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What do we do?
Interventional neuroradiology is a medical specialty concerned with the treatment of certain diseases of the head, neck, brain, and spine, such as cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations and strokes. It is also known as endovascular neurosurgery, neurointerventional radiology or neurointervention.
The specialty includes the term ‘radiology’ in the title because guidance from X-rays and CT scans is used during procedures. Historically, these conditions required invasive open surgery. Advances now allow these diseases to be treated using ‘minimally invasive’ techniques. This allows for reduced complications and a faster recovery.
Interventional neuroradiologists (INRs) treat a wide range of diseases:
- brain aneurysm and subarachnoid haemorrhage with the use of coils, stents, and other devices
- stroke by retrieving blood clots from the brain, known as mechanical thrombectomy
- brain tumours using embolisation (depriving lesions of blood flow)
- head and neck tumours (such as paraganglioma) using embolisation
- brain and spine arteriovenous malformations and dural arteriovenous fistulas using embolisation
- carotid artery stenosis using balloons and stents
- intracranial vascular stenosis using balloons and stents
- intracranial hypertension and tinnitus with venous stents
- subdural haemorrhage treatment with middle meningeal artery embolisation
- nose bleeding (epistaxis) with embolisation
- vasospasm with chemical angioplasty
They also perform diagnostic procedures such as:
- cerebral angiography: evaluating the blood vessels of the brain using dye injected directly through the blood vessels
- myelography: diagnosis of conditions of the spine
- lumbar puncture: sampling fluid from the spine
- amytal test before resective surgery
- test occlusion before neurovascular occlusion
The team works closely with related specialties including neurosurgeons, neurologists, stroke physicians, intensive care specialists, and anaesthetists. Clinical nurse specialists provide psychosocial support and advice, particularly to patients recovering from aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.
Preparing for your appointment
Check your appointment letter to see if you need to do anything to prepare for your appointment.
What to bring to your first outpatient appointment:
- your appointment letter
- a list of any medicines you are taking
- any samples your appointment letter asks you to bring
- money for prescriptions, or an exemption certificate
- a list of questions you want to ask
You will be seen by a specialist doctor. They will ask about your symptoms and your medical history and explain any tests you may need. They will also talk through with you what will happen next.
Conditions we treat
We treat the following:
- brain aneurysm and subarachnoid haemorrhage with the use of coils, stents, and other devices
- stroke by retrieving blood clots from the brain, known as mechanical thrombectomy
- brain tumours using embolisation (depriving lesions of blood flow)
- head and neck tumours (such as paraganglioma) using embolisation
- brain and spine arteriovenous malformations and dural arteriovenous fistulas using embolisation
- carotid artery stenosis using balloons and stents
- intracranial vascular stenosis using balloons and stents
- intracranial hypertension and tinnitus with venous stents
- subdural haemorrhage treatment with middle meningeal artery embolisation
- nose bleeding (epistaxis) with embolisation
- vasospasm with chemical angioplasty
We also perform diagnostic procedures including:
- cerebral angiography
- myelography
- lumbar puncture
- amytal test before resective surgery
- test occlusion before neurovascular occlusion
Where to find us and contact information
Address
1345 Govan Road
Govan
G51 4TF
Contact Details
Call main switchboard: 0141 201 1100
Information Leaflets
Leaflets coming soon.
This website will continue to explain how Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy will assist you throughout your elective knee replacement journey. For more information, please refer back to the Joint Replacement School Video and resources linked below:
Physiotherapy
Aim
The physiotherapist will visit you either the afternoon of your operation or the next morning. We aim to have you up walking on the same day as your operation or the next morning. Physiotherapy will also provide an exercise program which will be similar to the exercises discussed in the Joint Replacement School Video.
At present we aim to get people home within a few days of your operation but this varies and you may get home sooner or later than this.
Pain Management
Some patients having a knee replacement operation have mild pain and others have more pain. Everyone is different but you should expect to have some pain. You must let the nursing staff know when you start to feel pain so that they can help you. It is harder to get the pain under control if you wait too long.
The anaesthetist and ward staff will discuss pain relief options with you and a pain management nurse may visit you after the operation.
We may inject nerve blocks or local anaesthetic into the new joint while you are in theatre. As these wear off you will tend to feel the pain increasing. It is very important that you let the nursing staff know when this happens so they can get you pain killers. Powerful pain-killing tablets (Opiates) are the most commonly used method of pain relief. Sometimes we use patient controlled analgesia (P.C.A.) however this is much less common.
Do not wait until you are very sore before asking for pain killers.
Exercises
It is important for you to continue any physical activity that you are currently doing, if able. It is widely known that the benefits of engaging in physical activity pre-surgery will positively influence your recovery. There are also additional exercises which may help to strengthen specific muscles and increase your movement in preparation of surgery. You should do these exercises before and after your surgery, to aid your recovery. These can be viewed below.
Knee Replacement Lying Exercises
Knee Replacement Seated Exercises
Negotiating Stairs
If you are struggling with stairs before your operation, you may find it easier to complete stairs one at a time while leading with the stronger leg on the way up and leading with the weaker leg on the way down.
You may find it beneficial to have a banister or handrail installed in preparation for coming home.
Physiotherapists will ensure you are able to negotiate going up and down stairs before you are discharged, if this is necessary.
Occupational Therapy
Aim
Soon after your surgery, the occupational therapist will assess you on the ward. They will assess how you will function at home post-operatively ie. assess your activities of daily living, how you are managing to get in and out of bed, toileting, if you are managing to wash and dress, and how you are going to prepare meals.
The occupational therapist will also give advice regarding self-directed rehabilitation and information on how to progress once you return home. This may include recommending new techniques for washing or dressing, using the stairs, getting in and out of the car or carrying out daily activities in the safest and most energy-conserving way possible.
Home Environment
There is a lot you can do to prepare for your surgery beforehand. During the lead up to surgery, it would be beneficial to prepare your home environment. This should include looking for/rectifying potential trip hazards, highlighting if the height of your toilet and bed are very low or high (there will be an electronic measurement form for you to complete), and how you will receive support from family and/or friends afterwards.
During your in-patient stay, your occupational therapist will assess and identify any equipment needs and arrange for these to be in place before you go home.
Activities of Daily Living
Activities of Daily Living (ADL), are all the essential, basic self-care tasks that people need to do every day to keep themselves safe, healthy, clean and feeling good. These can include: getting up in the morning, showering, grooming, preparing and cooking meals, shopping and medication management.
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Tel for referrals : 07971 234 257
2 Beds Currently Available
Hospital Staff Referral Information
How Hospital staff should to refer to the service
Patients may be referred by telephone prior to Trak Care referral:
- An Older Peoples Medical Consultant from the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Referrals are accepted between 9am-5pm Monday – Fridays (excluding public Holidays). Patients must have a Glasgow City South postcode, however, the service is being extended to additional postcodes in Glasgow North West, please contact the coordinator to check if your patient’s postcode is within this new group.
- An Advanced Frailty Practitioner from the Home First Response Service. Referrals are accepted between 9am-5pm Monday – Fridays (excluding public Holidays). Patients must be from a Care Home with a Glasgow City South Postcode.
Inclusion / Exclusion Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
Assessed by a clinical physician and deemed safe to be managed by H at H service prior to referral:
- Over the age of 65
- Care Home resident in Glasgow City South
- Hospital at Home interventions Oxygen 3L,Iv Fluids/Frusemide, antibiotics
- Acute Exacerbation of Long Term Condition requiring above interventions
- COVID – Current guidelines or transfer to Care Home to be followed if patient has tested positive
- Delirium
- Selected fractures – Vertebral fracture, rib, pelvis rami, GI bleed where Glasgow Blatchford Score <1
Exclusion Criteria
- Stroke which meets stroke inpatient criteria
- Fractures receiving surgical intervention
- laceration requiring suturing (once sutured patient can be admitted to H@H)
- Head Injury with normal CT brain scan
- A GI bleed which requires urgent OGD/Colonoscopy
Contact Details
To discuss referral Contact the Hospital at Home Team:
Telephone: 07971234257
GP Referral information
How GPs should refer to the service
Referrals will only be accepted via telephone. Please Do not submit a sci referral until accepted on telephone.
TEL :07971 234 257
The patient must have been assessed by a Doctor and meet the inclusion criteria. Patients are accepted between 9am-3pm Monday – Fridays (excluding public Holidays). Patients must have a Glasgow City South postcode, however, the service is being extended to additional postcodes in Glasgow North West, please contact the coordinator to check if your patient’s postcode is within this new group.
They must have been assessed by a Doctor within 24 hours prior to referral, and deemed safe to have their condition managed at home with support from the Hospital at Home Team.
Referrals are accepted from 9.00am – 3.00pm Monday – Fridays (excluding public Holidays)
Inclusion / Exclusion Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
Assessed by clinical physician and deemed safe to be managed by H@H service prior to referral
- Over the age of 65
- Acute functional decline due to underlying health conditions;
- Acute complex multiple medical problems
- Frailty – acute decline of uncertain cause
- Exacerbation of COPD/Asthma/Heart failure
- High risk of hospital admission/deterioration
- Acutely unwell nursing/care home patient with any of these presentations
- Severe infections – Pneumonia, UTI or Cellulitis
- Delirium
- Recurrent falls with no injury likely due to underlying acute illness
- Dehydration
- UTI with multi-resistant organisms needing IV antibiotics
- Acute presentation of suspected advanced malignancy
- Covid
Exclusion Criteria
- Stroke/TIA
- Cardiac event
- Fractures – needing acute assessment and possible surgical management eg Hip
- GI bleed
- Acute abdomen
- DVT
- Social care crisis
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Head injury
Contact Details
To discuss referral Contact the Hospital at Home Team:
Telephone: 07971234257
Resources
Training / Education
Add here, but consider format – PDFs could be web page text, if PDFs required, then remember to upload to Downloads / Home For Lunch then add sub-folders if required.
The National Mesh Removal Service would be delighted to hear your feedback regarding your experience of the service.
This will allow us to share your positive experience and look at improving any negative aspects of care you experienced.
You are able to provide feedback in a number of ways as listed below.
Care Opinion
You can provide anonymous feedback, about any of our services, using the Care Opinion form or calling 0800 122 3135. Your feedback will be shared with our services and you will receive a response on Care Opinion.
NHSGGC Online Feedback Form
You can share your feedback about NHSGGC through our online feedback form.
You won’t receive a response to your feedback; however, your comments will help drive change and improvement.
Biannual Patient Experience Survey
Click the below button to view our latest report.
Complaints
About the team
The team is made up of mental health professionals including: clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, mental health practitioners, mental health therapists and primary care counsellors. The NHS is an organisation that supports training. In the PCMHT you may be offered an appointment with a therapist in training. If this happens you will be informed. All qualified staff and trainees receive supervision of their clinical work in accordance with professional guidelines.
PCMHT staff practice 10 core values. These core values are as follows:
- Working in partnership
- Respecting diversity
- Practising ethically
- Challenging inequality
- Promoting recovery
- Identifying needs and strengths
- Providing person centred care
- Making a difference
- Promoting safety and positive risk taking
- Personal learning and development
Information for patients
Service Criteria
The service is for adults experiencing common mental health difficulties, such as depression and anxiety. The remit of the service is to provide brief evidence-based psychological interventions.
Access to the North West PCMHT will be dependent on having a GP within the North West sector. If you are not part of the North West catchment area you will be advised of how to access your local PCMHT.
How to be referred to the service
You can be referred to the service by your GP or by another health professional.
Following a discussion with your GP you can also self-refer by contacting our office by telephone on 0141 232 9270. During the referral process you will be asked to provide some details to the administration staff including your name, address, contact details and GP details.
Accessibility
We can arrange for an interinterpreter, if required.
If you require wheelchair access please let us know and we can make appropriate arrangements.
What to expect at your assessment
After you are referred into the service, a clinician will phone you for an assessment to discuss your mental health needs. This telephone assessment will usually last up to 30 minutes. Typically this assessment will be by telephone but, if necessary, other options may be available. Please advise your GP or the service if you cannot be contacted by telephone.
Your telephone call will not be at a set time. Please feel free to advise us of any times you are unavailable. If we are unable to get you we will typically leave a voicemail asking you to call back. Our NHS telephone number will appear as an ‘0800’ number. If you think you have a missed call from the PCMHT please call back on 0141 232 9270 to rearrange.
During your initial assessment you will speak to a clinician who will seek to understand your current difficulties as well as understanding previous experiences that might have affected your mental health.
The clinician will use this information to consider the most appropriate next step. All options will be discussed with you.
This might involve:
- Providing advice and relevant information
- Suggesting referral to another service
- Offering psychological intervention within the PCMHT
Therapeutic options
Therapeutic options will have be discussed with you at assessment. This is typically Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) but other therapies will be available. All therapies require a commitment to completing tasks between sessions to get most benefit from the therapy.
Therapy can be delivered in different formats, frequently these are delivered in a group environment.
Note: all therapies are currently being offered virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic. If you are referred to our service during this period, one of our clinicians will discuss with you what this will entail.
Therapeutic options might include one of the following:
- CBT in Action Course: This is a 7 week class utilising cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) skills to improve your mental health and wellbeing. The aim of the class is to help you understand the connection between your thoughts, emotions, behaviours and physical symptoms, and to provide you with techniques to help you manage stress/anxiety and low mood.
- CBT for Insomnia: This is a 6 week class for people who struggle to sleep or who wake up during the night and find it difficult to get back to sleep. The aim of the class is to provide you with techniques to improve your sleep using a cognitive behavioural approach. It focuses on lifestyle factors, changing sleep patterns, and exploring and challenging the thoughts that interfere with sleep
- One to one therapy sessions: This involves talking about your difficulties with one of our clinicians. It typically consists of 6-8 therapy sessions lasting up to an hour. Our clinicians are trained in approaches such as person centred counselling, CBT and other psychological therapies.
We sometimes run additional therapeutic options throughout the year, you will be advised of these as appropriate.
We may also advise you of other services that are suited to your needs.
FAQs
Will the information discussed be kept confidential?
What you tell us will be treated in confidence. We do not share information with family, friends or other agencies unless you give us your consent. However, we will advise your GP of your progress. In exceptional circumstances where we are concerned about your welfare, or the welfare of others, it will be necessary for us to share information. Your clinician would discuss this decision with you.
What is a telephone assessment?
The service operates a telephone assessment system to ensure all referrals can be responded to in a timely manner. This telephone assessment typically lasts around 30 minutes and during this call the clinician will seek to understand your current mental health needs.
How long will I need to wait?
Telephone assessment – The majority of patients will have received their telephone assessment within two weeks of their referral being made. Unfortunately it may not always be possible to contact you within this time frame. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us and we will be able to give you a more accurate estimate of when you will be contacted.
Individual therapy – The service aims to meet waiting list targets set by the Scottish Government, which requires services to offer treatment within 18 weeks of referral.
Waiting times can vary depending on a number of factors, for up to date information please phone the service where our admin staff will be happy to advise.
What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?
CBT is a form of psychological therapy used for a range of mental health disorders. CBT is based on the concept that your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are interconnected, and that negative thoughts and feelings can trap you in a vicious cycle. You will work with your therapist to agree goals that you would like to work on. CBT is highly structured and focuses on current problems. There will be tasks to complete between your sessions to put what you have learned into practice.
What is Counselling?
Person-centred Therapy (PCT) is delivered on an individual basis by our counsellors. PCT is non-directive, but has a structure which allows the client to freely explore their issues, and process their past and present difficulties. It can encourage a better perspective and understanding of themselves and others through challenging their thoughts and behaviours. There are reviews at each session to help the client focus effectively on their therapeutic journey.
Useful Resouces
Self Help Materials
If you wish to learn more about your mental health or ways to cope with your difficulties, you can access information online on the following websites
Other Services
It might be that the PCMHT is not the most suitable service for your current needs and we often advise people during the referral process to more appropriate services.
Some services we typically recommend are:
Computerised CBT (referral from GP)
We Are With You (previously called Addaction)
Useful websites
Anxiety UK
Charity providing support if you’ve been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.
Phone: 03444 775 774 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm)
Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Bipolar UK
A charity helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder.
Website: www.bipolaruk.org.uk
CALM
CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15-35.
Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm-midnight)
Website: www.thecalmzone.net
Men’s Health Forum
The Men’s Health Forum is a charity supporting men’s health in England, Wales and Scotland. Website: www.menshealthforum.org.uk
Mental Health Foundation
Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.
Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Mind
Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm)
Website: www.mind.org.uk
No Panic
Voluntary charity offering support for sufferers of panic attacks and OCD. Offers a course to help overcome your phobia/OCD. Includes a helpline.
Phone: 0844 967 4848 (daily, 10am-10pm)
Website: www.nopanic.org.uk
OCD Action
Support for people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Includes information on treatment and online resources.
Phone: 0845 390 6232 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5pm)
Website: www.ocdaction.org.uk
OCD UK
A charity run by people with OCD, for people with OCD. Includes facts, news and treatments.
Support queries (advice line): 03332127890 (Mon-Fri, 9am-4:45pm)
Website: www.ocduk.org
PAPYRUS
Children and young people (under the age of 35) suicide prevention society.
Phone: HOPElineUK 0800 068 4141 (Mon-Fri,10am-5pm & 7-10pm. Weekends 2-10pm)
Website: www.papyrus-uk.org
Rethink Mental Illness
Support and advice for people living with mental illness.
Advice service: 0300 5000 927 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm)
Website: www.rethink.org
Samaritans
Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Website: https://www.samaritans.org/
Sane
Charity offering support and carrying out research into mental illness.
SANEmail email: sanemail@org.uk
Website: www.sane.org.uk
YoungMinds
Information on child and adolescent mental health. Services for parents and professionals.
Phone: Parents’ helpline 0808 802 5544 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm)
Website: www.youngminds
Service user feedback
Testimonials:
“Friendly, understanding, exactly what I needed”
“Very beneficial, a good first insight into helping myself.”
“Was very wary at the start but glad I saw it through to the end”
“Been made to feel safe since first coming along – which was very important to me”
“My life has changed 100% for the better”
“To be honest i didn’t think the group session would be beneficial but it was incredibly helpful.”
The course has given me some excellent techniques in how to manage mood and sleep.
“Encouraged me to challenge myself and find out what I am capable of with a more positive outlook.”
“You get out of it what you put in.”
“I feel I have a set of skills which will definitely help me manage in future.”
“I felt much less anxious which is mainly what i wanted”
Where to find us
The NW PCMHT has clinics throughout North West Glasgow and you could be offered an appointment at any of the venues below (route links attached).
If you have any questions about accessing appointments at our community venues please contact the service on 0141 232 9270.
Sandy Road Centre
12 Sandy Road
Glasgow
G11 6HE
Drumchapel Health Centre
80-90 Kilfauns Drive
Glasgow
G15 7TS
Woodside Health and Care Centre
891 Garscube Road
Glasgow
G20 7ER
Maryhill Health and Care Centre
51 Gairbraid Avenue
Glasgow
G20 8BZ
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery
The ‘Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Programme’ simply refers to the processes that are in place to ensure you are prepared for your surgery and receive the care required to get you back to the comfort of your own home as quickly as possible.
Evidence tells us that a huge part of improving a patient’s recovery after surgery is making sure they have a good understanding of what to expect before coming into hospital. This website together with information leaflets and appointments with the staff in the hospital are all opportunities to find out about what will happen when you come into hospital and how to prepare.
The operation itself and healing process place high physical demands on your body. In the weeks and months before your operation you can take actions to improve your health and fitness in preparation for surgery. If you do this then you will be back to your normal self much more quickly and hopefully gaining the benefits of your new hip or knee as soon as possible.
We also aim to make sure all patients get the same high level of care during their anaesthetic and surgery and afterwards on the ward so we can get you back on your feet as soon as possible. Getting out of bed with the help of the physiotherapists and nursing staff soon after surgery, eating and drinking normally, getting dressed into your own clothes and getting home as soon as possible have all been shown to get your recovery off to the best possible start and do not increase the risk of any complications.
Evidence tells us that the sooner you can get moving and back on your feet the better the result from your surgery. It also helps reduce any discomfort. We will ensure you have plenty of medication available to help ease the pain when you need it. In most cases the discomfort significantly improves after only a few days.
You will be told how long your hospital stay is likely to be when you come into hospital so you know what to expect. The planned duration of stay will vary depending on the specifics of your operation and which hospital you are attending. You will be assessed regularly after your surgery to check how you are progressing and to monitor for any complications. You will be discharged home when you are ready even if this is earlier than the planned date. If you need a little more help don’t worry, you will not be discharged until you are ready.
At the clinic, you may meet members of the team looking after you including the surgeon, the pre-operative assessment nurse, anaesthetist and junior doctor.
The pre-operative assessment nurse will arrange all relevant tests and co-ordinate your appointments. You may have several tests and investigations at the clinic or scheduled for another date.
Tests may include:
- Medical history
- Blood pressure, Pulse & Oxygen levels
- Blood tests
- Height & weight
- Urine test
- Consent for your operation
- ECG (tracing of your heart) if necessary
- Chest X-ray if necessary
- You will also be measured for stockings to reduce your risk of developing a blood clot
- Further tests may include a heart scan or lung function test.
Preparing for surgery
If your surgeon has recommended that you need an operation, you will be asked to attend a pre-operative assessment clinic before the date of your surgery.
This appointment can take up to 3 hours. This is to make sure you are well enough and fully prepared for your surgery and that you are prepared for going home from the hospital (discharge) and ongoing recovery.
Please bring any medication that you are taking (or a copy of a recent prescription).
Information for Patients and Carers about eating and drinking before planned surgery and procedures
Step 1
- To keep you safe and able to have your surgery you must not eat food for 6 hours before your surgery
- No food, sweets, chewing gum, fizzy drinks for 6 hours before your surgery
- Continue to sip still water
- Take all medications, tablets and inhalers as normal unless you are told otherwise.
If you are asked to come to the hospital for morning surgery:
- Eat your evening meal as normal on the day before surgery
- Have a snack in the evening if you want
- Do not eat anything after midnight
- Drink only clear fluids after midnight
Note: ‘Clear fluids’ includes water, black tea or black coffee (no milk).
If you are asked to come to the hospital for afternoon surgery:
- Have a light breakfast before 7.00am on the day of surgery
- Do not eat anything after 7.00am
- Drink only clear fluids after 7.00am
Step 2
- Drink only still water right up until your surgery (unless your anaesthetist or surgeon tells you otherwise)
- No sweets or chewing gum
- You can bring a reusable water bottle with you to hospital
If you do not follow these instructions for eating and drinking, we may need to postpone your surgery.
This information does not apply if you are pregnant.
The exact time of your surgery may not be confirmed until on the day as you will be part of a theatre list with other patients. We ask more than one patient to arrive for the start of the day to help ensure flexibility if there are last minute changes and to allow the theatre staff to see you before the surgical session begins.
Drinking clear fluids before your operation reduces dehydration and headaches before surgery and reduces nausea and vomiting after surgery. It is safe for you to sip water until the time of surgery unless the team looking after you has advised otherwise. The nursing team will be able to advise you of this on the day.
Your Anaesthetic
We encourage you to read through the website and discuss any questions you may have about your anaesthetic with your pre-assessment nurse or anaesthetist.
We have provided some information and links to other resources to help you get ready for your surgery. You will also find information about your recovery and getting back to normal life after your surgery. The aim is to help you maximise your chances of recovering quickly and help prevent complications.
You can download the below patient information leaflet for more information:
What do I need to bring with me?
- List of current medications that you take.
- Any samples that have been requested.
- A list of any relevant medical conditions or surgical procedures you have/have had.
- Questions you may have about your admission.
What do I do if I need an Interpreter?
If your English is limited or if you need the services of a sign-language interpreter please contact Pre-operative Assessment Clinic as soon as possible so that an interpreter can be arranged.
How do I cancel or reschedule my appointment?
This appointment is important preparation for your surgery. You must come to this appointment or let us know if you need to cancel or change it.
Who will be present during my operation?
You will always be treated by an appropriately skilled practitioner with suitable support in a location designed to look after you during your operative stay. Your anaesthetic and surgery may not be performed by a doctor or surgeon you have previously spoken to. You will have the opportunity to speak to them before your procedure, though this may be on the morning of surgery.
All hospitals in GGC are teaching hospitals. This means that medical students may be present in theatre. Most often students are only present to observe, but occasionally they may assist with very simple procedures under strict supervision. You will have the opportunity to discuss this with your anaesthetist and surgeon on the morning of surgery, however, should you wish to clarify this beforehand, please contact our team.
Where will I get my anaesthetic and who will provide it?
GGC is committed to ensuring you receive safe, prompt and timely treatment. This means that you may have to attend a different hospital to the one which hosted your clinic appointments and that your anaesthetic and surgery may not be performed by a doctor or surgeon you have previously spoken to. You will have the opportunity to speak to them before your procedure, though this may be on the morning of surgery.
You will always be treated by an appropriately skilled practitioner with suitable support in a location designed to look after you during your operative stay.
Will there be anyone other than the theatre teams present during my anaesthesia?
All hospitals in GGC are teaching hospitals. This means that medical students may be present in theatre. Most often students are only present to observe, but occasionally they may assist with very simple procedures under strict supervision. You will have the opportunity to discuss this with your anaesthetist and surgeon on the morning of surgery.
Can I continue to breastfeed after an operation?
Some women require surgery under a general anaesthetic or sedation while breastfeeding. Many women are concerned about the risk of passing drugs into breast milk. However, we advise that you should breastfeed as normal following surgery as soon as you are awake and able to do so. There is no need to express and discard breast milk. Drugs used during the operation are only transferred to breast milk in very small amounts and there is no evidence of any effects on your breastfeeding infant.
You should mention that you are breastfeeding to your anaesthetist at the pre-operative assessment visit or on the morning of surgery. This will allow the anaesthetist to plan the most appropriate anaesthetic and use the safest anaesthetic and pain-relieving drugs for you. You should avoid taking codeine after the operation.
If you are having a day surgery procedure (able to go home later the same day), you should have a responsible adult stay with you for the first 24 hours and be cautious when co-sleeping or sleeping while feeding the infant in a chair in case you are more drowsy than normal. If you need to remain in hospital after your operation and your child is not able to stay with you on the ward, you may wish to express and store breast milk.
For further information please see the following leaflet from the Association of Anaesthetists Guideline for Breastfeeding in Anaesthesia and Sedation.