September is Pain Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of the impact that chronic pain can have on people’s lives and to highlight the support available across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Living with chronic pain can affect much more than physical health. It can influence sleep, mood, relationships, work and everyday activities.
If you are living with persistent pain, please know that you are not alone. There is support available to help you better understand your pain and develop the skills and confidence to manage it.
This Pain Awareness Month, we encourage you to take a step towards learning more about chronic pain and the resources that can help.
Explore our Chronic Pain Service pages for information on understanding pain, self-management techniques and the support available in your area.
Whether you’re living with chronic pain yourself, caring for someone who is, or simply looking to learn more, we invite you to explore the resources available and start the conversation this September. Small steps can make a big difference, and support is available to help you live well with pain.
Welcome to the website for the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Pain Service. These pages contain information about the Pain Service, as well as online resources to support people living with chronic pain.
Chronic pain is different from ‘normal’, or ‘acute’ pain! Strategies that work well for acute pain are often less successful – or can even make things worse – in chronic pain conditions.
Please use the link below to find out more about chronic pain, and how the Pain Service can help you.
Your GP or secondary care specialist can refer you to the NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Pain Service. Most new referrals are offered an introductory information session and brief telephone chat before the first clinic appointment. This is to give you a chance to see what we do in the pain clinic, and let us know how you hope we can help you.
About the team
We are a multidisciplinary team of Doctors, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists and Psychologists. You may see one or more of us at different stages of your journey through the pain service.
3rd Floor Admin Suite 133 Balornock Road Glasgow G21 3UW
Contact Telephone Numbers
0141 355 1491
0141 335 1492
0141 335 1493
0141 335 1494
Victoria Ambulatory Care Hospital
Location
Langside Road Glasgow G42 9TY
Contact Telephone Numbers
0141 347 8005
0141 347 8006
Inverclyde Royal Hospital
Location
Larkfield Road Greenock PA16 0XN
Contact Telephone Number
0141 347 8005
Glasgow Pain Management Programme
Location
Parkhead Hub 1251 Duke St Parkhead Glasgow G31 5NZ
Contact Telephone Number: 0141 335 1493
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Guidance for Referral and Signposting
Here you will find everything you need to signpost and refer your patients to our physical activity programmes. If after browsing you still have questions then please call 0141 232 1860 and select the Health Professional option and someone will be able to help you. Please also call this number if you would like to receive a health professional pack with all the information and forms you need to refer your patients. All resources are also available below to download and print off for you to use.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have made it easy to assist patients in your area to become more active, through the introduction of three bespoke physical activity programmes; Live Active, Vitality and Health Walks. These programmes, designed by health care and fitness specialists, are quality assured and tailored to the needs of patients with various abilities and health conditions.
In addition our six Local Authority partners have a range of general physical activity opportunities available such as gym facilities, swimming and a range of exercise classes. There’s something everyone can take part in regardless of their current activity level, age or medical condition.
Choosing the right programme for your patient
We have provided you with summary details on each programme and created a simple flowchart and referral guidance which you can use as a quick guide to help you make your selection.
Take a look at the flow chart (pdf) to find out which programme is right for your patient.
Live Active – for people who need some support to become active
Vitality – exercise classes for people with medical conditions
Health Walks – guided group local walks suitable for everyone
General Physical Activity Opportunities – a range of local physical activity opportunities put on by the local authority
Live Active – for people who need support to become active
If your patient isn’t sure where to start and wants or needs some support to become more active then Live Active is the right choice.
View Live Active videos below:
Through the help and support of our specialist Live Active Advisors, patients will receive bespoke advice and encouragement to set physical activity goals.
Over the course of a 12 month period and through the support of our one to-one consultations, either in person or on the telephone, our Live Active Advisors will provide patients with the knowledge, tools and confidence they need to meet their goals.
A physical activity plan is tailored for each individual and Live Active Advisors help patients choose from a range of activities available to them in their local area such as Vitality classes, supervised gym sessions, swimming, health walks to name but a few. Rest assured that the Advisors have a wealth of knowledge of all the opportunities available to patients locally to become more active.
Live Active Advisors are also on hand every step of the way offering techniques to cope with setbacks if they arise and advice on how to gain the right social support to keep them on track. The Advisor will agree a personalised support plan for the patient in terms of what support they need and how often e.g. telephone calls, catch ups etc. This unique service is ideal for patients who are keen to make better lifestyle choices but need help to do so.
Patients will also be offered access to wider NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde support services including Quit Your Way.
Where
Live Active operates across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde within various Leisure Centres and Community Centres. When making a referral for your patient (see below on how to make a referral) you will be asked to select the site/venue they want to attend.
What next?
If your patient is eligible (please see referral guidance) and would benefit from attending Live Active, please complete the appropriate referral form.
Referrals can be made via SCI Gateway (please complete all appropriate fields and ensure you specify which site/venue your patient would like to attend) or by completing one of the following referral forms:
Please complete the appropriate Live Active Referral Form, ensuring you provide all of your contact details as well as those of the patient
The Live Active Advisor will contact the patient upon receipt of the referral form. If the patient has not heard anything within 2 weeks then please give your patient the Live Active telephone number – 0141 232 1860 and select the Live Active option.
Cost
The Live Active one-to-one behavioural support between the Advisor and Patient is completely free. Patients will only pay for the additional activities they wish to take part in.
If you are still unsure if Live Active is the most suitable programme for your patient, please check our flowchart and referral guidance or give us a call on 0141 232 1860 and select Health Professional option or email ggc.liveactive.publichealth@nhs.scot for more information.
Live Active operates across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde within various Leisure Centres and Community Centres across our six Local Authority Partners:
Vitality – exercise classes for people with medical conditions
Vitality exercise classes have been specifically designed for people living with medical conditions such as; Parkinson’s disease, MS, Stroke, Cardiac Conditions, Osteoporosis, Cognitive impairments and COPD. It is also ideal for those who have a fear of falling or find their strength and balance is starting to impact on their daily lives.
Vitality is delivered by highly trained staff meeting the required national fitness qualifications as well as having undertaken bespoke NHS GG&C Vitality training, delivered by a range of condition specific physiotherapists. There are various classes available within the Vitality programme each designed to build and maintain strength, improve co-ordination and flexibility meaning that your patients can participate in a safe, comfortable, and above all else fun environment. Classes last for approximately 60 minutes in total with a warm up, main section and cool down/stretch included.
Where
Vitality classes operate across Greater Glasgow and Clyde in a range of community centres and leisure centres. If you would like to find out specific class details please call 0141 232 1860 and select Vitality option, or see link below to current timetable:
If any of the questions below are answered Yes for your patient, they are not suitable for community based exercise at this time.
Do you lose your balance because of dizziness or do your frequently lose consciousness?
Do you feel pain in your chest at rest or when you do physical activity?
Do you get short of breath at rest or doing light activity?
Has your doctor advised you not to participate in exercise?
If your patient has had a stroke within the last 6 months or has a heart condition they should be referred to the Live Active Exercise Referral Scheme to gain access to Vitality Classes – this requires a referral. Referrals can be made via SCI Gateway or by completing the following referral form (please note that Referral Form B is for patients with a heart condition).
If your patient would find it difficult to be active independently, and would require behaviour change support to become more physically active, they should be referred to the Live Active Exercise Referral Scheme – once referred they may be signposted to Vitality classes.
For all other patients ie those who do not require behavioural change support, those who do not have a history of heart disease and those who haven’t had a stroke within the last 6 months:
Complete the following Electronic Vitality Contact Sheet and click submit. Or simply ask your patient to call 0141 232 1860 and select Vitality option.
All new participants to the class will be required to complete a Vitality Suitability Questionnaire (like a PARQ) on their first visit. Ideally if you can support them to complete this (link below on how to get some of these delivered to you) and give it to them so they can pass to the instructor on their first visit, this will save time on their first visit. But don’t worry if you can’t – this will be completed at their first visit at the class with the Instructor.
Resource Details – direct link to ordering copies of the Vitality SQ
Any questions please contact ggc.liveactive.publichealth@nhs.scot or call 0141 232 1860 and select Health Professional option and someone can chat through the process with you.
Health Walks – guided group local walks suitable for everyone
Walking has been described as “near perfect exercise”. Almost all patients can take part in Health Walks, so there’s no referral form needed. Walks are easy, sociable and good fun, with a volunteer walk leader on hand to encourage participants to go at a pace they are comfortable with.
It’s a great way for people to get out and about, enjoy the sights of their local parks and gardens and meet new people. No specialist equipment is required however, participants are asked to dress for the weather and wear appropriate and comfortable footwear.
There is a range of free health walk options available including gentle beginner walks; health walks lasting 30-60mins to longer health walks. Also, some of our walks contain strength and balance sessions so there is something to suit everyone.
Where
There are over 75 Health Walks every week across the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.
If Live Active, Vitality or the Group Health Walks are not what your patient is after, our 6 partner Leisure Trusts have a wide range of other physical options available. All you need to do is inform your patient to call 0141 232 1860 and select General Physical Activity Opportunities and they will be directed to their local Leisure Trust
More information on local physical activity opportunities:
We have created a general contact form if your patient isn’t sure what to do or what physical activity programme would suit them best. Please complete the form if your client/patient would like a local Physical Activity Advisor to contact them to discuss how best to become more active
Please note – if you have access to your patients full medical notes and want to refer directly to Live Active, please complete a Live Acitve referral form instead (see Live Active section above for referral forms and guidance).
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For patients WITHOUT established heart disease.
To be completed by referring health professional. Please refer to the referral guidance document for further information on appropriate referrals and processes. If patient has established heart disease, please use Referral Form B.
*These forms will only work when using a modern browser (e.g. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox) and will NOT work when using Internet Explorer*
The Live Active Online Referral Form B is intended for patients WITH established heart disease.
The referring health professional should complete this form. Please ensure the patient meets the referral criteria and the form is fully complete, otherwise they will not be accepted into the service. If patient does not have established heart disease, please use Referral Form A.
This form allows access to medical screening to determine the safety of exercise prescription for the patient.
*These forms will only work when using the latest web browsers, such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox. They will not work when using Internet Explorer.*
Please complete this form if your client/patient would like a Physical Activity Advisor to contact them to discuss becoming more active.
If a patients full medical notes are accessible, a Live Active Referral may be more appropriate. Please use referral form B for patients with established Heart Disease (this should be completed by a patient’s GP or PN).
*These forms will only work when using a modern browser (e.g. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox) and will NOT work when using Internet Explorer*
Welcome to the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Physical Activity webpage. Here you will find everything you need to know around the topic of Physical Activity – why it’s important to be physically active, how to be more active and what programmes and opportunities are out there to help you move more in your local area.
To find out more click on the “Get Active” button below or if you are a Health Professional looking for guidance for your patients please click on “Guidance for professionals” button.
Any level of activity is linked to health benefits
Physical activity:
improves sleep
maintains healthy weight
manages stress
improves quality of life
Physical activity reduces your chance of:
type 2 diabetes by up to 40%
cardiovascular disease by up to 35%
falls and depression by up to 30%
joint and back pain by up to 25%
cancers (colon and breast) by up to 20%
Be active everyday
Make a start today: it’s never too late. Every minute counts.
Any activity is better than none, and more is better still.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity per week (increased breathing, able to talk) or at least 75 minutes of vigorous intensity per week (breathing fast, difficulty talking), or a combination of both.
Build strength
To keep muscles, bones and joints strong, build strength on at least 2 days a week.
Minimise sedentary time
Break up periods of inactivity.
Balance activities for older adults
Improve balance
Take part in balance activities 2 days a week to reduce the chance of frailty and falls.
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Please read the following update from the Weight Management Service (August 2026):
The Specialist Weight Management Service is part of the Glasgow and Clyde Weight Management Service (GCWMS).
The Weight Management hub triages patients to self-management, Community or Specialist services depending on health conditions and clinical need.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Weight Management Service currently does not prescribe weight loss injectable medications (such as GLP‑1 medications) and cannot provide a route to accessing these within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Orlistat (Xenical®) is a licensed medication for weight management in NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (NHSGGC). This may be offered to some service users following the completion of the 12 week Lifestyle phase of our programme.
Orlistat reduces the production of the enzymes used to break down dietary fat. It works locally in the stomach and intestine to prevent absorption of approximately 30% of the fat from the food we eat.
Orlistat must be combined with a low fat Structured Meal Plan (SMP). Patients are advised to follow a diet containing 40-50 grams of fat distributed evenly over the day.
GP’s are responsible for prescribing the medication. In NHSGGC, our local formulary advises that GP’s should prescribe Orlistat on the advice of SWMS. This ensures regular monitoring within the prescribing guidelines and appropriate dietary support is provided.
Please click below for additional information on weight loss injectable medications:
Complete a 12 week weight management lifestyle programme, demonstrating a weight loss of at least 5kgs (11 pounds)
Attend a multidisciplinary pre-surgery assessment process, including seeing a dietitian, a nurse, psychology screening and a surgeon.
The surgeon will make the final decision if a patient is suitable. This will take into account a patient’s past medical history and other health professional recommendations.
What is the route for weight loss surgery?
Attendance at SWMS is the only way to be referred for weight loss surgery.
Sleeve Gastrectomy – This involves converting your stomach into a long thin tube or ‘sleeve’. The stomach is stapled along its length in a vertical direction. The surgeon removes about 70% of your stomach during the procedure. The smaller stomach pouch, or sleeve, will reduce your ability to eat large portions. This should help you feel satisfied for longer with smaller food portions. This is a permanent procedure and cannot be reversed.
One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) – A smaller stomach is created which will restrict your food intake. A section (about a 1/3,) of your intestine is bypassed. The bypass surgery helps you lose weight by reducing the amount of calories your body can absorb. The surgery reduces hunger and creates fullness quickly, so the amount you can eat is less. Fewer vitamins and minerals (especially iron,) are absorbed as food passes through the intestine. This is a permanent procedure and highly unlikely to be reversed. The OAGB will only be offered to some individuals. This surgery may not be considered if you have a BMI >45 kg/m2 .
How is the surgery performed?
You will need to have laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery under a general anaesthetic.
What are the potential benefits of weight loss surgery
If you meet the criteria outlined above, and completed the weight management 12 week lifestyle programme – demonstrating a loss of least 5 kilograms (11 pounds,) you will be invited to a SWMS Surgery Information Session (SIS). Following this session, if you wish to proceed, you will be appointed for a surgical assessment with a Specialist Dietitian. If indicated, you may also see a Clinical Psychologist.
What happens next?
Following surgical assessment a report will be sent to the surgeon.
The surgeon will assess if you are suitable for surgery considering your past medical history and clinical risk. You will also require a pre-operative nursing assessment.
It is the surgeon who makes the final decision on surgery.
How does SWMS prepare you for weight loss surgery?
You will be required to attend “preparation for surgery groups”. These groups focus on dietary, eating behaviours and physical activity changes that will be required after surgery.
The surgery team physiotherapist can offer you advice about activity or mobility issues. In addition, there are Physiotherapy led SWMS activity classes at both chair based and moderate intensity levels available.
Some patients require pre-surgery psychological support if indicated.
What follow up support is offered after surgery?
SWMS offers an intensive 2 year follow up package. This includes individual and group appointments and also a patient support group.
Those who have had surgery via SWMS have the option of lifelong follow up after surgery if required.
How much weight loss can be expected after surgery?
The majority of weight loss after surgery happens within the first 6 months to 1 year. Often weight loss can be slower over the second year. On average, people can lose:
50 to 60% ‘excess’ body weight with a gastric sleeve
60 to 70% ‘excess’ body weight with a bypass
How much weight a person loses completely depends on the changes they make to their diet, activity levels and behaviour. Some can lose more weight than this; others may lose less.
It is not guaranteed that having weight loss surgery will reduce your weight/BMI to within the healthy range. Predicted weight loss outcomes are calculated individually using the patient’s pre-op weight/BMI.
Some patients can develop loose skin following weight loss surgery. There’s no direct access to plastic surgery in NHS for people who have had weight loss surgery and it’s rarely carried out.
If I have been through the weight management programme and been discharged – Can I be referred directly for surgery?
No, all patients who meet criteria must be re-referred and complete the 12 week lifestyle programme demonstrating a loss of at least 5 kilograms (11 pounds,) during their current episode of care.
I have had weight loss surgery privately – Can I access follow up through SWMS?
Unfortunately, SWMS does not offer routine post-surgical follow up care for those who have had private weight loss surgery. SWMS can offer weight management support via the lifestyle programme, for those who have had private surgery if the person is; struggling to lose weight, at least 1 year post-op, BMI is over 30 and medically stable.
I do not meet NHSGGC criteria for weight loss surgery. I am considering paying privately for this and travelling abroad to have the surgery done.
NHS Scotland does not recommend choosing to pay to travel abroad for surgery. Please see the link below for more information:
Furthermore, the British Obesity and Metabolic and Surgery Society (BOMSS) have released a statement which strongly advises against having weight-loss surgery abroad:
We advise that you consider the above information when making your decision to have private weight-loss surgery out with the UK.
Other factors to consider when thinking about weight loss surgery?
Smoking – tobacco use is a well documented surgical risk factor. Smoking can increase the risk of post-operative complications. The surgeon will not operate on a patient who is smoking or using electronic cigarettes (vapes). NHS Smoking Cessation or Vaping risks and resources can provide support.
Pregnancy – it is recommended that a female should not become pregnant until at least 12 to 18 months post-op. This allows time for weight loss to stabilise and ensure that they are able to eat a varied nutritious diet. Losing weight can increase fertility in some women, therefore contraception should be considered and discussed with your GP/Practice Nurse if appropriate.
Further information and useful links can be found below:
BOMSS – British Obesity and Metabolic Specialist Society.
BOSPA – British Obesity Surgery Patient Association.
For GP’s/Healthcare professionals: the link below provides guidance on nutritional pre/post op monitoring and supplementation, from the British Metabolic and Obesity Specialist Society (BOMSS).
If you have any questions about weight loss surgery after reading this information please email GWMS@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
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Regular support has been shown to help maintain weight loss. Patients attending the Specialist Weight Management Service (SWMS,) enter the maintenance phase after they have successfully lost weight in Phase 1 (Lifestyle intervention) and Phase 2 of the programme.
They are invited to attend 4 weekly for blocks of 4 sessions, up to a maximum of 3 blocks (44 weeks). Weight progress will be reviewed after each block. Weight management is a long term and often relapsing problem, it requires lifelong management.
SWMS recommend that people utilise support within their local community to help manage their weight long term. Evidence from studies including the National Weight Control Registry has shown that there are five key factors that predict success in maintaining weight loss. These are:
Self-monitoring – weight, diet, physical activity
Lower daily calorie intake and portion control
Regular meals – planning and organisation
Regular physical activity
Maintain habits and behaviour change
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