Image credit Clydebank Health & Care Centre reception, Bespoke Atelier
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Image credit Clydebank Health & Care Centre gates, Bespoke Atelier
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Image credit Mihaela Bodlovic / Scottish Ballet
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Image credit QEUH, Murals coordinated by Ali Smith, Art Pistol
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Image credit RHC Paediatric Nuclear Medicine Royal Hospital for Children, Craig Easton
NHSGGC’s Arts and Health initiatives foster safe, welcoming environments and enhance the healthcare experience for patients, staff, and visitors. Through a person-centred and integrated approach, the programme leverages the positive impact of art, architecture, design, music, and nature on health and wellbeing.
Programmes are evidence-based and include public art commissions, creative workshops, and integrated design strategies across clinical buildings and green spaces. Developed in collaboration with artists, educators, voluntary sector organisations, and funders, the work celebrates Scotland’s creative talent.
Explore the programme highlights below, including innovative designs for clinical spaces and the role of arts in healthcare.
What’s On / News
Arts and Social Justice
The Arts and Health programme contributes to reducing health inequalities by improving access to the arts. It enhances care environments, supports treatment, and sparks dialogue that informs service improvement. Community-based creative health projects foster collaboration and strengthen local relationships.
Case Study: Black Mother and Baby Mural
Located at the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital, this mural responds to campaigner Rachel Dallas’s work on maternal health inequalities. It has prompted meaningful conversations and cultural change within NHSGGC.
Click on the image below to view our Arts and Social Justice gallery on Flickr.
Animating Public Spaces
This innovative programme brings performing arts, exhibitions, and artist residencies into healthcare settings, demonstrating the psychological and physiological benefits of cultural engagement. It provides opportunities for artists and partners to showcase work in clinical environments, often offering patients their only access to the arts.
Art and Green Spaces
Art is integrated into the design and enhancement of green spaces, promoting outdoor activity and wellbeing. Programmes span clinical and mental health sites and extend into neighbouring community areas.
Art Commissions in Green Spaces
Case Study: Moon Gate
Alec Finlay’s sculpture marks the entrance to New Stobhill Hospital, encouraging interaction with nature through poetry-engraved boulders, bird boxes, and seating. This project broadened architectural thinking to include surrounding landscapes.
Art in the Gart
At Gartnavel Royal Hospital, this long-standing initiative supports mental health recovery through exhibitions, public art, and green space activities. Inspired by patient creativity, it is sustained by volunteers and partnerships with organisations like Common Wheel and Project Ability. The programme has influenced similar initiatives at Leverndale and Stobhill Hospitals.
Click on the image below to view our Art and Green Spaces gallery on Flickr.
Health by Design
This strand modernises healthcare environments through integrated art and design in new builds and refurbishments. Artists collaborate with architects and stakeholders to create therapeutic spaces.
Case Study: Dignified Spaces
Part of the South Glasgow University Hospital development, this project enhanced over 80 quiet rooms using biophilic design principles to support sensitive conversations.
Curated by Clare Phillips for Ginkgo Projects, this collection features works by over 70 artists and is installed throughout the new hospital buildings.
Some other examples of our Health by Design initiatives:
Art in Medicine
Art in Hospital delivers a comprehensive visual arts programme across Glasgow and Scotland. Initially focused on older adults in long-term care, it now supports a wide range of patients, including those in rehabilitation, palliative care, and mental health services. The programme promotes wellbeing and self-expression through creative engagement.
Creative and performing arts have a proven impact on health and wellbeing. NHSGGC’s programmes bring together professional artists and community organisations across diverse media including drawing and painting, printmaking, photography, textiles, video, dance, music and drama.
Explore more about our initiatives, partners, and research through the links below.
The Buddy Beat A Renfrewshire drumming group for adults with mental health experience, aimed at promoting social inclusion and helping people self-manage their week.
Arts, Culture, Health & Wellbeing, Scotland (ACHWS) ACHWS has developed into an active Scotland-wide network providing information and support for anyone working across arts and culture, health and wellbeing. It is acollective voice for arts and health in Scotland.
Project Ability Creating opportunities through inclusive art for all, providing a welcoming arts community for people with learning disabilities and mental ill-health.
Accurate, effective and accessible information is essential for the provision of high quality services and care. It lies at the centre of successful person-centred healthcare, helping people manage their health and wellbeing, and make fully informed decisions on the healthcare they receive.
People’s ability to understand information can change in different situations and environments. Age, disability, language barriers, cultural differences, low literacy levels and emotional distress can all affect understanding. The Patient Rights (Scotland) Act places a legal obligation on us to ensure that patients are informed and supported to be involved in decisions about their care and treatment.
This guide has been developed to support individuals in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to create simple, clear and concise information that allows us to meet our legislative requirements and the needs of our patients. In this context, patient information refers to written information such as leaflets, flyers and posters, as well as video and audio recordings.
The production of patient information is governed by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s:
Please check all existing resources before creating any new patient information. It may be that someone has already developed information on the same or a similar subject, or there may a suitable online resource.
Public Health Resource Directory – an extensive range of booklets, leaflets and posters available to order via our Public Health Resources Directory
Print On The Web – patient information developed by Medical Illustration Services (this resources can only be accessed by NHSGGC staff)
NHS Inform – Scotland’s national health information service
You should be able to evidence:
the need for a new resource. How has that need been identified?
engagement with patients, families and carers. How will they would find the information useful?
funding for the resource. Do you have agreement from a service manager that a resource is required?
clinical governance input. Have you discussed the new resource with your local group?
collaborating with colleagues in other localities, sectors or Health Boards Can the resource can be used GGC-wide, regionally or nationally?
Writing
Consider your content carefully, and be clear about the information you want to convey to your target audience. Be sure to explain any instructions in detail, and include facts about risks, side effects and benefits. If you are using any third-party information, make sure you have the correct permissions for use; for example, any text or illustrations used from another source.
It is important that your content is fit for purpose. You should engage with your target audience for feedback; they will be able to tell if what you have written is helpful, clear and answers their questions. Ask your peer group to do the same.
You should review your content against the Patient Information Checklist (pdf). When you are satisfied with your content, and have final agreement from all stakeholders, please complete this form and send this to: ggc.clear.toall@nhs.scot with a copy of the information leaflet?
The NHGGGC Web Team provide the following guidance on copyright issues:
Copyright is universal policy which states that anyone who has written or created original material owns it. It cannot be reused in whole or part without written permission from the owner. Copyright applies to text (digital and hard copy), images, audio and video, even if it is in the public domain.
To publish material in part or in full that is not copyright owned by NHSGGC then you must check with the copyright owner. Be cautious when publishing conference presentations or posters and get written consent from the authors to publish such material on any websites.
To use any content taken from online resources for purposes other than non-commercial research, study and teaching, you should read the terms and conditions associated with the use of the digital resource. If there is no information available you should assume that you cannot reuse the resources. (This includes search results from a Google images search for example.)
To find out more about copyright and the training available please contact library staff via library.network@ggc.scot.nhs.uk.
Quality
It is essential that patient information produced within NHSGGC meets the quality standards outlined in the Patient Information Management Policy. All patient information will be quality assured with regards Clear to All principles prior to progressing to production.
Clear Language
If you need support or guidance on writing information for patients, please contact the Clear to All team by emailing ggc.clear.toall@nhs.scot.
Clear Design
Medical Illustration Services provide a free service for the design of all patient information. They can also advise on the most appropriate and cost-effective method of distribution.
We have a legal obligation to ensure that all patients are communicated with in a way they understand and that best meets their needs, including the use of accessible formats. Consider your target audience to ensure that the needs of equality groups have been taken into consideration.
The Equality and Human Rights Team (EHRT) hold the central budget for translations and other accessible formats. To request information in an alternative format, please download and complete the form and submit for approval (ggc.clear.toall@nhs.scot).
Urgent requests, such as appointment letters, clinical instructions or health records for a patient in active care, should be emailed directly to the EHRT (nuzhat.mirza@ggc.scot.nhs.uk). This form does not need to be completed for urgent requests.
If your translation is needed within the next 4 days please send direct to nuzhat.mirza@ggc.scot.nhs.uk (you will be redirected if Nuzhat is out of the office)
We only translate information that has been produced by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. If you need a translated version of a charity or Public Health Scotland publication, please indicate this on the form.
Insert Statement
A statement has been produced that should be placed in all leaflets. It states the following in English plus the ‘top six’ community languages (currently Polish, Mandarin, Romanian, Arabic, Urdu and Farsi).
‘If you require this information in an accessible format, such as large print or braille, or in a community language, please use the contact details on your patient information leaflet or letter.’
Ordering as an insert
This insert should be included with appointment letters and pre-attendance information posted to the patient, and can be given to patients on attendance at clinics or on admission. It is supported by posters displayed within hospitals and GP surgeries and is also offered on Solus Screens.
The leaflet is available from stock in packs of 100 and can be ordered via the PECOS system or by any method used to order goods from stock (e.g. paper indent). It is available in 2 formats to suit varying distribution methods – as a single sided A5 sheet or as a one-third A4 sheet (compliments slip format) suitable for DL type envelopes.
Order codes are as follows:
97106 – Size 1/3 A4 (compliments slip format)
97107 – Size A5
Printing the statement within a publication
If you would like to include the statement in your document (as opposed to using an insert), you can use image 1 (portrait) or image 2 (landscape) and adjust to size.
Other formats
This statement is also available in other formats, including words and pictures, audio and British Sign Language.
Please note, interpreters should be used to communicate information which is normally given verbally to English speaking patients; translated materials are for written materials only.
You can get advice on translation and accessible formats from the NHSGGC Equalities and Human Rights Team (0141 201 4560) or email: ggc.clear.toall@nhs.scot).
Review existing patient information
The NHSGGC Patient Information Policy states that patient information should be reviewed at least every three years. It is the responsibility of both the service and the document owner to ensure that information made available to patients, families and carers within any healthcare setting is accurate and current.
If your information is due for review, you should re-assess its need.
Is there any new and more relevant information available elsewhere?
Have you consulted your target audience about the usefulness of the resource?
Changes should only be made to content if they:
Reflect changes in practice or evidence
Correct factual inaccuracies
Improve or enhance the users understanding
Reflect feedback from users
Remember to check that all addresses, phone numbers and external web links are correct.
When you are satisfied with your content, and have final agreement from all stakeholders, please complete this form and send this to: ggc.clear.toall@nhs.scot with a copy of the existing document.
If you need support or guidance on writing information for patients, please contact the Clear to All team at: ggc.clear.toall@nhs.scot
Smoking remains the single biggest preventable cause of ill-health in UK (Ref: ASH (2014) ASH factsheet 2: Smoking Statistics, illness and death. http://ash.org.uk/files/documents/ASH_107.pdf).
Within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, 25% of the population are currently smokers and men are more likely to smoke than women.
In 2013, the Scottish Government launched their new tobacco strategy for Scotland, ‘Creating a Tobacco-Free Generation’ with the aspiration of achieving smoking rates of 5% or lower amongst adults in Scotland.
In response, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde tobacco control activity and “Quit your way” service adopts a wide approach to tackle the harm caused by tobacco. Supporting people to stop smoking is the most well known tobacco control measure. However, actions to prevent young people from starting to smoke and protecting people from the harm associated with secondhand smoke are just as important.
Tobacco control brings together the broad themes of Prevention, Protection and Stop Smoking and requires strong partnerships with public, private and voluntary groups to influence smoking culture and reduce smoking rates.
To find out more about what our services can offer call the Quit Your Way service on 0800 916 8858 or visit:
Training and development opportunities for the health improvement workforce.
Our new NHSGGC Public Health Workforce Development SharePoint site is where you will be kept up-to-date with the latest news, approaches and learning and development opportunities for the core Public Health Workforce to equip staff with the skills, training and feel supported to do their job. This SharePoint Site is aimed at the Core Health Improvement/Public Health Workforce within Greater Glasgow & Clyde. For more information or to request access contact: HIAdmin@ggc.scot.nhs.uk .
Life Circumstances are the circumstances in which people live which impact directly on their health both mentally and physically (Scottish Public Health Observatory).These circumstances can include:
Living conditions e.g. secure housing, locality, overcrowding, green space, traffic
Income e.g. having enough to live on
Secure and good employment e.g. Living Wage
Education e.g. Opportunities for Learning
Evidence suggests that if these issues are taken into account as part of an individual’s care in the NHS then opportunities arise which can lead to improvements in health and reduction in inequalities.
For example, current reforms to the welfare state are likely to impact adversely on NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde patients for example they may increase mental distress, poverty and diseases related to poverty all of which will have an impact on the individual, their family and friends and the NHS in responding to increased demand. Income inequality in the United Kingdom is currently at its highest in the last 40 years. Increasing rates of child poverty have also been noted with 1 in 5 children in Scotland living in poverty with this rising to 1 in 3 where there is a child with a disability.
Life circumstances are also linked to social class which include factors such as economics (wealth/income/occupation), political factors (status/power) and cultural factors (lifestyle/education/values/beliefs).
Evidence suggests that individuals with poorer life circumstances are:
More likely to have poorer health including living with long term conditions e.g. Heart Disease
More likely to die prematurely
More likely to be living in poverty
Less likely to make healthier lifestyle choices
Less likely to achieve good educational qualifications
More likely to be living in communities of high deprivation
More likely to be in insecure employment, in work poverty and underemployment
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have a range of programmes to tackle life circumstances which includes access to money advice in acute hospitals, employability services, staff training programmes and service delivery developments.
Resources for NHSGGC Staff
An e module has been developed for all NHSGGC Staff on:
Poverty and Financial Inclusion
Employability
These can be accessed via LearnPro and can be found under the specialist subjects tab
Health Literacy is about people having enough knowledge, understanding, skills and confidence to use health information, to be more active partners in their care, and to navigate health and social care systems.
Health Literacy is being increasingly recognised as a significant public health concern. Health Literacy can affect anyone at anytime, for example receiving new or distressing health information. Never make assumptions about a person’s health literacy level as it may not always be apparent.
Patient Experience and Public Involvement (PEPI) support NHSGGC to listen and understand what matters to people. This allows us to improve our services using your experiences of care. The team help staff and members of the public to listen and learn from each other.
PEPI support staff and services to engage with people on care and service delivery. They apply best practice when informing and involving patients, carers and the public.
The team also provide expertise and support around the organisation’s public engagement and consultation activities. This is in line with statutory duties and national guidance.
Glasgow Neurosurgery is based at the Institute of Neurological Sciences and the Royal Hospital for Children, both on the campus of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow.
The department provides neurosurgical services to the west of Scotland, and has played an important role in the development of Neurosurgery and clinical neuroscience research, both in the UK and internationally, including the development of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS).
In collaboration with the University of Glasgow Neuro Society, the department also hosts visits and talks from the world’s leading neurosurgeons. Previous speakers include the Chiefs of Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins, Harvard, Oxford and Cambridge Neurosurgical departments.
The service accepts both emergency referrals and non-emergency elective referrals from the following West of Scotland Health Boards:
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
NHS Lanarkshire
NHS Ayrshire and Arran
NHS Western Isles
Parts of NHS Highland, including those located within Argyll and Bute HSCP
Services
Adult Neurosurgery
The adult Neurosurgery department houses a large number of both general and subspecialty-focused Consultant Neurosurgeons who work across a full range of areas including neuro-oncology, neuro-vascular, spinal and functional neurosurgery.
Paediatric Neurosurgery
The Paediatric Neurosurgery department deals with a wide range of problems affecting children, including developmental craniofacial and spinal problems, hydrocephalus and brain tumours of childhood.
Making an emergency referral to neurosurgery
Emergency referrals can be made to the neurosurgery department using the SCI Gateway Emergency Dialogue system. This system is in place across all Emergency Departments and Orthopaedic departments within NHSGGC.
If you are referring from out with NHSGGC, from one of the above areas, please contact the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) switchboard on 0141 201 1100.
Please note the following before making a referral:
If you have a patient with a life or limb-threatening illness or any other emergencies, please ensure their referral is discussed with their responsible consultant prior to referral to the emergency neurosurgery on call service. It is imperative that senior (consultant level) clinical input is involved in decision making and a clear clinical question forms part of all referrals.
If a scan report suggests discussion with the on call neurosurgery service, please ensure the clinical scenario and imaging findings are discussed with the patient’s responsible consultant prior to referral.
If you require advice regarding complications post-operatively for a patient treated by this neurosurgery service, please follow the instructions above as an emergency referral.
Emergency referral of a patient with a spinal injury with neurological deficit
If you require advice regarding a patient with spinal injuries and neurological deficit, please contact the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit on call service, available via QEUH switchboard on 0141 201 1100. Please note, the National Spinal Injuries Unit is able to accept referrals from all NHS Scotland Boards. More information can be found at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Spinal Unit website.
Please note that all referrals are audited regularly and if deemed inappropriate, feedback for such referrals will be carried out through appropriate channels.
Making a non-emergency referral to neurosurgery
If you are a GP or Hospital Clinician who wishes to refer a non-emergency patient into the Neurosurgery service in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, this can be done electronically or as a paper letter referral.
If you need more information on an existing referral, if known, please document the neurosurgery consultant’s name to whom the initial referral was made. All follow-up discussions should be directed to that particular consultant’s team to expedite appropriate decision making and treatment plans, when possible.
For questions about imaging, please discuss with on-call Neuroradiology via QEUH switchboard on 0141 201 1100.
Referring to Neurosurgery: a Clinicians Guide
This section of the website is for clinicians and other health professionals. If you are a patient and think you require a referral to our neurosurgery service, please contact your GP to discuss your concerns.
If you are a GP or Hospital Clinician who wishes to refer a patient into the neurosurgery service in NHSGGC, this can be done via SCI Gateway. Access to SCI Gateway referrals to neurosurgery is available to A&Es in GGC, orthopaedics in GGC and GPs.
If you have a patient with a life or limb-threatening illness, please ensure their referral is discussed with their responsible consultant prior to referral to the emergency neurosurgery on call service. It is imperative that senior clinical input is involved in decision making and that a clear clinical question forms part of emergencies referrals.
For all patients with spinal injuries and neurological deficit please refer to The Spinal Injuries Unit on call via switchboard.
For patients in GGC with thoracolumbar fractures who are neurologically intact please refer to their local orthopaedic spine team.
If a scan report suggests discussion with the on call neurosurgery service, please ensure this is discussed with the patient’s responsible consultant prior to referral.
If you have read this advice and need to contact the emergency neurosurgery referral service, please do so via QEUH switch board on 0141 201 1100.
Please be aware we audit all of our referrals and inappropriate referrals will be escalated to our Management Department
Donor Human Milk – what is it?
Donor human milk (DHM) is donated by mothers who have extra milk to spare. Donors are screened, including blood tests, to make sure their milk is suitable. The milk is also tested for bacteria and heat treated. Like donating blood the milk is freely donated, and its use tracked and recorded.
In the UK, like many countries, DHM is available for some babies whose mothers may not have enough of their own breastmilk in the early days. Other feeds include infant formula which is usually made from cow’s milk but doesn’t have all of the benefits of human milk.
Donor Human Milk – Why donate it?
Local, national and global recommendations support the use of donor human milk, especially for babies who are born early, are very small or sick. Most of the babies getting donor human milk are being cared for in a neonatal unit. It is offered for the first few days but sometimes can be for longer. We also provide about 2 weeks of donor milk for mums at home who can’t breastfeed due to medical circumstances.
Donor human milk can also be used to support breastfeeding in the first day or two. Some babies may require a little extra milk while waiting for mums milk supply. You can read Eilidh’s story below.
Eilidh’s story: Donor Human Milk – supporting breastfeeding
New mum Eilidh leaned on the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Milk Bank to breastfeed her son.
“To put it simply, the milk bank and provision of donor milk is the reason I’ve been fortunate enough to breastfeed my son. He arrived at 37 weeks and had a short stay in the NICU, and donor milk allowed him to get a great start while we were separated in those early days.
“I had some challenges with breast feeding at the start – my milk took a while to come in, expressing wasn’t yielding the volumes he needed to gain weight and latching was hard, but the milk bank and provision of donor milk meant that, while all these issues were ironed out, he continued to get all the goodness he needed from donated breast milk. This set him up for when I was able to give him what he needed.
“We are so grateful to the women who donate their milk and allow this service to be available to those who need it,” said Eilidh.
Mothers are supported to collect their colostrum and to express frequently. This helps to establish their own milk supply. There is lots of information about expressing, breast feeding and early feeding challenges at RHC Neonatal Infant Feeding.
Donor human milk provides easily digested nutrition along with many anti-infective and other active components that help protect baby’s immature tummies and keep them healthy.
If you would like to donate, please go to the “How to become a donor” section below to access the screening form. You can also arrange a collection of milk from there.
How to become a Donor
Becoming a donor is an amazing step and could help many babies across Scotland. Your own baby is the priority, so we only take milk that is truly surplus to your baby’s needs. The age limit for donation is around two. We can also take stored milk that is less than 90 days old. You can find out about expressing your milk from the Parent Club.
Who can donate milk?
Although you are donating breast milk, it’s similar to becoming a blood donor and there are only a few things that would stop you donating. There is a screening process which includes questions about your medical history, lifestyle and diet.
You can donate milk if:
you are breast feeding or expressing for your own baby
you are and remain in good health
you are able to commit to a period of donating
you have milk stored appropriately and in acceptable containers
You cannot donate milk if:
you smoke, vape or are using nicotine replacement therapy
you take certain medications including antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, certain pain killers and high blood pressure medication.
Please contact the milk bank to discuss medications and herbal remedies you take regularly
You can donate if you have had a piercing, tattoo or blood transfusion but we can’t complete the blood tests until 4 months after this.
If you would like more information about donation or to get a paper copy of the screening form, please use the Contact Form and we will get back to as soon as we can.
To arrange milk collection click the Collection Form button.
No, we can collect donor milk from all over mainland Scotland.
Can I donate milk I have already stored in my freezer?
Yes but the milk must be pasteurised within 90 days so it’s important to let the milk bank know as soon as possible so that it can be transported within that time. If you are donating milk already in your freezer, remember to answer the health and lifestyle questions for that time.
Can you use the blood tests I had done antenatally?
No, unfortunately we can’t. We do some extra screening tests which are not covered by your antenatal blood tests.
What happens to the milk?
The milk is tested for unwanted bacteria. All breast milk has bacteria in it, and in normal circumstances these are acceptable and helpful. Because our milk is used to feed premature and sick babies we need to make sure no unwanted bacteria are present.
Once all the screening tests are concluded, the milk is re-labelled and distributed throughout Scotland.
Memory Milk Gift – donation after loss
We believe every family who lose a child before the age of two, should have the choice to donate breast milk in their memory and commemorated on our Memory Milk Tree at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
To find out more about Memory Milk Gift Initiative click the link below.
You will be supported to express your own milk after birth. Sometimes your milk supply can be delayed, especially in the first few days. If this is the case, you may be offered the option to feed your baby with donor human milk (DHM).
The sharing of breastmilk for a baby in need is halal (permitted) and you can find more in the leaflet mentioned above. However, there is a difference of religious opinion on whether the use of donor breastmilk also creates a family bond/milk kinship relationship.
Donor milk can still be given where milk kinship is believed to be established. This is because donor milk can be traced for milk kinship and marriage reasons in the future. This is highlighted in this resolution:
In the future, if I need to trace my baby’s milk donors for marriage reasons, how will I do that?
All donor milk given to your baby is traceable using the following details: *The unique ID numbers of the donor milk fed to your baby – this will be a unique number with or without letters *The date it was given *The name of the milk bank that provided the milk *The date of baby’s admission and discharge from hospital
You may find it reassuring to also record the above tracking details of all donor milk your child is given, so that you have the details to use in the future if needed. The nursing team looking after your baby will be able to help you with this.
In Scotland, all donor milk bottles have 3 tear off barcode labels which contain the information about the milk your baby is receiving. These barcodes would allow us to check who the donor is. One of the tear offs could be kept by you to check for milk kinship in the future. All of these details will also be in your child’s medical records at the hospital that cared for your child. The milk bank keeps records of all donors indefinitely.
Whilst donor breastmilk is not pooled (mixed) from different donors here in the UK, your baby may be given donor breastmilk from more than one donor. You will be able to check if a future spouse is a milk sibling through the process described above. For an illustrated flow chart, use the button to go to the BIMA website.
It is your choice as a parent, and your decision will be respected by your doctors and nurses. Donor breastmilk is offered because babies benefit from breastmilk as it is easily digested and contains immune boosting components that are only found in breastmilk. Babies who are fed only breastmilk have been shown to have increased protection from developing infections and serious gut complications.
We know it can be hard to make a decision at such a difficult time, but please know that you are not alone. Your doctors and nurses will support you in your decision making and help with all your feeding questions.
What to expect at your first appointment
New patient information
In the first instance your call will be assessed by the referral management centre. If an appointment is required a telephone consultation appointment will be arranged for you.
Infected toe nail surgery cases and wound/ulcers are exceptions to this and will require you to attend a face to face consultation or have a virtual (telephone/video) consultation.
New patient telephone appointment
You will be given a day and time for the podiatrist to phone you. Please ensure you have provided us with the correct contact number when making this appointment. If further treatment is required a virtual consultation may be offered.
Virtual (Near Me) consultations
You will be allocated an appointment time to log into our virtual waiting room. Instructions and guidance will be provided for accessing these clinics. If further treatment is required a face to face consultation may be offered. Learn more about our virtual clinics here.
Face to face appointment
If you are asked to attend the clinic for an appointment please read the following guidance to help keep you safe:
Wear a face covering within the building
Use hand sanitiser when entering and leaving clinical areas and after touching furniture or equipment
Maintain the recommended physical distance wherever possible
Attend for appointments at your appointment time. Please do not attend early for these as physical distancing must be maintained within waiting areas
You should attend your appointment alone unless you require assistance. This will allow physical distancing to be maintained within our waiting areas and clinical rooms
You should only attend our department if you have an appointment. We will not be able to accommodate seeing anyone out with allotted clinical times and cannot appoint people who attend the department for booking appointments
It is essential that you do not attend if you have a persistent cough, fever, or loss of taste or smell. In this instance you should contact us to reschedule your appointment.
If you are an existing patient
Return appointments
These are gradually being reintroduced on a phased return basis dependent on your previously assessed need (see figure 1 above). You will receive a phone call offering you an appointment. These may take a different format from what you have previously been used to. Appointments may be phone calls, virtual (Near Me) consultations or face to face. You will be advised by our call centre as to your appointment type.
Telephone appointment
You will be given a day and time for the podiatrist to phone you. Please make sure you have provided us with the correct contact number when making this appointment
Virtual (Near Me) consultations
You will be allocated an appointment time to log into our virtual waiting room. Instructions and guidance will be provided for accessing these clinics.
Face to face
When attending
Wear a face covering within the building
Use hand sanitiser when entering and leaving clinical areas and after touching furniture or equipment
Maintain the recommended physical distance wherever possible
Attend for appointments at your appointment time. Please do not attend early for these as physical distancing must be maintained within waiting areas
You should attend your appointment alone unless you require assistance. This will allow physical distancing to be maintained within our waiting areas and clinical rooms
You should only attend our departments if you have an appointment. We will not be able to accommodate seeing anyone out with allotted clinical times and cannot appoint people who attend the department for booking appointments
It is essential that you do not attend if you have a persistent cough, fever, or loss of taste or smell. In this instance you should contact us to reschedule your appointment.
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Used by the content network, Cloudflare, to identify trusted web traffic.
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__cf_bm
Cloudflare's bot products identify and mitigate automated traffic to protect your site from bad bots. Cloudflare places the __cf_bm cookie on End User devices that access Customer sites that are protected by Bot Management or Bot Fight Mode. The __cf_bm cookie is necessary for the proper functioning of these bot solutions.
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__cflb
When enabling session affinity with Cloudflare Load Balancer, Cloudflare sets a __cflb cookie with a unique value on the first response to the requesting client. Cloudflare routes future requests to the same origin, optimizing network resource usage. In the event of a failover, Cloudflare sets a new __cflb cookie to direct future requests to the failover pool.
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_cfuvid
The _cfuvid cookie is only set when a site uses this option in a Rate Limiting Rule, and is only used to allow the Cloudflare WAF to distinguish individual users who share the same IP address.
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cf_clearance
Whether a CAPTCHA or Javascript challenge has been solved.
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cf_use_ob
The cf_use_ob cookie informs Cloudflare to fetch the requested resource from the Always Online cache on the designated port. Applicable values are: 0, 80, and 443. The cf_ob_info and cf_use_ob cookies are persistent cookies that expire after 30 seconds.
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__cfwaitingroom
The __cfwaitingroom cookie is only used to track visitors that access a waiting room enabled host and path combination for a zone. Visitors using a browser that does not accept cookies cannot visit the host and path combination while the waiting room is active.
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cf_chl_rc_i
These cookies are for internal use which allows Cloudflare to identify production issues on clients.
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cf_chl_rc_ni
These cookies are for internal use which allows Cloudflare to identify production issues on clients.
