work. Patients can have problems with their airway, breathing or circulation and become suddenly unwell. Your SCN will nominate you for a short course called Basic Life Support which will help you to respond correctly in an emergency situation.
As part of your orientation to your ward / clinical area take some time to locate the emergency / resuscitation trolley
If you find yourself in an emergency situation you may be asked to phone for the resuscitation team. Dial 2222- ask for the Paediatric Resuscitation Team and tell them your clinical area and the hospital you are in.
Sharps Safety
To prevent needlestick injuries, NHSGGC provides sharp safe devices across the organisation within all areas of clinical practice, for the protection of staff.
Essential Learning
If you use sharps as part of your role you must complete:
LearnPro® module: Prevention and Management of Occupational Exposure(Scottish IPC Education Pathway – Infection Prevention and Control tab)
All new team members or internal staff transfers, working in a Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) role, are expected to meet the NHS Scotland HCSW Mandatory Induction Standards and HCSW Code of Conduct after 3 months in post (or part-time equivalent up to a maximum of six months). If your post is solely with the NHSGGC Staff Bank you are required to sign the Code of Conduct before you start and you have 6 months to complete the NHS Scotland HCSW Mandatory Induction Standards.
Print off and sign the completion Checklist. If you are not able to print then ask a colleague to help. If your post is solely with the NHSGGC Staff Bank you are required to send a signed copy of the completion checklist to adminstaffbank@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Throughout your career, as a Health Care Support worker, you may experience a range of emotions, which could affect your mental health and wellbeing. The NHSGGC: Mental Health and Wellbeing for NHSGGC staff link provides a range of support to prevent and assist with mental health issues in the workplace.
NHSGGC has also produced a booklet with a range of resources and links to support you to take care of your own mental health.
The National Wellbeing Hub contains information, resources and supports which you may find helpful at work and at home.
HealthCare Support Worker (HCSW) Portal – NHSGGC is where you will find all resources and updates for HCSW professional development. There are links to different support sites such as NHS Education for Scotland (NES), our own development programmes and a sample of training courses and instructions on how to access them
You should complete this essential learning within two weeks of starting in your new role. For NHSGGC Bank Staff this must be completed prior to your first orientation shift. If you require support please seek this from your Healthcare Support Worker Mandatory Induction Standards reviewer and line manager. You can also contact us at: ggc.practicedevelopmentinduction@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
HCSW Fundamental Care
HCSWs work in many different clinical areas delivering safe, effective, person-centred care. These areas include inpatient wards, outpatient areas, emergency departments, critical care and theatres.
Although these resources refer to inpatient care, they have relevance to all HCSWs new to our organisation.
Person-centred care is about putting the person at the heart of their care. By asking and listening, we can understand more about the person and do the things that are most important to them. This helps us to provide care that is individualised and improves their experience of care. Delivering high-quality, person-centred care is everyone’s business in NHSGGC.
Food and fluid gives our body energy to allow us to carry out our everyday tasks. Delivering the right amount of food and fluid to patients is an important role of the HCSW. In your first few shifts on the ward, work with the mealtime coordinator at meal service and find out what’s available for patients, and how to help them with their meals. By supporting people to eat and drink we can help them recover from their illness or surgery and get out of hospital sooner.
Essential Learning Resources
learnPro® module GGC: 270 An overview of Malnutrition
A pressure ulcer is an area of skin damaged by pressure. It can be caused by sitting or lying in one position for too long or by rubbing or dragging skin across a surface. The risk of developing a pressure ulcer increases when a person has problems with walking, using the bathroom or they don’t eat and drink enough. It is important that the skin is kept clean and dry and if there are any devices (such as a splint or catheter) the skin under and around these are checked regularly to make sure no damage is developing.
Pressure ulcers can develop very quickly. There are simple measures that you can do to help reduce the risk of your patients developing a pressure ulcer including regular observation of their skin and making sure that they are not sitting or lying in the one position for too long and writing this on the Care Rounding Chart. Your colleagues may refer to pressure ulcer prevention as ‘Tissue Viability’.
Essential Learning Resources
NHSGGC Prevention of Pressure Ulcers
learnPro® module GGC: 080 Prevention of Pressure Ulcers
Anyone can have a fall, but older people are more likely to fall, especially if they have a long-term health condition. People can fall many times and each fall might result in a serious injury such as a head injury or a fractured hip. A fall can happen due to many different risk factors e.g. poor balance, muscle weakness, poor eyesight, or the person is on multiple medications. There are many ways to reduce the risk of a patient falling in your role as a HCSW. It is also important that we encourage patients to be active whilst they are in our care this can be achieved by following the Active Wards Principles. The resources below will allow you to learn more about reducing falls and promoting Active Wards.
These resources aim to develop your confidence and skills to implement person-centred care for the person living with dementia who is admitted to the acute hospital.
Delirium describes a confusion that can happen when patients are unwell. Causes of delirium include illness, surgery and some medicines. Delirium can start suddenly, but usually improves when the cause is found and treated. It can be very frightening for the patient and for their family and carers.
Infection control is everyone’s business and we all have a part to play in keeping both ourselves and the people we look after safe. People with infection are more likely to come to harm, stay in hospital longer and may even die as a result. Keeping your hands clean, washing them regularly and using personal protective equipment (known as PPE) are important in stopping the spread of infection. In healthcare, Hand Hygiene and PPE are two of the 10 Standard Infection Control Precautions (known as SICPs), which are described in more detail in the GGC:007 Statutory Mandatory Modules.
Essential Learning Resources
learnPro® module GGC:007 Standard Infection Control Precautions
learnPro® module NES: Prevention & Control Infection: C.Difficile
PPE droplet precautions. Please note that as we move to business as usual following the pandemic, donning and doffing remain relevant for many organisms.
SICPs may be insufficient to prevent cross transmission of specific infectious agents. Therefore, additional precautions, Transmission Based Precautions (TBPs), are required to be used by staff when caring for patients with a known or suspected infection or colonisation. More detail is available in the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual: Chapter 2 – Transmission Based Precautions (TBPs) (scot.nhs.uk). Speak to your line manager about when TBPs may be required and the PPE requirements for these specific patients that require them.
learnPro® NES: Scottish IPC Education Pathway – Foundation (Infection Prevention & Control tab)
Basic Life Support
You may come across emergency situations when you are at work. Patients can have problems with their airway, breathing or circulation and become suddenly unwell. During your first few months in your new job, your SCN/M or Team Lead may nominate you for a course called Basic Life Support which will help you to respond correctly in an emergency situation.
As part of your orientation to your ward / clinical area take some time to locate the emergency resuscitation trolley
If you find yourself in an emergency situation you may be asked to phone for the resuscitation team. Dial 2222- ask for the resuscitation team and tell them your clinical area and the hospital you are in
Palliative and End of Life Care
Palliative care is the care given to people with a life limiting illness. The term ‘life-limiting’ refers to an illness that can’t be cured and that patients are likely to die from. You may hear the term ‘progressive’ (gets worse over time) or ‘advanced’ (a serious stage) to describe these illnesses. Examples include advanced cancer, end stage cardiac, respiratory, renal failure and motor neurone disease.
Essential Learning Resources
Palliative and End of Life Care in the Hospital Setting
Coping with death and bereavement as a health and social care professional
or click on the pink leaf tile on the right hand side of Staffnet homepage
Moving and Handling
Moving and handling activities is a key part of your duties. This includes assisting patients and tasks such as moving equipment, laundry and stores. To keep yourself and patients safe it is essential you have the correct level of training.
If you have a Scottish Manual Handling Passport no foundation practical training course is required. Bring the passport document in to show your SCN or Team Lead. For Registered Nurses on the NHSGGC Staff Bank, send a copy by email to adminstaffbank@ggc.scot.nhs.uk. The dates of Moving and Handling training documented in the passport will go into the ward/ department training records. Complete the mandatory learnPro module: 005 Manual Handling Theory together with the practical competency assessment within your clinical area carried out by one of the local assessors.
All patients should be verbally encouraged to move and position themselves independently. When a patient needs to be moved, handled or requiring a mechanical aid this should be carried out with a member of the ward / department team and not on your own. Please, do not to use hoisting equipment until training completed.
Sharps Safety
To prevent needlestick injuries, NHSGGC provides sharp safe devices across the organisation within all areas of clinical practice, for the protection of staff.
Essential Learning
If you use sharps as part of your role you must complete:
LearnPro® module: Prevention and Management of Occupational Exposure(Scottish IPC Education Pathway – Infection Prevention and Control tab)
Ask your SCN, SCM or Team Lead if you will be involved in any part of the Blood Transfusion process, if yes please read on and complete the essential learning. If not, then tick N/A on the completion checklist.
It is essential to discuss with your SCN, SCM or Team Lead to find out if you are likely to be involved in:-
Taking pre transfusion blood samples
Collecting and storing blood components
HCSWs involved in any stage of the transfusion process are required to undertake the appropriate learning required for their role. Appropriate training and learning must be undertaken before participation in taking pre transfusion blood samples or the collection and delivery of blood or blood products.
NHSGGC recognises that employees and patients may be exposed to violence, aggression, and distress. Those who experience it can be at risk of physical and emotional harm. NHSGGC has a lawful responsibility to reduce this risk and act to keep staff and patients as safe as is practicable.
Our aim is that the risk of harm posed by violence, aggression, and distress will be reduced to its lowest practicable level and that relationships between ourselves, patients, and others who use the service are positive and respectful. To help achieve this, a Public Health, Human Rights Based, Risk Reduction model is used which includes the provision of training that is relevant and sufficient for your role within NHSGGC.
Essential Learning Resources
LearnPro module GGC: 003 – Reducing Risks of Violence and Aggression
Other Useful Resources
Your line manager will complete a Training Needs Analysis to identify if you work in an area/service exposed to a higher risk of violence, aggression, and distress. This will require some staff to attend in-person Health and Safety Violence Reduction training which is booked through eESS.
Prior to attending this training complete LearnPro module GGC: 312 – Violence Reduction – Physical Skills Knowledge – Adults.
All new team members or internal staff transfers, working in a Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) role, are expected to meet the NHS Scotland HCSW Mandatory Induction Standards and HCSW Code of Conduct after 3 months in post (or part-time equivalent up to a maximum of six months). If your post is solely with the NHSGGC Staff Bank you are required to sign the Code of Conduct before you start and you have 6 months to complete the NHS Scotland HCSW Mandatory Induction Standards.
Print off and sign the completion Checklist. If your post is solely with the NHSGGC Staff Bank you are required to send a signed copy of the completion checklist to adminstaffBank@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Throughout your career, as a Health Care Support worker, you may experience a range of emotions, which could affect your mental health and wellbeing. The NHSGGC: Mental Health and Wellbeing for NHSGGC staff link provides a range of support to prevent and assist with mental health issues in the workplace.
NHSGGC has also produced a booklet with a range of resources and links to support you to take care of your own mental health.
The National Wellbeing Hub contains information, resources and supports which you may find helpful at work and at home.
HealthCare Support Worker (HCSW) Portal – NHSGGC is where you will find all resources and updates for HCSW professional development. There are links to different support sites such as NHS Education for Scotland (NES), our own development programmes and a sample of training courses and instructions on how to access them
Whether you are new to the role of a Clinical Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) or an experienced HCSW joining a new post, thank you for choosing to come and work with us.
Before you start your online induction, please watch this short video from Jen Rodgers, one of our Deputy Nurse Director’s as she welcomes you to your new role in NHSGGC.
This element of the induction process outlines the minimum essential learning requirements of a Registered Midwife (RM). Please work through the essential learning resources within two weeks of starting in your new role. For NHSGGC Bank Staff this must be completed before your first orientation shift. If you require support seek this from your Preceptor, Flying Start NHS® facilitator, and or line manager.
Each of the resources will support your knowledge and confidence in a person-centred care approach. Person-centred care and support is everyone’s business in NHSGGC from the people who use services to the highest levels of our corporate team; from reception staff to porters; from kitchen staff to doctors; from personal care staff to social workers to chief executives; and from volunteers to managers.
Moving and handling activities is a key part of your duties. This includes assisting patients and tasks such as moving equipment, laundry and stores. To keep yourself and patients safe it is essential you have the correct level of training.
If you have a Scottish Manual Handling Passport no foundation practical training course is required. Bring the passport document in to show your SCN or Team Lead. For Registered Nurses on the NHSGGC Staff Bank, send a copy by email to adminstaffbank@ggc.scot.nhs.uk The dates of Moving and Handling training documented in the passport will go into the ward/ department training records. Complete the mandatory learnPro module: 005 Manual Handling Theory together with the practical competency assessment within your clinical area carried out by one of the local assessors.
All patients should be verbally encouraged to move and position themselves independently. When a patient needs to be moved, handled or requiring a mechanical aid this should be carried out with a member of the ward / department team and not on your own. Please, do not to use hoisting equipment until training completed.
Falls Prevention
Each of the resources will support your knowledge and confidence in how you can reduce risk and manage falls and contribute to promoting the Active Wards Principles. A fall with harm in the hospital can have a detrimental impact on the outcome for a patient, with increased length of stay and after-effects of injury resulting in distress for both patient and family and an increased risk of requiring ongoing care and support on discharge. Effective risk assessment and intervention, as well as encouraging activity promotion and risk enablement can help reduce the risk of patients falling, thus ensuring they are safely cared for during their time as an inpatient.
Maternity Specific Deteriorating Patient education will be delivered locally
Medicines Administration
The resources will help to develop your knowledge and confidence in medicines administration and heighten your understanding of your contribution towards patient safety.
NHSGGC is implementing Fresenius Kabi volumetric and syringe devices. If your clinical area has implemented it you should receive cascade training from a member of the clinical area team.
What next ?Practical training within your clinical area by your Cascade trainer which includes a quality control test and a patient test.
A Meter Compliance Form will then be sent to Clinical Biochemistry.
You will then receive a unique barcode which you will use to analyse any patient samples. Your barcode should strictly never be shared with anyone else. This will be audited
Infection Prevention and Control
Each of the resources will support your knowledge and confidence in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC). The IPC provides an Infection Control service to all healthcare workers (both clinical & non-clinical disciplines), patients, and visitors within NHSGGC. Each Sector and Directorate has an IPC team who can be contacted Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and out these times an on-call Microbiologist is available via switchboard.
Essential Learning Resources
learnPro® module – GGC 007 Standard Infection Control Precautions
learnPro® module – NES: Prevention & Control Infection: C.Difficile
To prevent needlestick injuries, NHSGGC provides sharp safe devices across the organisation within all areas of clinical practice, for the protection of staff.
Essential Learning Resources
learnPro® module Prevention and Management of Occupational Exposure
Any registered nurse or midwife involved in any stage of the transfusion process is required to undertake the appropriate learning required for their role. The transfusion process includes:
making the decision to transfuse and associated communication with patient
requesting blood components
taking pre-transfusion blood samples
collecting and storing blood components
administration of a transfusion
patient monitoring during and following transfusion
In your clinical environment with many demands on your time, keeping documentation records is a challenging but essential part of your role. All documentation records are part of the nursing process; assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care.
Throughout your career, as a healthcare professional, you may experience a range of emotions, which could affect your mental health and wellbeing. The NHSGGC: Mental Health and Wellbeing for NHSGGC staff link provides a range of support to prevent and assist with mental health issues in the workplace.
NHSGGC has also produced a booklet with a range of resources and links to support you to take care of your own mental health.
The National Wellbeing Hub contains information, resources and supports which you may find helpful at work and at home.
The Induction team also offer peer support, please contact us at ggc.practicedevelopmentinduction@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Checklist
Sign this Checklist and print or share an electronic copy with your Senior Midwife. Following completion of this Corporate Nursing Induction, your Senior Midwife or local educator, will direct you to specialty specific induction materials. If your post is solely with the NHSGGC Staff Bank you are required to send a signed copy of the completion checklist to adminstaffBank@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
This element of the induction process outlines the minimum essential learning requirements of a Registered Nurse (RN). Please work through the essential learning resources within two weeks of starting in your new role. For NHSGGC Bank Staff this must be completed before your first orientation shift. If you require support seek this from your Preceptor, Flying Start NHS® facilitator, and or line manager.
Each of the resources will support your knowledge and confidence in a person-centred care approach. Person-centred care and support is everyone’s business in NHSGGC from the people who use services to the highest levels of our corporate team; from reception staff to porters; from kitchen staff to doctors; from personal care staff to social workers to chief executives; and from volunteers to managers.
Moving and handling activities is a key part of your duties. This includes assisting patients and tasks such as moving equipment, laundry and stores. To keep yourself and patients safe it is essential you have the correct level of training.
If you have a Scottish Manual Handling Passport no foundation practical training course is required. Bring the passport document in to show your SCN or Team Lead. For Registered Nurses on the NHSGGC Staff Bank, send a copy by email to adminstaffbank@ggc.scot.nhs.uk. The dates of Moving and Handling training documented in the passport will go into the ward/ department training records. Complete the mandatory learnPro module: 005 Manual Handling Theory together with the practical competency assessment within your clinical area carried out by one of the local assessors.
All patients should be verbally encouraged to move and position themselves independently. When a patient needs to be moved, handled or requiring a mechanical aid this should be carried out with a member of the ward / department team and not on your own. Please, do not to use hoisting equipment until training completed.
The Deteriorating Patient
Most children will have a secondary cardiac arrest following an episode of an acute illness and is usually caused by hypoxia. This is rarely a sudden even but follows a progressive deterioration. By recognising early that a patient is sick and/or deteriorating we can intervene, seek expert help and hopefully stop the patient deteriorating further to cardiac arrest. The prognosis following a secondary cardiorespiratory arrest is poor, therefore emphasis should be placed upon early recognition and prevention.
Within NHS GGC a Paediatric Early Warning Score tool (PEWS) is used to help recognise sick and/or deteriorating patients. The patient’s PEWS score, along with the staff member’s assessment of the patient, can help identify patients at risk of clinical deterioration. PEWS charts have been shown to reduce the amount of “crash calls” and PICU admission with staff escalating their concerns early to the appropriate teams.
During induction, all staff new to paediatrics will be allocated a specific date/time for appropriate resuscitation training, provided by the resuscitation training department. It is essential you attend the time given to you. Staff should ensure these skills are maintained and can book onto future update courses via the eESS System or their line manager:
The resources will help to develop your knowledge and confidence in medicines administration and heighten your understanding of your contribution towards patient safety.
NHSGGC is implementing Fresenius Kabi volumetric and syringe devices. If your clinical area has implemented it you should receive cascade training from a member of the clinical area team.
NHSGGC uses the FreeStyle Precision Pro ® Blood Glucose Meter for blood glucose monitoring.
All staff must be trained prior to using the meters for the first time.
Essential Learning Resources
learnPro® module GGC210 FS Precision Pro – Glucose
What next ? – practical training within your clinical area by your Cascade trainer which includes a quality control test and a patient test.
A Meter Compliance Form will then be sent to Clinical Biochemistry.
You will then receive a unique barcode which you will use to analyse any patient samples. Your barcode should never be shared with anyone else.
Infection Prevention and Control
Each of the resources will support your knowledge and confidence in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC). The IPC provides an Infection Control service to all healthcare workers (both clinical & non-clinical disciplines), patients, and visitors within NHSGGC. Each Sector and Directorate has an IPC team who can be contacted Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and out these times an on-call Microbiologist is available via switchboard.
Essential Learning Resources
learnPro® module – GGC 007 Standard Infection Control Precautions
learnPro® module – NES: Prevention & Control Infection: C.Difficile
To prevent needlestick injuries, NHSGGC provides sharp safe devices across the organisation within all areas of clinical practice, for the protection of staff. Please watch the video below to learn more:
Essential Learning Resources
If you use sharps as part of your role you must complete:
learnPro® module Prevention and Management of Occupational Exposure
Any registered paediatric nurse involved in any stage of the transfusion process is required to undertake the appropriate learning required for their role. The transfusion process includes:
making the decision to transfuse and associated communication with patient
requesting blood components
taking pre-transfusion blood samples
collecting and storing blood components
administration of a transfusion
patient monitoring during and following transfusion
Each of the resources will support your knowledge and confidence in providing palliative and end of life care. The Paediatric Supportive and Palliative Care team at Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) provide tertiary specialist paediatric palliative care across the paediatric spectrum, from the antenatal period, through infancy and childhood and also for young people until they reach their 16th birthday (and those who are 17-18 years but still accessing services at RHC). The service provides an individual patient-centred pathway from diagnosis or recognition that a condition is life-threatening or life-limiting.
The team will accept referrals from any healthcare professional. If a patient requires to be assessed by a member of the team the named consultant on the child or young person’s care must give approval. Get is touch with the team with an electronic referral via TrakCare – Paediatric Supportive and Palliative Care consult.
TrakCare® is the Patient Management System for NHSGGC. All patient episodes (Outpatient, Inpatient and Emergency) are recorded and managed on TrakCare®. TrakCare® incorporates electronic requesting (Order Comms) for Labs, Radiology and Cardiology and electronic results.
Essential Learning Resources
learnPro® module GGC: 009 Safe Information Handling
If after watching the video you feel further training on TrakCare is required, please book your online face to face session via the learnPro home page (Go to the bottom of the page and click on Training events/course booking and apply).
Record Keeping and Documentation
In your clinical environment with many demands on your time, keeping documentation records is a challenging but essential part of your role. All documentation records are part of the nursing process; assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care.
Throughout your career, as a healthcare professional, you may experience a range of emotions, which could affect your mental health and wellbeing. The NHSGGC: Mental Health and Wellbeing for NHSGGC staff link provides a range of support to prevent and assist with mental health issues in the workplace.
NHSGGC has also produced a booklet with a range of resources and links to support you to take care of your own mental health.
The National Wellbeing Hub contains information, resources and supports which you may find helpful at work and at home.
Sign this Checklist and print or share an electronic copy with your Senior Charge Nurse. Following completion of Corporate Nursing Induction, your Senior Charge Nurse or local educator, will direct you to specialty specific induction materials. If your post is solely with the NHSGGC Staff Bank you are required to send a signed copy of the completion checklist to adminstaffBank@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
