Thank you for your interest in Weigh to Go. Please complete the form below and one of the team will phone you back.
It is helpful if the young person themselves can complete this enquiry form.
Services A to Z
Cervical skills training is only available to staff working in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Argyll Bute.
Core training (1 day training – training for new smear takers)
Core Training for New Smear Takers
This is aimed at those who have never undertaken cervical screening education.
The initial training programme consists of a one day course followed by both practical and self directed learning.
This takes the form of
- Observation of two fully person centred cervical screening consultations by practice assessor
- Completion of 5 supervised person centred cervical screening consultations
- 5 indirect supervised person centred cervical screening consultations
- Attendance for 1 session at colposcopy
- A Quality Improvement project
- Completion of log book
The submitted evidence of the consolidation/assessment process will result in certification.
Please remember that you are accountable for you own practice and should work within your own limitations at all times.
Entry requirements
- Student must be a qualified practicing Nurse/Midwife or qualified Medical Doctor
- The student is able to complete the training criteria within a 26 week period
- Student must have a practice assessor
- NHS email
- SCCRS login/ password
Students are to required to complete pre-course eLearning modules which will be forwarded once registration has been completed.
Please note spaces are limited to 25 per course.
Course fee: £75
Update training (three yearly half day update for current smear takers
Cervical Skills Update Training
This is aimed at those who have previously complete the core Cervical Skills Training. Update training is required to be completed every 3 years. Smear takers will update knowledge and skills; increase awareness of current practice; and address unsatisfactory smears.
Please note spaces are limited to 30 per course.
Course fee: £30
All training sessions will include new and updated content to bring you up to date with the scheduled changes to screening.
If you have any queries, please contact ggc.phsu.admin@nhs.scot
White Powder Incident
Members of the public who have been exposed to a suspect biological agent should receive an initial 10 days’ ciprofloxacin as prophylaxis against anthrax, plague, tularaemia or other biological agent (unless contraindicated – doxycycline is an alternative – see below). This is a precaution until laboratory results for the agent are known. Initial and follow-up treatments can be provided under the emergency PGDs below.
Anthrax – children aged 12 yrs and over and adults
- PGD national ciprofloxacin 500mg pgd initial supply anthrax
- PGD national ciprofloxacin pgd 500mg further supply anthrax 20 days
- PGD national doxycycline pgd initial supply anthrax
- PGD national doxycycline pgd further supply anthrax 20 days
Tularemia – children aged 12 yrs and over and adults
- PGD national- ciprofloxacin pgd 500mg initial supply tularemia
- PGD national ciprofloxacin pgd 500mg further supply tularemia
- PGD national doxycycline pgd initial supply tularemia
- PGD national doxycycline pgd further supply tularemia
Plague – children aged 12 yrs and over and adults
- PGD national ciprofloxacin pgd 500mg initial supply plague
- PGD national doxycycline pgd initial supply plague
Anthrax – children under 12 yrs
- PGD national ciprofloxacin pgd under 12-initial supply anthrax
- PGD national- ciprofloxacin pgd further supply under 12 anthrax 20 days
Tularemia- children under 12 yrs
- PGD national ciprofloxacin pgd initial supply under 12 tularemia
- PGD national ciprofloxacin pgd further supply under 12 tularemia
Plague – children under 12 yrs
NHSGGC Authorisation Forms for PGDs
Exposure to Radiactive Iodine – adults and children
Measles
Measles is a notifiable disease under the Public Health (Scotland) Act 2008.
Measles should be considered if the patient has:
- Fever ≥38°C AND
- Generalised maculopapular rash AND
- Either cough, coryza or conjunctivitis (ref HPS)
GPs should take a throat swab as soon as possible when measles is clinically suspected. The swab should be expressed into the Viral PCR Sample Solution vial (VPSS) and sent off to the West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre at the GRI. If VPSS is not available, swabs can be cut off and sent dry in a sterile container. This should be avoided whenever possible as the virus remains infectious and sensitivity is reduced. VPSS inactivates and preserves the pathogen genome for PCR testing.
TrakCare item: Adult maculopapular rash – virus PCR – Set (See WoSSVC under Rash testing – maculopapular)
TrakCare item: Paediatric maculopapular rash – virus PCR – Set
GP electronic request (ICE / EMIS / Vision) item: Maculopapular rash PCR-current infection
Measles Communication
Letter 1
Letter 2
Notification
GPs should notify the PHPU Health Protection Nurse by calling 0141 201 4917
On notification, the HPN will assess the individual epidemiological features of the case: –
Immunisation history – any known vaccination history or history of measles? (The vaccine effectiveness of a single dose of MMR is around 90% and approximately 95% for two doses. Although vaccine failure is rare, it can occur, particularly after a single dose)
Travel – any travel within and outside the UK during the incubation period, with an assessment of whether travel was in an area where measles is known to be circulating?
Ethnic and cultural/religious background – are there details on the patient’s ethnicity, and importantly, whether the patient is a member of an under-vaccinated population group (e.g. Charedi Orthodox Jewish community, Steiner community)?
Epidemiological link – is there a known epidemiological link with another laboratory or epidemiologically confirmed case?
WHO Measles Surveillance
If the PHPU clinician agrees that the case meets the definition of a possible measles, an oral fluid kit (MMR salivary kit) for IgM testing will be sent out – previously sent to GP surgeries, these are now being posted from the PHPU directly to patients/parents/guardians who are requested to forward the sample directly to PHE Colindale using the labelled packaging supplied. MMR kits, which meet the WHO requirements of measles investigation to satisfy elimination criteria, are sent out even if PCR testing is negative.
Exclusion of a confirmed case
People with confirmed measles should be excluded from their usual place of work or study or from shared childcare facilities or any other shared space until at least four days after the rash has developed. The case should be advised to self isolate and to avoid contact with vulnerable groups during this time. For more info click on link
MUMPS
Mumps is a notifiable disease under the Public Health (Scotland) Act 2008.
Oral fluid testing (MMR salivary kit) for suspected mumps cases ceased on 1st April 2018.
Mumps can be diagnosed clinically. However, if a GP is keen to have laboratory confirmation of suspected mumps cases, the PCR test is available from the WoSSVC. A buccal (inner cheek) mouth swab should be expressed into the VPSS vial and sent off to the WoSSVC (GRI). When Viral PCR Sample Solution (VPSS) is not available, swabs can be cut off and sent dry in a sterile container.
TrakCare item: Mumps PCR – current infection
GP electronic request (ICE / EMIS / Vision) item: Mumps PCR – current infection
Ordering VPSS
Please email the WoSSVC (west.ssvc@nhs.net ) to order Viral PCR solution (VPSS) and include:
- The requesting location address (inc. the postcode)
- The number of VPSS vials required
- Name, telephone number and email address of a contact in case of questions regarding the order
Alternatively requests for VPSS can be made via the office 0141 201 8722.
Thinking about coming to Weigh to Go but not sure what to expect? Hear about other young people’s experiences and the changes they made after coming to the programme on the NHS YouTube channel.
Jack’s Story
Maria’s Story
Lewis’ Story
Elaine’s Story
Tuberculosis
Some people think that TB is an old disease but it is still present in our society. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has the largest number of TB cases across all other NHS Boards.
The risk factors for developing TB include:
- Diabetes
- Weakened immune system (e.g., cancers, diabetes, HIV)
- Malnutrition
- Tobacco use
- Close-contact situations
- Alcohol and IV drug abuse
- Certain occupations (e.g., health-care workers)
- Deprivation, homelessness, overcrowding
- Being born in or have frequent stays in high risk countries
TB commonly infects the lungs and respiratory tract, but it can infect almost any part of the body. The symptoms of active TB vary, depending on which part of the body is infected and some people may have no symptoms at all (latent TB). Common symptoms of active TB are:
- Persistent cough that lasts more than three weeks
- The cough can produce phlegm, which may be blood stained
- Unexplained weight loss and reduced appetite
- Night sweats and high temperature (fever)
- Tiredness and fatigue
- New swellings that haven’t gone away after a few weeks
TB is a serious but treatable disease, with the proper care and support, most people can make a good recovery.
For more info PHS
NHSGGC TB Clinical Liaison Nurse Specialists
NHSGGC has 5 TB Clinical Liaison Nurse Specialists who are responsible for the case management of patients diagnosed with TB.
A patient is assigned to a TB Clinical Liaison Nurse Specialist by postcode, each nurse being responsible for a geographical area within NHSGGC.
Primary care staff who require any advice regarding TB or guidance about screening potential contacts of a TB case should call the TB Clinical Liaison Nurse Specialist responsible for the individual’s postcode area. The TB Clinical Liaison Nurse Specialist will advise if any action has to be taken.
Enquiries about a patient’s TB medication should also be directed to the responsible nurse.
Contact Tracing
TB Clinical Nurse Specialists will identify close contacts of a TB case, screen them for active disease and organise testing as required. These may include:
- Mantoux (skin) testing
- Blood tests (IGRA/Quantiferon)
- Chest X-ray
BCG Programme
TB Nurses are also responsible for administering BCG vaccine to both children and adults. The current BCG vaccination programme is mainly targeted to babies who are at risk of TB.
TB leaflets
- 31 Jan 2018 Anti TB Treatment (Current in 2019)
- 31 Jan 2018 TB General Information Information leaflet (Current in 2019)
- 31 Jan 2018 TB leaflet for TB contacts A leaflet with information for people who have been in contact with a person diagnosed with TB (Current in 2019)
- 31 Jan 2018 TB Leaflet The Facts New Patient Leaflet with facts for new patients (Current in 2019)
If travelling abroad go to the Fit For Travel website for travel health information.
School trips – travel guidance
Please note the Health Protection Scotland Travel Health Guidance Aug 2017 for children on school trips (Version 4 still current in 2018)
Schistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis and post travel screening
It is important that all travellers to tropical destinations – including pupils or students on cultural exchange trips – receive accurate travel health advice. A range of travel health issues should be considered for these groups including the risk of exposure to schistosomiasis. The PHPU was recently involved in the coordination of post travel screening for two separate school parties. In addition, NHS Highland public health reported an incident where 21 students required to be screened after one of the party presented to urology with haematuria and a history of exposure to untreated water in Malawi; 13 tested positive for schistosomiasis and of those only two were symptomatic. The incident and conclusions were reported in Journal of Public Health Advance Access, published online in December. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection which is present in fresh water in many tropical countries, especially African countries. It is contracted following exposure to untreated fresh water including swimming, paddling, washing, and showering. It is usually asymptomatic but an itchy rash, swimmers itch, can occur at the site of entry. Two to four weeks later fever, diarrhoea, cough, or a rash may develop. Long standing infection can lead to bowel, liver, kidney and bladder problems including bladder cancer.
Travellers are advised to seek pre-travel health advice and, to allow accurate advice to be given, should provide the clinician with as much information as possible about the trip, including arrangements for washing and showering. Travellers to endemic areas should be advised not to bathe, swim or wade in freshwater lakes or rivers.
Those intending to wash or shower, as well as those who swim or paddle, in untreated fresh water will need post-travel screening for schistosomiasis and they should be advised at the pre-travel consultation to attend for screening 8 weeks after return. Screening requires a serum sample – 5mls clotted blood in either a red or yellow-topped tube – obtained after a minimum of 8 weeks since last exposure to be sent to the Scottish Parasite Diagnostic Laboratory. This is the shortest time it takes for worms to mature, reproduce and lay eggs. The test examines levels of Schistosoma antibodies. Results for any new positive cases are phoned directly by the Consultant Clinical Scientist to the GP and a written report is issued for all positive and negative tests. Serologically positive patients should be referred to an infectious disease physician at the Brownlee where further investigation and treatment will be carried out.
- See PHPU Pre and post travel advice flowchart
- See PHPU Schistosomiasis information leaflet for school trips
- See PHPU Schistosomiasis Screening Flowchart for GPs Practices should click on the link for more information on this test and the range of other tests offered by the Scottish Parasite Diagnostic Laboratory
Other useful links for advice/information are listed below:-
Select your area to find your local Weigh to Go venue, then phone our team to make an appointment on 0141 451 2727 or complete our contact form and we will phone you back.
East Dunbartonshire
Kirkintilloch Health and Care Centre
10 Saramago Street
Kirkintilloch
G66 3BF
Tuesday afternoons (fortnightly)
Milngavie Clinic
North Campbell Avenue
Milngavie
G62 7AA
Tuesday afternoons (fortnightly)
East Renfrewshire
Eastwood Health & Care Centre
Drumby Crescent
Clarkston
G76 7HN
Monday afternoons (fortnightly)
Barrhead Health & Care Centre
213 Main Street
Barrhead
G78 1SW
Monday afternoons (fortnightly)
Glasgow North East
Easterhouse Health Centre
9 Auchinlea Road
Glasgow
G34 9HQ
Monday evenings
Shettleston Health Centre
420 Old Shettleston Road
Glasgow
G32 7JZ
Wednesday evenings
Springburn Health Centre
200 Springburn Way
Glasgow
G21 1TR
Thursday evenings
Glasgow North West
Drumchapel Health Centre
80/90 Kinfauns Drive
Glasgow
G15 7TS
Tuesday evenings
Maryhill Health & Care Centre
51 Gairbraid Avenue
Glasgow
G20 8BZ
Thursday evenings
Possilpark Health & Care Centre
99 Saracen Street
Glasgow
G22 5AP
Wednesday evenings
Glasgow South
Pollok Health Centre
21 Cowglen Road
Glasgow
G53 6EQ
Monday evenings
Elderpark Clinic
20 Arklet Road
Glasgow
G51 3XR
Tuesday evenings
Castlemilk Health Centre
Dougrie Drive
Glasgow
G45 9AW
Thursday afternoons
New Gorbals Health & Care Centre
2 Sandiefield Road
Glasgow
G5 9AB
Thursday evenings
Inverclyde
Greenock Health & Care Centre
Wellington Street
Greenock
PA15 4NH
Wednesday afternoons (fortnightly)
Inverclyde Community Development Trust
7 1/2 John Wood Street
Post Glasgow
PA14 5HU
Wednesday afternoons (fortnightly)
Renfrewshire
Ferguslie Clinic
Tannahill Centre
76 Blackstoun Road
Paisley
PA3 1NT
Thursday afternoons
West Dunbartonshire
Vale Centre for Health and Care
Main Street
Alexandria
G83 0UA
Tuesday afternoons (fortnightly)
Clydebank Health & Care Centre
Queens Quay Main Avenue
Clydebank
G81 1BS
Tuesday afternoons (fortnightly)
What is Weigh to Go?
- A service for young people who are overweight and want to lose or manage their weight
- Young people aged 12-15 years can access support for up to 24 weeks from a Weigh to Go Nurse
- Young people aged 16-18 years can have free access to Slimming World and support from a Weigh to Go Nurse at key intervals in the programme
- Sustainable change through healthy eating and exercise
Who is it for?
- Young people who live in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area (e.g. East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City, Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, West Dunbartonshire)
- Aged 12 to 18 years
- BMI greater than 25
How can I access Weigh To Go?
Please phone us on 0141 451 2727 to make an appointment or follow the link above to complete our contact form.
Health Protection Scotland has produced a national guidance document on the prevention and control of infection in childcare settings. This guidance was updated in 2018. The guidance is for childminders and staff working within nurseries, day-care centres, playgroups, crèches, children’s centres, after-school and holiday clubs. It should also be used by staff involved in all outdoor activities for children.
For a quick guide to the exclusion criteria for children in the settings above please click on the link. This Guidance can be downloaded and laminated for display in relevant areas.
For further information/advice please call 0141 201 4917 or email ggc.phpu@nhs.scot