Sanctuaries are available in most NHSGGC hospital sites. They are neutral non-religious spaces available for everyone to use at any time of day or night. Information below to help you find a sanctuary and how to contact a Registered NHSGGC Chaplain.
The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre (BWoSCC)
The Beatson sanctuary is situated on the first floor, near the main entrance, past the Aroma coffee shop, opposite main reception.
The chaplain’s office is in the corner of the Gartnavel General Hospital sanctuary. To contact a chaplain, please use the following telephone number.
Telephone: 0141 211 3026
For more information on the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, go to the Beatson webpage.
Dykebar Hospital
Dykebar Hospital does not have a sanctuary. To contact a chaplain, please use the following telephone number:
Telephone: 0141 211 6695
Gartnavel General Hospital
The Gartnavel General Hospital sanctuary is situated just inside the main entrance of the hospital (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.
The Glasgow Royal Infirmary sanctuary is situated on the ground floor of the Castle Street building. Enter through the Castle Street entrance, turn left, and through the double doors opposite Lomond Dining Room. The sanctuary is to the left, and down a few stairs at the chair-lift.
Snowdrop Chapel is situated in the Princess Royal Maternity Building on the fourth floor. To access the chapel, use the Alexandra Parade entrance. Once on the floor, follow the corridor to the right. The chapel, and a small quiet room, is situated on the left hand side.
The chaplain’s office is situated at the front of the main sanctuary in the Castle Street building.
The Inverclyde Royal Hospital sanctuary is situated on Level E, room E52. To access the sanctuary, use the Main entrance and go to level E. Once on the floor, turn left and go through the double doors. Follow the corridor to the left and go through a second set of double doors. Turn right and the sanctuary is on the left hand side.
The chaplain’s office is situated opposite the sanctuary, room E51.
Langlands Building (Older People and Stroke Services) – Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Campus (QEUH)
Langlands building does not have a sanctuary, the nearest sanctuary is situated on the first floor of the QEUH next to the Bute lifts/stairwell.
The chaplain’s office is situated on the ground floor of the Langlands building. Use the main building entrance, turn right past reception and the office is the second door on the right.
Telephone: 0141 201 2680
Leverndale Hospital
Leverndale Hospital does not have a sanctuary. To contact a chaplain, please use the following telephone number:
Telephone: 0141 211 6695
Lightburn Hospital
Lightburn Hospital does not have a sanctuary. To contact a chaplain, please use the following telephone number.
Telephone: 0141 201 6300
New Victoria Hospital
The New Victoria Hospital sanctuary space is situated on the ground floor. To access it, turn left at the main entrance, through the double doors and turn right further down the corridor. The sanctuary is located on the left hand side at the end of the corridor.
The chaplain’s office is situated on the ground floor.
The QEUH sanctuary is situated on the first floor next to the Bute lifts/stairwell. The sanctuary can also be accessed by using the escalator from the main entrance, turn left and follow the signs.
The chaplains’ offices are situated in the sanctuary area.
Rowanbank Clinic does not have a sanctuary. To contact a chaplain, please use the following telephone number.
Telephone: 0141 211 3686
Royal Alexandra Hospital
The Royal Alexandra Hospital sanctuary is situated on the ground floor. Enter through the main entrance, go past the café and shop and take the first right along the glass corridor. Follow the glass corridor and take the second left to the sanctuary. It is situated next to the rear entrance.
The chaplains’ offices are situated within the Sanctuary area.
Telephone: 0141 314 9561
For more information on the Royal Alexandra Hospital, go to the main hospital page.
Royal Hospital for Children (RHC)
The RHC sanctuary is situated on the ground floor, just beyond Clinic 5. A quiet room is also available.
The chaplain’s office is situated just outside the sanctuary.
The Stobhill Hospital sanctuary is situated in the New Stobhill ACH (Ambulatory Care Hospital), building on the ground floor to the right of the main entrance, opposite the Information Desk.
The chaplain’s office is situated in the Campsie View office block opposite Elgin Ward.
The Vale of Leven Hospital sanctuary is situated on the first floor. Enter through the main entrance, go past the staircase and the sanctuary is directly in front.
To contact a chaplain, please use the following telephone number.
Cardiac Rehab is an individualised exercise, education and support programme built around your personal circumstances and needs. Support is provided by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals.
Services include:
Cardiac rehabilitation assessment clinics – telephone, video or in person
Circuit classes and gym exercise sessions
Walking groups
Home exercise programme
Heart health education sessions
Relaxation skills training
Basic life support sessions for relatives/friends.
Incontinence pad provision is based on the NHS Scotland product formulary, which is adhered to by the Health Boards across Scotland.
Incontinence pads are only prescribed following a full continence assessment. This type of containment should only be considered once intractable incontinence has been diagnosed and social containment is the only option.
These products are prescribed based on clinical need only, not preference or choice. The person or their carer will be asked by the assessing nurse to provide information on their fluids and food intake and Bladder and Bowel diaries may also be requested. Incontinence pads do not replace toileting.
When the correct style and absorbency of pad is prescribed and fitted correctly, it will prevent leakage and prevent skin breakdown. Remember bigger isn’t always better. It should be the smallest pad, which is comfortable to wear to meet the person’s absorbency needs.
Are incontinence pads provided for bodily fluids other than urine and faeces?
No. Incontinence pads are made differently to sanitary wear. Therefore are only supplied for urine and faeces.
Can I get pads?
Only after a thorough continence assessment, it may be necessary to prescribe pads for you. This is often only as a temporary measure whilst you are undergoing treatment.
Does the thickness of my pad matter?
Many people think that a thick pad means it will work better and hold more. Thanks to modern technology pads are made as thin as possible for comfort and skin protection.
How often should I change my pad?
Most pads have wetness indicator lines to show the presence of urine. These act as a guide to show when the pad may need to be changed. The yellow line will turn blue and, if present, the blue line/writing will fade. When approximately two thirds of the wetness indicator lines have changed colour the pad is ready to be changed. If there has been any faecal soiling, then the pad should be changed immediately regardless of how the wetness indicators look.
Can I flush disposable pads down the toilet?
No, absolutely not. Used pads should be placed into a plastic bag and disposed of in general household waste. In care homes, and hospitals local policy for disposal should be followed
Can two pads be worn at the same time to increase the absorbency?
No, the back of the pads are waterproof therefore, fluid will not flow from one pad to the other. There is no proven benefit from wearing more than one pad at the same time. Wearing more than one pad is viewed as bad practice. Not only it is uncomfortable to wear, but it does put the person’s skin and pressure areas at risk by forming hard edges. If the current product is not effective, then the person should be reassessed.
Can I leave the same pad on overnight
Yes, as long as the absorbency of the pad will last overnight without leaking, there is no faecal soiling on the pad, and there is no other medical reason for the pad to be changed. Please note in a care home/hospital environment it is important to check the wetness indicators at regular intervals, without disturbing sleep to ensure the pad will last.
Can I apply the same pad after using the toilet?
Yes, as long as the pad is intact, there is no faecal soiling, approximately two-thirds of the wetness indicator lines have not changed colour and there is no other medical reason for the pad to be changed.
What factors can stop pads working?
A poorly fitted pad, incorrect application and use of based barrier creams. The use of talcum powder can also inhibit the pads performance. Talcum powder, either on the pad or applied to the groin area, is not recommended. If a medicated cream is prescribed, it should be applied following the manufacturer’s instructions. The use of such creams should be determined by the local Tissue Viability Nurse and by local guidelines.
What is the working absorbency and ISO (total) absorbency of an incontinence pad?
The working absorbency is a guide to the amount of urine the pad will absorb during normal use and wear. Commonly the Rothwell Method is used to measure the ISO /total capacity of the pad in the laboratory during the manufacturing process.
What is the advantage of weighing pads?
Weighing pads allows for an accurate measurement of urine in the pad to be recorded. The number of wet episodes and leakages can also be recorded. This can help establish whether a higher or lower absorbency pad is required and when urine output needs to be monitored.
Listed below are some Containment products that can be very useful depending on the type and severity of incontinence experienced.
Incontinence pad provision is based on a NHS Scotland product formulary, which is adhered to by the Health Boards across Scotland.
Incontinence pads are only prescribed following a full continence assessment. These products are prescribed based on clinical need, not preference or choice. The person or their carer will be asked by the assessing nurse to provide information on their fluids and food intake along with Bladder and Bowel diaries. Incontinence pads do not replace toileting.
Mirror may need covered/removed or any reflective stimuli
Try not to cause embarrassment and ensure privacy
Try distraction techniques
Never force things, go away and come back later trying a different method of explaining, or ask a colleague to take over.
Voiding urine less than 3 times per day
This could indicate a prostate problem (in a man) or a neurological condition that results in incomplete bladder emptying. This symptom should be considered in relation to other symptoms (i.e. a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, etc). It could also be related to inadequate oral fluid intake.
Start a timed toileting regime (see SPHERE information leaflet: Voiding Programmes).
Discuss with the medical staff for potential further investigation of prostate.
A post-void bladder scan should be carried out.
Record fluid intake and output over a 24-hour period using a bladder diary and do this for 3 days in a row if possible.
Voiding more than 6 times during the day
This symptom may indicate an underlying health problem that requires attention and should be considered in relation to other symptoms, e.g. urgency, urge incontinence, symptoms of UTI etc. Medical intervention may be required.
Could they be drinking an excessive amount of fluids, i.e. more than 2,500mls (see SPHERE information leaflet: Impact of Fluids on Bladder).
They may be reacting to a high intake of caffeine (caffeine should be reduced gradually to avoid caffeine withdrawal headaches). Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, some fizzy drinks such as Cola and Irn Bru and high energy drinks. (See SPHERE information leaflet: Impact of Fluids on the Bladder).
Are they constipated? Encourage the individual to practice double voiding (see SPHERE information leaflet: Successful Bladder Emptying).
Do they have any pain or discomfort passing urine. If so, routine checking of urine sample should be done to rule out urinary tract infections.
Voiding more than 2 times in the night
This symptom may indicate an underlying health problem that requires medical attention.
Find out when they take their last drink of fluids before sleeping and what type of fluids they are taking.
Do they have any problems with lower limb oedema during the day?
Passing large volumes of urine that is difficult to contain (flooding) at night
This symptom may indicate an underlying health problem that requires medical attention.
Could they be constipated? Constipated faeces can put pressure on the bladder and cause symptoms of frequency and urgency, but it can also cause low urine output during the day, followed by passing large volumes of urine at night, when the pressure on the bladder is released by lying down.
Do they have lower limb oedema? Large amounts of urine passed during the night might be in response to fluid being reabsorbed from the skin when lying down.
Are they drinking large volumes of fluid (especially caffeine-containing drinks) later in the day?
Bowel movements less than 3 times per week
Individuals vary widely in the frequency with which they empty their bowels and any change to the normal routine and/or eating patterns will have an impact. However, most people have their move their bowels at least 3 times per week.
Healthy bowel elimination is characterised by regular bowel movements (every 1-2 days), a soft, formed stool that is easy to pass (no straining). If their bowels move less than 3 times per week and have difficulty passing a hard stool, this is likely to be due to constipation. An increase in fibre, fluid, activity or laxatives may be required to achieve healthy bowel elimination. (see SPHERE Information leaflets: Constipation and Laxatives; Gastro-Colic Reflex; Medication Impact on the Bowel)
Pain and discomfort when moving bowels
Pain and discomfort is not normal and should be investigated. It may indicate an underlying pathology, such as haemorrhoids or constipation (or both) or other underlying bowel disease.
Indicates constipation and/or an underlying problem. Keep in mind that people with acute or chronic health conditions may have difficulty in achieving abdominal pressure that facilitates full bowel emptying.
Straining must always be discouraged. If an individual is unable to have a bowel movement without straining this should be investigated (even if it is normal for them). Establish a regular bowel pattern, which might improve symptoms. Aim for a daily bowel movement, type 4 or 5 on the Bristol Stool Scale. See SPHERE Information leaflets: Gastro-Colic Reflex; Constipation and Laxatives; Bowel Incontinence and NICE Guideline on Colorectal Cancer.
Bleeding when bowels move
Bleeding during a bowel movement is not normal.
This may indicate haemorrhoids or another underlying medical condition and should be discussed with GP/medical staff. See information leaflets and guidelines above.
Hard, dry bowel movements or very fluid bowel movements
Bowel movements should be soft and formed -refer to the Bristol Stool Scale for assistance in differentiating between a healthy and unhealthy stool.
Can impact on bladder emptying and can cause symptoms of frequency and urgency and can contribute to nocturnal urinary frequency and/or incontinence and urinary retention. Keep in mind what the person’s normal bowel pattern is and try to encourage a regular daily bowel movement utilising what you know about the gastro-colic reflex. Aim for a daily type 4 on the Bristol Stool Scale. Remember that a change of routine, different food etc. can adversely impact on the regularity of bowel movements. Check that they are taking adequate fluid intake and passing urine regularly during the day and if not a post void bladder scan should be carried out.
Impaired skin integrity
To prevent further risk to the skin they will require a care plan that addresses this issue. Urine and faeces can be very damaging to the skin, so it is essential that a toileting regime is put into place to minimise contact with the skin by urine and/or faeces. See Voiding Programmes and Gastro-colic Reflex.
Urinary Tract Infection
Can cause symptoms of urgency and frequency. Make sure the urine is dipstick tested and if the patient shows signs of UTI initiate treatment: antibiotics if prescribed; encourage fluids; avoid faecal incontinence and make sure if faecal incontinence occurs, that the perineal and anal area is washed from front to back to avoid contamination of the urethral orifice with faecal matter
Atrophic vaginitis
Is caused by a lack of oestrogen and occurs in women after the menopause. It can lead to symptoms of frequency and urgency and stress incontinence. This condition can be treated with topical oestrogen in the form of a cream or small pessaries which are inserted into the vaginal area. This treatment it can settle the symptoms of urinary frequency and urgency when other treatment options have not helped.
Unstable diabetes
Can lead to urinary frequency, urgency and urge incontinence because of the presence of glucose in the urine, which can irritate the bladder wall. Longstanding diabetes can also lead to damage of the nerves supplying the bladder and/or bowel and affect ability to pass urine/open bowels. If a patient has symptoms of urinary frequency and urgency, dipstick urinalysis will highlight any abnormalities that can be reported to the GP/medical staff for a review of their condition by Diabetes Specialist Nurse. Keep in mind that there are medications used to treat diabetes that will excrete glucose in the urine, please check with GP/medical staff.
Enlarged prostate
As men age their prostate can increase in size and in some cases lead to voiding problems. Symptoms include urinary frequency, hesitancy (difficulty in passing urine), nocturia and a sense of incomplete emptying. Some men also experience post-void dribbling incontinence. Constipation will add to the discomfort
Patients accessing our hospitals can access impartial and confidential help and support from one of our dedicated money advice partnership services.
As a result of the cost of living crisis more people are now finding it harder to make ends meet. Furthermore, a change in personal circumstances such as a change in health status, bereavement, birth of a new child, relationship breakdown or loss of employment can lead to money worries for a person or a household.
Our staff can refer patients, or patients may self-refer to one of the ‘Money Advice and Financial Inclusion’ partnership services listed below. Please note the referral form can be used for all sites listed, apart from the Royal Children’s Hospital. Dedicated assistance on a range of issues can also be obtained from our hospital Support and Information Services.
The list below shows which services are available for our different hospital sites. The services are fully confidential and can assist with a wide range of issues including social security benefits, charitable support and grants, debts and various other elements of financial wellbeing.
Working Age Patients (18-67) from GGC Hospitals who wish to contact the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) now have the option of direct access to advice and support. This will enable immediate access to an Advisor, without waiting in the call queue for the national helpline. It will also enable much quicker resolutions for clients.
The helpline can be used to discuss benefits, appointments, appointees or any other DWP related enquiries.
Please note the Helpline Advisors are unable to take new benefit claims and cannot answer queries on Personal Independent Payment or any Scottish Government Benefits. Please contact staff from the DWP between the hours: 10.00am and 2.00pm Monday to Friday
On any of the following numbers:
Jacky Kean: 07920812160
Laura Ferguson: 07388852348
Gordon Wallace: 07788708753
Social Security Scotland Hospital Service
People diagnosed with a new health condition, or parents with a child who needs to attend hospital as an inpatient or outpatient, may be newly entitled to certain benefits.
At present the benefits system in Scotland is administered by both the Department of Work and Pensions and Social Security Scotland.
NHSGGC have a partnership with Social Security Scotland to support patients in New Stobhill and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospitals. The service can assist with applications for Adult Disability Payment, or any benefits administered by Social Security Scotland. For more information, please contact the hospital Support and Information Services.
Information on Child Disability Payment, Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Grant and Foods and a range of carer’s benefits can be found on the Social Security Scotland website: SSS – Benefits.
The Hospital Travel Costs scheme is for hospital only appointments and is for people with a low income or on certain benefits including Universal Credit. There are criteria for the type of transport reimbursed. The claimant must pay first then can get a refund from the cash office in the hospital. For more information on hospital transport, travel and parking, please visit: Transport, Travel and Parking – Information for Patients and Visitors – NHSGGC.
Young Patients Family Fund covers travel and subsistence costs for those who have family members who are in-patients in hospitals.
Patient Transport Service for patients who have a medical condition or mobility need that requires ambulance transport to get to their healthcare appointment. The service is available to take patients to and from pre-arranged hospital appointments, or for admission and discharge to hospital.
There is a National Entitlement Card for people with disabilities who are entitled to have a companion travel with them on the same journey. Companion travel is charged at a reduced rate. To apply call SPT on 0141 333 3211 or Concessions | SPT | Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.
The MyBus scheme provides a drop off and pick up service for those accessing health appointments – MyBus | SPT | Strathclyde Partnership for Transport. Please note that there is currently a reduced and restricted service.
For children aged 5-10 years application can be made at parentsportal For applications aged 11-21 years applications can be made at getyournec.scot Libraries can help with the application and verification of evidence, they can also advise on those already with/eligible for a Young Scot card. There is support available through schools also.
