Skip to content
Home > Services A to Z > Page 3

Services A to Z

Here you will find information for people living with HIV who are attending the Brownlee Centre for their treatment and care. The information on this page is intended to help you with managing your HIV. However; if you have any issues or concerns about your HIV then please get in touch with the clinic.

HIV Treatment

Treatment for HIV involves taking a combination of anti-HIV (antiretroviral) drugs. This treatment has a very powerful anti-HIV effect and stops the virus from reproducing.  This allows the immune system to strengthen and fight infections effectively.

To get the most benefit from your HIV treatment, you need to take it as prescribed, every day. This is often called “Adherence” or “Compliance”.

Was this helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

The only way to know if you have HIV is to have a test.  Everyone in Scotland, including refugees and asylum seekers, can access free and confidential HIV testingHIV treatment and care is available from the National Health Service. 

An HIV test can only tell you about your HIV status. It cannot tell you if your current of previous partners are infected.  Other people can only find out if they go for a test themselves.

Who should test for HIV?

You can’t tell by looking at someone if they have HIV so the only way to know is by having a test. You should have a test for HIV, if you have:

  • had unprotected sex with a man or a woman
  • ever injected drugs, even if it was a long time ago
  • had unsterile medical treatment abroad, or treatment in countries where infection control procedures are sub-standard
  • had tattoos or body piercing in circumstances where infection control procedures are suboptimal
  • were born or who have lived in a country that has a high prevalence of HIV

Where can I get an HIV test?

Testing is free and confidential in all NHS services. There are a range of places to get a test including:

In addition, some voluntary sector organisations also offer testing.

Waverley Care

Waverley Care offer Dried Blood Spot Testing.

www.waverleycare.org

Telephone: 0141 332 2520

Terrence Higgins Trust

The Terrence Higgins Trust has both a Postal Testing Service and a Fast Test rapid HIV service in their Glasgow city centre office.

www.tht.org.uk

Telephone: 0141 332 3838

How soon will HIV be detected by a test?

After someone is infected with HIV, it can take some time for their body to develop antibodies to the virus.  It is these antibodies that a test looks for.  This is known as the ‘window period’.   This means that if you were infected shortly before you have a test, it might not show up.  Most of the HIV tests used are very sensitive and will detect HIV one month after someone is exposed, so a negative test is highly likely to be accurate.  However, it is recommended that an additional HIV test is offered at 12 weeks to everyone who tests to make sure that they were not in the window period and are not infected.

If you are asked to have a follow-up test, you should take the following precautions while waiting for your second result:

Was this helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

The Brownlee Centre is based at the Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow. The Brownlee Clinic looks after approximately 2000 people living with HIV infection, as well as many people with other medical conditions. The Kantilal Sleep Investigation Unit is also based at the Brownlee Centre. All adult outpatient HIV care in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is based here and is free of charge. Paediatric HIV services are delivered at the Royal Hospital for Children Glasgow.

Contact The Brownlee Clinic

To change an appointment, to cancel an appointment or to leave a routine message with any member of staff please call the Brownlee Clinic Reception on 0141 211 1074 or 0141 232 2175.

Opening times

  • Monday 9.00am to 5.00pm
  • Tuesday 9.00 am to 6.30pm
  • Wednesday and Thursday 9.00am to 5.00pm
  • Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm

You can also email ggc.brownlee.hiv@nhs.scot for general enquires and feedback.

We prefer that you do not use email to book clinic appointments, make referrals or ask questions about your care.

To attend your appointment by Video using Attend Anywhere (Near Me), use the following link:

Attend Anywhere: Brownlee Clinic Waiting Area

If you feel unwell or are in need of urgent medical help: please contact your GP or NHS 24  (PHONE 111). If necessary, they will contact staff at the Brownlee Centre for specialised medical advice.

News and Updates

SPCG – Key Messages – 8 April 2026

The second meeting of the Safety and Public Confidence Oversight Group took place this week. It was …

Portrait of Colin Mearns, wearing an open-necked shirt and standing in front of a background of trees and shrubs.

Grateful patient urges others to act early on bowel cancer

A man who feels his life was saved by a simple bowel screening test is encouraging people to act ear…

Celebrating Social Prescribing Day 2026: recognising the people connecting care with community

Celebrating Social Prescribing Day 2026: recognising the people connecting care with community

Today (Thursday 26 March), NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is celebrating Social Prescribing Day 2026,…

Easter weekend public holiday reminder

Easter weekend public holiday reminder

Greater Glasgow and Clyde residents are reminded that GP practices and many pharmacies will be close…

The team from the Support & Information Service line up for a picture outside the service's office in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital

Meet the NHSGGC team taking care beyond the hospital bed

Help with appropriate housing, practical support with money worries and benefits, even making sure s…

Raiyan Mehmood smiles as he stands next to a large window at the Centre for Integrated Care. The centre's garden can be seen outside.

Pilot scheme to help people into work hailed a major success

A pilot scheme within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) to help people into work has been haile…

1 2 3 4 5 217

Social Media

Was this helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)

Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care

Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care

The nearest sanctuary to the Brownlee Centre is situated just inside the main entrance to Gartnavel General Hospital on the ground floor, on the right-hand side before the Deco Coffee Shop.

The chaplain’s office is in the corner of the Gartnavel General Hospital sanctuary.

Telephone: 0141 211 3026

More information on Gartnavel General Hospital.

More information on the NHSGGC Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy service.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Clinical nurse specialists can be found across a range of different medical specialties and long term conditions e.g. Coronary Heart Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diabetes. They are nurses who are trained and focus on a particular disease and are qualified to provide clinical input to patient care in place of a doctor. Every patient attending the Brownlee Centre is allocated a CNS and their role is to link that person to the department. The CNS can be contacted for any enquiry that is related to the management of HIV.

Nurse led clinics

Patients attend nurse-led clinics when they are considered to be stable and they have a less clinical and more holistic approach that focuses on lifestyle choices and health improvement. These include alcohol intake, diet, exercise, smoking, recreational drug use, sexual health and social circumstances.

At the nurse led clinic you will be reviewed by one of the nurse specialist team, not necessarily your allocated nurse.

Our goal is that all patients can develop a relationship with the care team that is built on trust and clear communication. If you have an issue related to your HIV treatment and care, we encourage you to get in touch as early as possible – don’t wait until you have reached crisis point!

First Visit

At your first visit to the Brownlee, you will be seen by the out-patient nursing staff who will carry out initial blood tests and a few other checks. You’ll meet your specialist nurse and sexual health advisor, and you will be given written information about HIV and the support services available.

You will then be given an appointment to be seen at the consultant clinic to review your blood tests.

Consultant Physician in HIV Medicine

Consultant Physician in HIV Medicine

What is HIV medicine?

The aim is to control and suppress the HIV virus completely to levels where it is undetectable in the blood – an undetectable viral load. This is done by making sure each patient has the correct course of antiretroviral medication.   You will need to take this medication for the rest of your life, so decisions are based on a number of things, including evidence that will affect the future e.g. will a person’s work affect how and when they can take their medication?

What is the role of an HIV consultant?

The consultant leads a patients care and has overall responsibility for making sure a long term plan is in place. They check and double check all the information relevant to your care through review, reflection and ensuring safe systems are in place. Your named consultant will be either an infectious disease or genitourinary medicine consultant, who specialises in HIV medicine.

What other doctors might a patient see?

You won’t always see your named consultant when you attend and this might be because of rotas, other clinical commitments and to allow trainees to gain experience. You might see registrars who are fully qualified doctors that are training to become HIV specialists.

However, all the decisions about your care ultimately lie with your named consultant.

What is the most important message you have for patients?

Engage with the whole service – all of your  appointments are important and enable us to work with you to provide the best possible care.  If you are unable to attend, please get in touch with us. Don’t wait until crisis point or until the last tablet. Provide feedback and communicate with us.

Counselling

Counselling

The counselling team at the Brownlee provides help to people who are infected or affected by HIV and/or Hepatitis C.  We offer a range of psychological interventions that aim to maintain positive emotional health and wellbeing.

The counsellors offer a confidential, safe and non-judgemental space where clients can talk through their issues and concerns.  Clients can refer themselves or ask any healthcare professional to refer them.

Some of the services the counselling team provide are:

  • Urgent psychological support and advice
  • One-One counselling: face to face, by video or by telephone
  • Group counselling
  • Patient support groups
  • Person centred counselling
  • Integrative therapies
  • Trauma counselling
  • Addiction therapies
Dietitian

Dietitians are health professionals who can assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems.

The Dietitian service at Brownlee can help people with:

  • Advice on a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet
  • Assist in maintenance of healthy weight and muscle stores
  • Optimise nutritional status
  • Encourage a positive approach to eating

If you have concerns about any aspect of your nutrition you should discuss this with a member of the Brownlee team who can then make a referral on your behalf.

Free Condoms Service

Free Condoms Service

Free Condoms are provided to anyone who lives, works or studies in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.

The service has been designed to be user friendly for both the service user and condom distribution outlets.  It is discreet and simple with no requirement to register or answer questions.  You can get your free condoms and lubricant from one of the many participating outlets. Go to the Free Condoms Website for more information.

HIV and Pregnancy

HIV and Pregnancy

If you or your partner are living with HIV and thinking about having a baby we would encourage you to discuss this with your doctor or Specialist nurse beforehand or let them know as soon as you know you are pregnant.

We can give advice on antiretroviral medication in pregnancy, how to become pregnant safely, how to ensure you remain well during pregnancy and how we will work together to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV. 

During pregnancy, the HIV team work closely with the Blossom team based in Princess Royal Maternity and we recommend women living with HIV attend PRMH for antenatal care. We provide a joint clinic with the HIV doctor and nurse, obstetric doctor, midwife and a neonatal doctor (who will look after the baby at birth) and can provide all your care in one place during pregnancy and in the weeks after baby is born.

The team work together to follow national guidelines to look after women living with HIV during pregnancy. Download or view the PDF containing more information on these.

Mental Health and Well-Being

Mental Health and Well-Being

There is good evidence that a range of psychological interventions can make a considerable difference to the long-term health and well-being of someone living with HIV, including how well they manage their condition and adhere to treatment.

We offer each patient an appointment with a member of the counselling team for a WELL-BEING assessment which is an opportunity to find out if there are emotional and psychological issues that may require support and treatment. It is also an opportunity to identify social, financial or indeed any other problems that you may need help with.

Treatment may be in the form of ongoing counselling, anxiety and stress management, attendance at a support group, or mental health care and treatment.

Occupational Therapist

The Occupational Therapy (OT) service provides specialist assessment and treatment to help individuals develop, regain or maintain the skills necessary to participate in all areas of their lives. Occupational Therapy gives people the ‘skills for the job of living meaningful and satisfying lives’.

At the Brownlee, the OT service receives a wide range of referrals, commonly related to memory, fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleep problems and social isolation. The OT service can be accessed through any staff member and individuals can self refer.

OT service may include:

  • Assessment and management of fatigue
  • Anxiety Management training
  • Advice and support to access work, leisure and community facilities
  • Liaison with Community Occupational Therapist for environmental adaptations
  • Advice and support for carers and families
  • Liaison and referral to community services and projects ie Impact arts, flourish house, access to work, Waverly Care,
  • Assessment of activities of daily living eg meal preparation, self care, shopping
  • Provision of equipment to improve functional status, and increase independence.

During your appointment with the Occupational Therapy service you will be given the opportunity to discuss any issues you are experiencing and work collaboratively with the OT to develop goals and strategies. The majority of appointments will be one to one with the Occupational Therapist or Assistant Health Practitioner, however there are sometimes opportunities for group work.

Outpatient Nurse

Outpatient Nurse

As some of the first friendly faces you will meet at your visits here at the Brownlee, the Outpatient Nursing Team are committed to providing care and support to patients and their families and friends. The Outpatient Nursing Team are the central “link” in the multi-disciplinary team. Managing the lists of separate clinics, we carry out a very varied role, helping co-ordinate a patients journey as well as

  • Referring to most appropriate part of the service
  • Running a nurse led phlebotomy (blood testing) service
  • Co-ordinating nursing tasks such as vaccines, return appointments, diagnostic monitoring such as weight, BP and urinalysis.  Routine sexual health screens are also carried out by the OPD nursing team.
  • Supporting and caring for patients 
Peer Support

Peer Support

Many people have questions surrounding their diagnosis, treatment or other issues related to living with HIV. Unless they know someone else living with HIV they often struggle to speak to someone who really understands things from their perspective.

The Peer Support Project provides a confidential environment for one HIV positive individual to meet with another more experienced HIV patient, who will listen to your concerns and fears and share what it’s like living positively.

The service is open to all current HIV positive patients in NHSGGC, regardless of how long they have been diagnosed, and who could benefit from speaking to another person living with HIV. This could be related to issues such as; shock of diagnosis, stigma, relationships, disclosure, work, social isolation, beginning treatment and other constraints or questions a person might have related to living with HIV.

Call or email us to access Peer Support or find out more about the service. Alternatively you can ask any member of staff when you are next at the Brownlee.

Specialist HIV Pharmacist

Specialist HIV Pharmacist

The pharmacy team dispense medications and make sure they are safe and effective. They also ensure that your HIV medication is compatible with other medicines you might take or any other health conditions you may have.

Drug interactions are very common with antivirals and it is important for us to check in advance that medication is compatible to reduce the risk of treatment failures or drug toxicities. Patients and other medical professionals (eg GPs) are encouraged to check with the specialist pharmacy team before starting any new medicine including those purchased at the supermarket or community pharmacy or even any herbal products.

When a new antiviral is supplied, both at the outset of treatment or if changes to your medicines are required, a member of the team will discuss this with you. The aim of this is to provide you with practical information relating to how to get the best results from your medicines but also to give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your new medicines or the service we provide.

We also offer a medication delivery service, which allows antivirals to be delivered to your home. It is only available to those patients who are stable on their antivirals, after discussion with their consultant.    The company is called Lloyds Homecare – Tel: 0345 263 6135  

If you have any questions regarding your medicines, your supply or taking other medicines, please don’t hesitate to call us on 0141 211 3383.

Our opening hours are as below:

  • Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 8.45am – 5.00pm (Closed 1.00pm – 1.45pm for lunch every day)
  • Thursday and Friday, 8.45am – 4.15pm (Closed 1.00pm – 1.45pm for lunch every day)
  • Saturday and Sunday, Closed
Sexual Health Advisors

Sexual Health Advisors

Attending the Brownlee Centre for HIV care there will be many opportunities to talk about your health and HIV treatment.  However,  you may wish to discuss other issues  such as sex, relationships, condoms, or telling a partner about your diagnosis, but may not find there is the time or the opportunity to do so with your doctor.

Here are some of the areas that we can help with:

  • Safer sex and condoms
  • Negotiating safer sex with sexual partners
  • Telling someone (perhaps a sexual partner) you are HIV positive
  • Concerns about your sexual health and sexually transmitted infections
  • Lifestyle issues and living with HIV
  • Worries or concerns about your care and treatments

Using condoms

Lower risk sex

There are some sexual activities that carry little or no risks of passing on HIV. For example oral sex (mouth to genital contact) is very low risk in terms of HIV transmission, as long as the mouth is healthy and no other infections are present. Activities such as kissing, hugging, touching or stroking, mutual masturbation, and rimming (tongue to anus contact) carry no risk of HIV transmission.

The risk of other sexually transmitted infections needs to be considered, particularly through oral sex.

Undetectable viral load

The information you get from your test results and discussions with your doctor about your viral load can help inform your choices around having sex. If your viral load has been undetectable for several months and you continue to take your anti-HIV drugs correctly without problems, the risks of HIV transmission during unprotected penetrative sex (anal or vaginal) is much reduced.

However not everyone is in agreement about how much the risk is reduced. Risks of other sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy issues also need to be considered when having unprotected sex.

You should discuss your Viral Load with your doctor or Sexual Health Adviser before making any decisions.  More information on this is available from the National AIDS Manual (NAM) website.

What if my partner is HIV positive too?

It may seem obvious to think that if your sexual partner is HIV positive then there is no need to consider how you have sex together. This is not quite true. Apart from the risks of other sexually transmitted infections, the concern is the possibility of infection with more than one strain of HIV – or superinfection.

This could mean for example it is less likely to achieve undetectable viral load with anti-HIV drugs but the implications of this for your future health are not clear and not everyone is in agreement about the effects of this. Another concern is resistance to anti-HIV drugs being passed from person to person.

Re-infection or superinfection is less likely if you both have an undetectable viral load.

If this issue affects you it may be helpful to talk this through with your doctor at the Brownlee.

Some information about this is available on the Terrence Higgins Trust website.

More frequently asked questionse.

Clinic Team

The Brownlee Clinic Team

Consultant in Genitourinary Medicine and HIV

  • Dr Alex Maxwell
  • Dr Andrew Winter
  • Dr Rona MacDonald
  • Dr Becky Metcalfe
  • Dr Richard Kennedy
  • Dr Ceilidh Grimshaw
  • Dr Cara Saxon

Consultant in Infectious Diseases

  • Dr Jamie McAllister
  • Dr Celia Jackson
  • Dr David Bell
  • Dr Erica Peters
  • Dr Beth White Prof Emma Thomson

Lead HIV/Hepatitis Specialist Nurse

  • Shona Galbraith

HIV/Hepatitis Specialist Nurse

  • Elinor Clark
  • Stuart Kirkwood
  • Clair Wilson
  • Jacqueline Rolland
  • Erica Cunningham
  • Lynn Laverty
  • Maxine Brown

Sexual Health Advisor

  • Aileen Little
  • Grace Hayner

Specialty Physician

  • Dr Claire Murphy
  • Dr Kali Perrow

Clinical Coordinator / Psychiatrist

  • Dr Roger Wong

Specialist Dietician

  • Lesley Ann Woodside

Specialist Occupational Therapist

  • Karyn McAllister

Occupational Therapy Assistant

  • Sandra Tonner

Therapeutic Counsellor

  • Anne Muir
  • Eadie Khan
  • Wendy Galbraith

Peer Support and Patient Engagement Manager

  • Katai Kasengele

Clinic Receptionists

  • Mhiari Taylor
  • Alison Hughes

Outpatient Clinic Charge Nurse

  • Gillian Mulholland

Outpatient Clinic Nurse

  • Carol Hardie
  • Chloe Black

Outpatient Clinic Nurse Assistant

  • Margaret Keyes

Lead HIV Specialist Pharmacist

  • Kathryn Brown

Specialist HIV Pharmacist

  • Jenni Rae
  • Ceira Murray

Clinical Pharmacy Technician

  • Simone Brown

Clinical HIV Pharmacy Technician

  • Sharon Jordan
  • Beth Wright

Pharmacy Support Worker

  • Frances Brown
  • Lynsey McDermid

Medical Secretaries

  • Sharyn Williams
  • Shauni Jaconelli
  • Denise McDermott
  • Lucy Eve
  • Jacqueline McCulloch

Audio Typist

  • Nicole Chee

Information Management Coordinator

  • Revathy Raajaravi

Administrative Officer

  • Maureen Coll

Was this helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

The following videos outline healthy lifestyle and pregnancy.

Eating Well in Pregnancy – Plus the Right Vitamins

Eating the Right Amount for You and Baby 
Moving More for a Healthier Pregnancy 
Drinking Enough Water When You’re Pregnant 
Eating with Awareness – What is Mindful Eating? 
Understanding Blood Sugar and Pregnancy Diabetes

Advice for Gestational Diabetes

Video 1: What is Gestational Diabetes?

In this video, we will answer some important questions about gestational diabetes; discussing what it is, the symptoms it can cause, how it can affect you and your baby, and the ways in which it can be treated.

Video 2: Healthy Eating, and an overview of the food groups

In this video, we will be discussing healthy eating, the Eat Well guide, an overview of the food groups and providing a detailed overview of carbohydrates.

Video 3: Portion sizes, smart swaps and meal patterns

During this video we will be discussing portion sizes, smart swaps, snack ideas, meal patterns and foods to include or avoid during pregnancy

Video 4: Breastfeeding, post-birth and lifestyle

In this video, we will be discussing breastfeeding, the benefits of breastfeeding, what will happen after your baby is born and general lifestyle changes.

Video 5: Frequently asked questions, links and contacts

In this video, we will answer some frequently asked questions, share useful links to access further information, and provide the best contact details for the NHSGGC Diabetes Dietitians.

Information in other languages

The Gestational Diabetes patient education videos were created by NHSGGC Diabetes Dietitians and have been translated into 5 languages. Each of the 5 videos will automatically play in sequence. They focus on healthy eating with Gestational Diabetes. Patients can contact or be referred to the Diabetes Dietitians for more detailed advice, if required

Videos 1-5, in Arabic

VIdeos 1-5 In Urdu

Was this helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

On this page, you’ll find a collection of our newsletters, including our general Mental Health Snippet and our Aye Mind newsletter which looks at digital wellbeing and online safety for children and young people.

Mental Health Snippets

Our team produces and circulates a monthly mental health snippet that provides a range of information across the life course, including resources, research articles, reports, events, and learning opportunities. If you would like to sign up for our snippet, please contact ggc.mhead@nhs.scot.

Aye Mind Newsletters

A monthly newsletter that provides information, resources, and events related to digital wellbeing and online safety for children and young people as part of our Aye Mind project. If you would like to sign up, please contact ggc.mhead@nhs.scot.

Was this helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

Knowing what will happen before your appointment and during your ongoing care can help you to think about what questions to ask and what matters to you during the process. It can be helpful to think about questions you want to ask and what is most important to you about how you live your life.

This animation from the Patients Association sets out how you can make the most of the care you receive from the health and care system.

Before your appointment – some tips and information to help you to prepare

How to get to our hospital sites

Additional support available at our hospital sites

Our Support and Information Services offer holistic support, including carers advice, listening services, health and lifestyle advice, community support groups, and assistance with complaints and other concerns.

Communication and Language needs

It is vital that our patients and staff can communicate clearly to ensure high-quality services and care. We therefore provide a range of communications support for patients. 

Patients may need this support because they are visually impaired, hearing impaired, have a learning difficulty, or because English is not their first language. It may be because they need support in terms of reading (literacy problems) or they have a condition which limits their ability to communicate. 

Written Information

We can provide any of our information in your chosen format or language.  This includes audio, easy read, Braille, large print, British Sign Language and community languages. Just ask a member of staff or contact us on the telephone number provided on the letter or information you have received. 

Use the link below for information in other languages including how to use telephone interpreting to contact us. 

Interpreting Services – Spoken Languages 

Patients can access the telephone interpreting service to contact any NHSGGC service. 

For example, you can use the telephone interpreting service to make an appointment with your GP, discuss medications with your Pharmacy, book a Maternity appointment or contact NHS 24. 

An information leaflet is available in multiple languages. It explains how to use the service by calling or by using a mobile app. It provides codes specific to NHSGGC services so can only be used for this purpose. 

Please note, for any healthcare appointment, it is the responsibility of NHS Great Glasgow and Clyde staff members to provide interpreting support. Make sure that your clinician/GP knows that you need interpreting support. 

Interpreting Services – British Sign Language (BSL) 

NHSGGC must ensure that BSL interpreting support is provided for you when you use our services. Please make sure your Clinician/GP knows that you need interpreting support so that they can arrange this with as much notice as possible. 

In addition to providing face to face interpreters, the BSL Online interpreting service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means that in an unplanned or emergency situation, staff can quickly link up to an interpreter at any time. It can also be used during hospital stays, or to enable you to communicate with staff if waiting for a face to face interpreter to arrive.  

For people who are hard of hearing or who have hearing loss, we can access communication support such as lip readers and note takers. 

Deafblind communicators are also available as part of our interpreting service.

Waiting for your appointment (Waiting times)

Find waiting times for planned care hospital appointments in Scotland. In using this service from NHS Scotland and Public Health Scotland you can select a health board, appointment type, and department. If you’re on a waiting list, you should be able to find this information on your letter from your health board.

Public Health Scotland provide additional information on waiting times:

Managing your health while waiting for an appointment

You may be on a waiting list to see a healthcare specialist. Further information to support your health and wellbeing during this time can be found here:

Prehabilitation (Prehab) – Getting fit and ready for treatment

What is prehabilitation?

Prehabilitation (Prehab) is about you getting fit and ready for treatment. This is done by improving your health before you start any planned treatment/surgery and helps you cope better and recover faster.  You can also think of this as Rehabilitation but Prehab happens before treatment, rather than after.

Prehab and me

Although this looks at people with a cancer diagnosis, Prehab should be considered for anyone with a health condition.

An introduction to prehabilitation

Some things you can do

Setting yourself goals and having a plan in place to achieve them can help to motivate you by giving you a focus and direction, and helping you to feel productive. More information can be found here:

If you need additional support

If you would like further support, please speak to your health care professional.  The Support and Information service can also help to refer you to services that can help you. Information on how to contact them can be found here:

Preparing for surgery: Find out about your pre-operative assessment and getting fit for surgery

If you require surgery you can find more information about the Pre-Operative Assessment and how to prepare for your surgery. The service will help provide the tools and support you need to ensure you have the very best outcome from your operation.

Virtual Appointments and Digital Support – helping you attend appointments from your home/community location and supporting you to get on-line

What is a virtual appointment?

Near Me enables you to attend some health care appointments from the comfort and convenience of home or other suitable location e.g. community libraries via video call. The technology is safe and secure and is being used by many of our services. Near Me is for pre-arranged appointments and your health care professional will provide you with the relevant information if a video consultation is offered.

Watch the introduction to Near Me video

Further support and information on using Near Me for virtual appointments

You can find more information and support on the Near Me website, and also information on how to use Near Me in some of our local libraries on our Digital Support page.

Near Me can also be used for virtual visiting. You can find out more on our Person Centred Virtual Visiting page.

Near Me Information Leaflets

Find out more about how to access digital support:

Some of the people you might meet when you first access our services

What is Primary Care?

Primary Care is the everyday healthcare you use first. It’s where you go when you’re unwell, need advice, or aren’t sure what help you need. 

You can get Primary Care from: 

  • Your GP practice – for most health problems, checkups and referrals 
  • Your local pharmacy – for quick advice and treatment for minor illnesses 
  • Physiotherapists – for muscle, joint and movement problems 
  • Nurses and Advanced Nurse Practitioners – for assessments, treatment and advice 
  • Dentists – for teeth and mouth care 
  • Optometrists (opticians) – for eye and vision problems 
  • Community Links Workers – for support with wellbeing, money worries, stress, housing or loneliness

Watch this video to find out more about Primary Care

To help you feel confident in seeking the right help, we’ve highlighted some of our NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Primary Care roles.

Information for carers on help and support available if you look after someone

Find out what help and support is available if you look after someone.

Preparing for Hospital – Plan More, Stress Less

When someone becomes ill, it can be stressful. Making simple plans now can make things much easier later. 

Our Plan More, Stress Less toolkit gives you: 

  • A short video explaining what happens if someone goes into hospital 
  • Easy checklists to help you get organised 
  • A simple plan for getting home from hospital 
  • Information for carers, including legal support 

You don’t need to wait until someone is unwell – these tools can help you feel prepared and confident for the future.

During your appointment

It’s ok to ask – questions you can ask during your appointment to get the best our of your healthcare

It's ok t ask campaign banner

It’s ok to ask questions during your appointment and it is your right to be involved as much or little as you want in decisions about your health and what treatment is right for you. You can also ask a family member or friend to attend an appointment with you.
You are encouraged to ask questions about your condition, your treatment and care options. It’s ok for you to ask your health and care professionals the “BRAN” questions which are:

  • “What are the Benefits?”
  • “What are the Risks?”
  • “What are the Alternatives?”
  • “What would happen if I did Nothing?”

Your health and care professional should explain the benefits and risk of the options available to you. They should also discuss the option of doing nothing and what effects this could have. You should expect to be given enough information and time to make up your mind.

By asking these questions you will be able to make an informed choice about the treatment and care that’s right for you.

More information can be accessed through the following:

After your appointment

Travel Expenses – information on help with travel costs 

Information on hospital travel costs and help with these can be found here:

Money Advice – information on financial and practical support available

Information about hospital money advice services can be found here:

Practical and financial support is available, including home energy, emergency food on discharge, crisis cash grants, and money and debt advice.

How to share feedback on your appointment

Information on how to share your feedback can be found here:

Putting it into Action

Found some advice but not sure where to start, or how to stick to it?

Whether you’re getting ready for appointments or managing your condition on your own just now, making some changes that help us manage our condition and feel our best can be important.   

You may have read something in these pages which you would like to try.  

Setting a small, realistic goal (even a tiny one!) and making a simple plan for how you’ll do it can make it easier to get started and stay motivated. 

It can also help to think about what might get in the way and come up with a few ideas for how you could deal with those challenges. 

Where can I find out more?

You can read more about the MAP (Motivation, Action and Prompts) approach to Health Behaviour Change, including a video which outlines the MAP approach.

You can edit and print the MAP planner to help set yourself goals and create a plan to keep you on track.

Was this helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

My Health is your one stop shop for information on: 

  • preparing for healthcare appointments 
  • health and wellbeing advice and services 
  • support for common health problems and conditions. 

If you would like some help to find the information you need, you can visit one of our hospital-based Support and Information Services or visit your local library, where we have trained library staff who can help guide you.

The Looking after Your Health and Wellbeing page below will give you information about the Community Health and Wellbeing Hub at your local library. 

Was this helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

The WestMARC Wheelchair and Seating Service provides wheelchairs (manual and powered) and children’s buggies, with postural supports if required, to people requiring wheeled mobility that are living in the West of Scotland. Services provided include: 

  • Clinical assessments
  • Provision of equipment (wheelchairs, buggies, seating systems) tailored to patient’s needs 
  • Equipment repairs

Our team consists of administrative staff, technical staff, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, clinical scientists (bioengineers), nursing/medical staff and clinical psychology staff.

Making A Referral

New Service Users

Important Information

For anyone who has not used our service before, a referral form needs to be submitted by a healthcare professional or social worker registered with one of the following bodies:

  • Nursing and Midwifery Council
  • Health and Care Professions Council
  • General Medical Council
  • Scottish Social Work Council.

Wheelchair eligibility criteria

Please refer to the following information before making a referral.

Referral Guidance

Please review the relevant guidance document prior to making a referral.

Referral Forms

Please ensure you have read the guidance above before completing a referral form.

Current or Previous Service Users

Anyone who has used the wheelchair service before can self-refer if their conditions and/or requirements change by contacting the service directly for reassessment or advice.  

Alternatively a healthcare professional can refer on their behalf by submitting a reporting form.

When the service receives a new referral it will be assessed by a clinician. The clinician will review the information and decide whether you require an assessment, or whether a chair can be issued from the information that has been provided. If an assessment is required, you will be added to the waiting list for a clinic appointment.

The New Paediatric Referral Form

The WestMARC Clinical Team have redeveloped the paediatric referral, please ensure you have read the guidance above before completing the new referral form. Thanks

NDP DLA Information

NDP Beyond Autism Road Safety

NDP Beyond Autism Teaching Safety Skills

Safe Walking

RCOT – Using restrictive equipment and adaptations with children and young people guidance

Clinic Locations

Clinics are conducted within the centre and at many satellite locations across the West of Scotland. Your appointment letter will specify the location of your appointment.

West of Scotland Mobility and Rehabilitation Centre

Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
1345 Govan Road
Glasgow
G51 4TF

There is also a depot where the service’s equipment store, repair facility and technicians are located.

Drop in repairs available Monday to Friday 9.00am to 3.45pm.

The Motherwell hub is a smaller unit and we are unable to hold all parts, so please call 0300 790 0129 in advance to confirm parts are in stock to complete the repair. 

WestMARC Yoker Depot

Unit 20
Halley Street
New Albion Industrial Estate
Yoker
Glasgow
G13 4DJ

WestMARC Motherwell

Unit 33 Fern Street
Motherwell
ML1 2AJ

Satellite clinic locations

Douglas Grant Rehabilitation Centre

Ayrshire Central Hospital
Kilwinning Road
Irvine
KA12 8SS

Stirling Community Hospital

Rehabilitation Hub
Livilands Gate
Stirling
FK8 2AU 

Dumfries and Galloway

Community Rehabilitation Unit
1st Floor – North Entrance
Mountainhall Treatment Centre
Bankend Road
Dumfries
DG1 4AP 

Repairs

If your chair is in need of repair you should contact the service immediately. You might find Standard Wheelchair Parts helpful for explaining what part of the chair requires a repair. 

Equipment is repaired free of charge by the service. Our mobile engineer repair service will usually visit and repair equipment at service users home or other suitable setting.   

If a complex repair is needed than it may be necessary to bring the equipment into our workshop to carry out the work. 

WestMARC Yoker depot and the WestMARC Motherwell Hub are open for drop in repairs Monday to Friday 9.00am to 3.45pm. Please see ‘Clinic Locations’ above for address details. Note, Motherwell hub is a smaller unit and we are unable to hold all parts, please call 0300 790 0129 in advance to confirm parts are in stock to complete the repair.  

Equipment is loaned by the service and it is the service user’s responsibility to keep equipment in good condition. 

Any accident or adverse incident that occurs with equipment provided from the service should be reported so that the service can record and followed up if necessary. This helps us to improve safety for all service users. 

See here for more Information about Repairs and Maintenance and Wheelchair Terms and Conditions

Resources 

Wheelchair Maintenance/Skills

National Wheelchair Managers Forum has created the following video guides to NHS Wheelchairs that you may find instructional.

Part 1 – The Parts Of A Wheelchair
Part 2: Using A Wheelchair
Part 3: Transportation
Part 4: Maintenance
Part 5: Your NHS Wheelchair

Please see video resources created by SMART Centre, Edinburgh on wheelchair demonstration/operation. Adult Manual Wheelchair video demonstrates transporting manual wheelchair into a vehicle.

Adult User Controlled Powered Wheelchair
Children’s User Controlled Powered Wheelchair
Dual Control Powered Wheelchair
Adult Manual Wheelchair
Major Buggy Demonstration

The Wheelchair Skills College provide video resources on wheelchair skills including tutorials on cleaning castor wheels.  

Back Up Trust provide information on wheelchair skills courses. Please read Wheelchair Skills College disclaimer before practising skills. 

Transportation 

This video from 6:09 demonstrates how to disassemble and transport your wheelchair in the boot of a car. 

Please see Travel Safe Leaflet produced by Posture and Mobility group on transport of wheelchair seated passengers. 

Please see video demonstration produced by Motability on How to use your Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Tie Downs or Restraints.  

The Motability Scheme helps you get mobile by exchanging your higher rate mobility allowance to lease a new affordable car, wheelchair accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair. 

Power Chair Charging

Please see following advice on charging your electric powered wheelchair: 

How to look after your Powerchair battery | Invacare – YouTube 

Other

Please see Self Management – NHSGGC toolkit developed by NRU which educates and provides references for conditions, physical activity, getting out and about, psychological wellbeing and other helpful resources.

Patient Information Leaflets

Was this helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

Hundreds of people in Scotland need the help of egg or sperm donors to give them the chance to become parents and the gift of starting a family.

The Scottish Government and NHS Scotland have launched the first national campaign of its kind to encourage people to become egg and sperm donors, with the four NHS tertiary Fertility Centres in Scotland (Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow).

Donating your eggs or sperm is something that requires careful consideration, but if it’s right for you then you have the potential to give the joy of starting a family to those people in Scotland, who need the help of donors to become parents.

Visit the egg and sperm website to find out more.

Was this helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!