Healthy eating is essential for maintaining overall well-being. A balanced diet provides the nutrients your body needs to function well, supports your immune system, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, some cancers, diabetes, and obesity. By making healthier food choices, you can improve your overall health, energy levels, mood and longevity.
In the UK, the guidelines for a balanced diet are based on the Eatwell Guide, applicable to everyone regardless of weight, cultural background, or dietary preferences. However, it does not apply to children under 2 because they have different nutritional needs. Between the age of 2 and 5, children should gradually move to eating the same foods as the rest of the family in the proportions shown on the Eatwell Guide.
There is also a short video option about the Eatwell Guide.
At least 5 A Day: Remember to include 5 portions fruit and vegetables a day
Fibre: Include plenty of fibre rich foods, especially wholegrains
Protein: Include a range of protein foods, especially beans, peas and lentils
Dairy and alternatives: Include some dairy foods or fortified alternatives
Choose the right fats: Mainly unsaturated fats and oils
Limit: Eat fewer foods and drinks that are high in fat, salt and sugars
Other important aspects of healthy eating
Balance: Ensure your diet includes a variety of foods from all food groups – see Eatwell Guide info above
Variety: Incorporate a wide range of foods as different foods provide different vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients.
Plan Your Meals: Take the time to plan your meals and snacks. This helps you make healthier choices and avoid last-minute unhealthy options.
Read Labels: Learn to read food labels to understand what you’re eating. Look for foods low in added sugar, salt/sodium and saturated fats.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sometimes thirst is mistaken for hunger, leading to unnecessary snacking.
Cook at Home: Preparing meals at home allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes. It’s also a great way to try new recipes and enjoy family time.
Mindful Eating: Pay attention to what you eat and savour each bite. Avoid distractions like TV or smartphones during meals.
Moderation: Pay attention to portion sizes and avoid overeating. Moderation is key to enjoying all foods without overindulging.
Was this helpful?
Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!
Our Multicultural Dietitian provides nutrition guidance that embraces cultural diversity, supporting health by recognising and respecting a wide range of dietary traditions and preferences. See below for more information.
At NHSGGC, we are committed to promoting health and wellbeing in ways that respect and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our communities. Providing nutritional guidance that is culturally appropriate helps improve health outcomes while honouring individual identities and traditions.
The role involves working with Interpreting Services, Health Improvement Teams, and other Dietetic colleagues to plan and deliver training for healthcare professionals, carers, and staff, with a focus on multicultural nutrition.
African diet – general information
The traditional African diet is varied and balanced. It primarily consists of carbohydrates from staples such as rice, potatoes, cassava, yam, and plantains. This diet also includes meat, poultry, fish, and fresh fruits, which provide essential vitamins and fibre. Meals are usually seasoned with salt and herbs, and common cooking methods include frying, stewing, or boiling. Click here for more links.
Asian and South Asian diet – general information
The traditional South Asian diet is healthy and balanced, featuring a high carbohydrate intake, along with lentils, pulses, vegetables, and meats, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, fibre, and protein. It includes a variety of fresh vegetables like cauliflower, okra, and spinach, and fruits such as bananas, grapes, and mangoes. Click here for more links.
Eastern European diet – general information
The Eastern European diet comprises a variety of hearty dishes. It includes eggs, dairy products, grains, vegetables, fish, poultry, red meats, and fruit. Common dishes feature various doughs and pastries, kashas, breads, pickles, sauerkraut, beet soup, and dumplings.
Translated diet sheet
We are developing our range of resources for translated diet sheets
Information for Dietitians considering employment in the UK. This guide is designed for dietitians who are thinking about working in the NHS Scotland. Whether you’re currently living in the UK or planning to move from another country, this information can help you understand what to expect and how to get started. BDA Guidance and HCPC guidance or click on the button below for more information.
Looking after your health and wellbeing involves taking care of both your physical and mental health. This includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and building strong social connections. Prioritising self-care, such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising, can significantly improve your overall wellbeing.
Doing activities you enjoy can further improve mental and emotional health. With the right information, support and tools you can take the first steps to a healthier lifestyle.
If you are attending one of our hospitals you can access our Support and Information Services. The centres are open to everyone, including patients, carers and family members. The Support and Information services offer support, including listening services, health and lifestyle advice and information about community support groups.
Keeping physically active is good for your body and mind. Did you know you should be aiming for 150 minutes of moderate activity like walking or cycling or 75 minutes of vigorous activity like running every week or a combination of both moderate and vigorous activity?
Walking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your health. It boosts cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles and bones, supports weight management, and can reduce stress and improve mood. Regular walking also helps lower the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
To get started, choose a comfortable pair of shoes, begin with short walks of 10–15 minutes at a pace that feels natural, and gradually increase your time and distance. Aim for consistency, perhaps a daily walk, and consider adding variety by exploring different routes or walking with a friend for motivation.
Or join one of our guided health walks
Everyone can take part in our walks. They’re easy, you don’t need fancy equipment and they won’t cost you a penny. Watch the video below to find out about our health walks.
There’s no need to book a place, simply call 0141 232 1860 and select the Walking option to find out more about your nearest walk.
Strength and Balance
Walking Scotland provide useful advice on strength and balance exercises to help you stay active.
Get Active – there’s an app for that! Some tools to help you.
NHS Couch to 5K app
Millions of people have used Couch to 5K to start running. used Couch to 5K to start running.
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play
NHS Active 10 app
Track and build up your daily walks – pop your phone in your pocket and off you go!
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play
Need additional support?
If you’re currently not active and need support to become more active then please go to your health professional and ask for a Live Active referral or call us on 0141 232 1860 and select the Live Active option to discuss with the Live Active team.
Manage your weight
Are you looking to lose weight?
We have the information, resources and tools to help you start your weight loss journey.
Lose weight with NHS Inform Introduction
Dr Ross Shearer is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist specialising in obesity. Here he talks about the journey of losing weight.
Calculate your body mass index (BMI)
Body mass index (BMI) is the most commonly used way to assess whether you have a healthy weight. It uses your height and weight to give you a number.
Download our free, practical guide designed to help get you get started and build the foundations for real and lasting weight loss that you can maintain with simple lifestyle changes.
Reaching and staying a healthy weight isn’t always easy. But small, realistic changes can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing. The NHS Inform Weight Loss site gives you trusted information and practical tips to help you:
If you are overweight have diabetes, heart disease or you have had a stroke, you can self-refer to our Weight Management Service by and filling out the form.
If you are overweight and have other medical conditions, you can speak to your health professional (Nurse, GP, Dietician, or Physiotherapist) about a self-management or referral to the Weight Management Service.
You call the Weight Management Hub on 0141 211 3379 (Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 4.00pm).
Interpreters can be provided.
Stop smoking
Are you looking to stop smoking? Have you ever thought of stopping or tried to stop before?
The most effective way to quit smoking is with specialist support and the use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products or stop smoking medication; whether it is your first attempt or you have tried before, we are here to make your quitting journey as successful as possible.
Studies show you are four times more likely to quit smoking if you do it through a specialist support service such as NHS Quit Your Way
Local NHS stop smoking services are free and provide one to one support from expert advisers
Services offer a range of proven methods and medications to help you quit
Your go to for Stop Smoking support
To find out more about what our services can offer call Quit Your Way on 0800 916 8858 or Click to Quit: Find a Stop Smoking Service in your area via Scotland’s Service Directory on NHS Inform:
Take the first steps to Stop Smoking – Quit Your Way
Quit Your Way offers stop-smoking support, including free stop smoking medication, to those who want to stop smoking. Our team of trained advisors are friendly, knowledgeable and dedicated to supporting you through your quit journey.
Please take a look at the following clip which shows you what to expect.
Support to stop vaping
If you are thinking of stopping vaping, our stop vaping tips for adults leaflet can help you to get started.
To find out more about personalised appointments for face-to-face, telephone or online support, call our team on 0800 916 8858 to get started.
Do you have planned hospital admission?
Stopping smoking before a hospital procedure such as an operation greatly reduces the risks of complications and speeds up recovery. If you would like to stop smoking ahead of a planned admission you can use the postcode search on Scotland’s Service Directory to find our local stop smoking services near you, or simply call our team on 0800 916 8858.
Have you unexpectedly been admitted to hospital?
Please take a look at the following clip which shows you what to expect.
Alcohol and Drugs
Are you worried about alcohol and/or drugs?
Often alcohol and drugs are used as a way of coping with difficult situations and feelings. You can take steps to improve your health and wellbeing by stopping or reducing your alcohol or drug use.
Alcohol
NHS inform has information on drinking sensibly, knowing your limits and getting support for alcohol abuse.
For alcohol and drug addiction problems you can either self-refer directly to the local specialist teams or contact your GP. Crisis services are also available at the Glasgow Alcohol and Drug Crisis Service.
Contact your healthcare professional or use the link below to:
Looking for ways to improve your mental wellbeing?
Mental wellbeing describes your mental state – how you are feeling and how well you can cope with day-to-day life. Our mental wellbeing is dynamic. It can change from moment to moment, day to day, month to month or year to year.
NHS Inform provides information and resources to support your everyday mental wellbeing.
Your go to guide to boosting your mental wellbeing – 5 simple tips to help you
Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.
Connect – connect with the people around you: your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours. Spend time developing these relationships.
Be active – you don’t have to go to the gym. Take a walk, go cycling or play a game of football. Find the activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your life.
Keep learning – learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and new confidence.
Give to others – even the smallest act can count, whether it’s a smile, a thank you, or a kind word. Larger acts, such as volunteering at your local community centre, can improve your mental wellbeing and help you build new relationships.
Be mindful – be more aware of the present moment, including your feelings and thoughts, your body, and the world around you. Some people call this awareness “mindfulness”, and it can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.
You can get further ideas here, with tips from Mind’s Five Ways to Wellbeing resource. Also, the Mental Health Foundation has produced a guide: “How to Look After Your Mental Health” which you can download for free. This contains 10 practical areas that you can take action on.
8 relaxation tips for your mental health
Watch this animation from Mind for eight relaxation tips to help you look after your mental wellbeing.
Get our app – go digital to support you mental wellbeing
My App: My Mental Health, created by NHSGGC, offers resources to support you to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play
Local Support and Contact Details
Heads Up provides advice and information on mental health conditions, including how to support yourself or the people you care for, the services available for you and the range of interventions you may participate in.
Do you have a planned hospital admission or medical appointment?
If you are feeling worried or down while you are waiting for a hospital appointment or treatment, you are not alone. Find information and support below to help you look after your mental health.
If you need urgent help
Urgent help
If you, or someone you know, need an immediate response call the emergency services on 999 or visit Mental health services at NHS 24
Confused or distressed
If you are experiencing confusing or distressing thoughts, or if people around you have expressed concern about your wellbeing, arrange an appointment with your GP or call NHS 24 on 111. If you, or someone you know, are currently being seen by someone from a community mental health team and require urgent attention, please contact the Out of Hours Team on the number you will have been provided with.
Support
If you just need to talk with someone, there is help available.
The Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call them on 116 123 (freephone).
Breathing Space offers a confidential phone line for anyone in Scotland feeling low, anxious or depressed. You can call free on 0800 83 85 87
Mind provides information on a range of mental health topics to support people in their own area from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday. Call 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk .
Healthy eating
Advice and support to help you eat well
The Eatwell Guide provides information and resources to help you eat a healthy balanced diet.
A good night’s sleep is important for your general heath and wellbeing. There are lots of things that you can do to improve your sleep and tackle some of the most common sleep problems.
Sleepio is a digital sleep improvement programme based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT.) It’s clinically proven to help address the root causes of poor sleep and insomnia.
Support and information if you’re worried about money
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.
Any patients accessing our hospitals can access impartial and confidential help and support from one of our dedicated money advice partnership services.
Watch this video to find out more about our hospital-based money advice services.
Help with hospital travel costs
You may also be entitled to help with the cost of travelling to and from hospital if you receive NHS treatment under the care of a consultant and have a low income or receive certain benefits or credits.
Money Advice Scotland believes everyone in debt deserves to be treated fairly. They provide a range of resources for people going through the debt advice process including debt terms explained, help accessing your income and expenditure report, and benefits calculator.
Debt Navigator provides information and advice on how to deal with debts including energy debts; mortgage, rent and council tax arrears; loans, credit cards and overdrafts; car finance and care costs. The website includes a web chat function.
Getting creative and engaging with the arts, whether it’s painting, photography, writing, music, dance, or drama, can have a powerful impact on your health and wellbeing. Here are some of the key benefits:
Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing – reduce stress and anxiety
Social Connection – meet people, reduce isolation and build communities
Cognitive Benefits – enhanced memory and focus
Physical Health – improved motor skills and coordination
Builds confidence – sense of achievement and purpose
Would you like ideas for how to get involved in the arts locally?
Your local authority can provide access to a wide range of arts opportunities via their libraries, museums and community centres
Being connected, both digitally in the online world and in real life, can have a profound impact on your health, wellbeing, and sense of purpose. Here are some of the benefits:
Digital Connection Benefits
Access to Information and Support
Staying in touch
Community Building
Empowerment and voice
In-person and community connection benefits
Improved mental health
Sense of belonging
Physical health boost
Shared activities and learning
Blending both worlds
The most powerful approach often combines both digital and real-world connection. For example:
Joining a local support group and staying in touch via a WhatsApp group.
Attending in-person wellbeing event promoted through NHS or community Facebook pages.
Participating in hybrid events that offer both online and face-to-face options
Community Health and Wellbeing Hubs at your local library
Your Local Library Health and Wellbeing Hub
Every library in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area is more than just books – it’s a welcoming space for everyone to get support for their health and wellbeing. Here are some of the services that you can access when you visit:
Digital Support – Help with online health services and virtual appointments
Health and Wellbeing Info – Trusted, easy-to-read resources
Private Space for Near Me – Secure video consultations
Staff Support – Guidance to the right health services
Community Connections – Links to charities and local groups
Libraries
Find out your local library using the links below.
Women’s health covers things like breast and cervical cancer checks, periods, contraception, and pregnancy. It also means keeping healthy by staying active, eating well, not smoking, and looking after your mental health and wellbeing.
The Women’s Health Platform on NHS Inform sets out information on women’s health at key stages of life, from puberty to later years.
Menopause is a natural part of a woman’s life and there’s a lot that can be done to help manage symptoms, including making healthy lifestyle choices, trying different treatments and seeking support from healthcare professionals.
Symptom questionnaire
You can use this menopause symptom questionnaire (PDF, 168KB) to keep a note of your symptoms and how you’re feeling. You can print it and talk about it with your healthcare professional to help them understand the different symptoms you’re experiencing.
Looking after your Sexual Health
Good sexual health is more than the absence of Sexually Transmitted Infections and contraception, but these are the foundations for good sexual health.
Women are offered population-based screening at for key life stages for Breast, Cervical and Bowel cancers. It is important to attend for you screening appointments as early detection can save lives.
What to expect at your breast screening appointment
Breast screening aims to find cancer early so more people survive breast cancer each year.
Cervical Screening
Cervical screening is offered to women and anyone with a cervix who:
lives in Scotland
is aged between 25 and 64
What to expect at your cervical screening appointment
If you need additional support
Speak to your GP if you have:
unusual discharge
bleeding after sex, between periods or after the menopause
These are usually caused by something other than cancer but it’s important to have them checked.
Putting it into Action
Found some advice but not sure where to start, or how to stick to it?
Whether you’re getting ready for appointments or managing your condition on your own just now, making some changes that help us manage our condition and feel our best can be important.
You may have read something in these pages which you would like to try.
Setting a small, realistic goal (even a tiny one!) and making a simple plan for how you’ll do it can make it easier to get started and stay motivated.
It can also help to think about what might get in the way and come up with a few ideas for how you could deal with those challenges.
We have been running InS:PIRE clinics within NHSGGC for over 10 years. This page will answer some of the questions people often have about our clinic.
Who will get invited to attend InS:PIRE?
InS:PIRE clinics currently run at Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI) and the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH).
If you were a patient in ICU at one of these hospitals then your records will be reviewed when you go home from hospital. If your stay in ICU was longer than a week or involved support with a life support machine then you will be contacted by one of the InS:PIRE nurses to discuss attending the clinic.
We find that people get the most out of the clinic if they have been at home for a few months before attending InS:PIRE. This time at home gives you time to discover what issues you need help with. We aim to contact patients about 3 months after they have gone home.
What to expect when you come to the InS:PIRE clinic?
The InS:PIRE clinic runs several times per year. Unlike a more traditional clinic where you get one appointment on a single day, the InS:PIRE team will invite you to attend a session every week for 4-5 weeks.
Sessions at GRI are on Thursday afternoons.
Sessions at the RAH are on Wednesday afternoons.
If this is too much of a commitment, then virtual one-off appointments can be arranged. Over the weeks there will be group education sessions hosted by specialist staff and you will have one-to-one consultations with a variety of teams.
People you may meet…
ICU medical and nursing staff
You will meet members of the ICU team who will prepare a summary of what happened whilst you were in ICU. You can ask medical questions and any ongoing referrals or issues can be addressed.
Physiotherapy
You will meet with an ICU physio who can assess and advise you about with muscle, joint and activity level issues. They can make referrals to community services and will develop you a tailored exercise plan if you need one.
Pharmacy
An ICU pharmacist will speak with you and review the medications you are on after your hospital admission. They can make sure you are getting the correct medications and liaise with your GP if they need to.
Other teams and specialists
We also have input from a variety of other specialists who attend the InS:PIRE clinic sessions.
We ask for feedback after every block of InS:PIRE clinic appointments so that we can improve the support we offer to our patients. Some of our previous patients and their families have been kind enough to share their thoughts about attending the clinic in this video.
Was this helpful?
Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!
Creating a place where children can flourish in their early years is a national Public Health priority for Scotland.
This journey begins pre-conception and continues during pregnancy into the early days of life. Since 2017, the Scottish Government has set a strategic direction for maternity and neonatal services across the country with the Best Start five-year review plan. Within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, our maternity and neonatal services continue to evolve, guided by the Best Start principles.
We have made significant progress over the last seven years to effectively implement many of the key recommendations set out in the Best Start review. We are committed to embed and develop further the implementation of the key recommendations and principles of Best Start, the Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Framework and the Women’s Health Plan over the coming five years.
The strategy will link to many other programmes and initiatives, particularly the NHSGGC Moving Forward Together programme, the NHSGGC Nursing and Midwifery Strategy, Digital, Mental health and the Public Protection and Quality Strategies.
The implementation of this strategy will take place in the context of other local work and the development of new national Scottish Government maternity and neonatal policy direction in the coming years.
This document will set the vision for maternity and neonatal services in Greater Glasgow and Clyde from 2024 to 2029.
Occupational Therapy is a person-centred health profession focussed on promoting health and wellbeing through occupation.
Occupational Therapy helps people of all ages regain or improve their ability to do the things that matter to them in their daily life. It focuses on understanding what activities (occupations) are important to individuals and what barriers may be preventing them from participating in them. This could be due to mental or physical health challenges or limitations in their environment. By considering their interests, values, and what is meaningful to them, occupational therapy helps people achieve a healthy and fulfilling life.
Occupational Therapy is a registered profession through Health and Care Professions Council. The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC, hcpc-uk.org). Occupational Therapists are dual-trained at point of registration and can support people who have both mental and physical health issues.
Occupational therapists empower you to manage your mental health by exploring how you spend your time, understanding what’s working well and the challenges you face, and then collaborating with you to create a treatment plan. Our focus is on achieving your goals to enhance your participation in daily life, reconnect or re-establish your sense of self, and improve your ability to cope with life’s challenges. This process may involve addressing areas such as cooking and budgeting skills, establishing a balanced routine, exploring new interests, and re-establishing your social roles. Furthermore, occupational therapists can help you develop coping skills to manage stress, anxiety, and low mood, while also supporting relapse prevention and the development of life skills for long-term well-being. In addition to these approaches, they can also work with you to modify your environment or provide assistive equipment to better support your access and safety.
The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. Occupational therapists achieve this outcome by working with people and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the occupations they want, need, or are expected to do (WFOT, 2012).
The process your Occupational Therapist will follow
Information gathering
In the initial stages your Occupational Therapist’s aim is to gather all information relating to your engagement with occupations in the past and what your current challenges are. This will include gathering information from you and other relevant people in your life, if appropriate, along with discussion with those already involved in care.
Assessment
The Occupational Therapist may complete various assessments to establish your strengths and challenges. These assessments may be observational, interview, or involve engagement in an activity.
Goal setting and planning
Following assessment, the occupational therapist will work with you to set goals and create an intervention treatment plan.
Treatment, interventions and monitoring
Treatment will focus on motivation, habits and routines, or skill building to improve participation in day-to-day life. Individual or group work may be used to support treatment for example: creative groups, community integration, recovery through activity, journey through dementia or home-based memory rehab. The environment plays a crucial role in supporting recovery and enhancing daily functioning, as part of treatment the environment may be modified with use of equipment/ adaptations.
Review outcomes and evaluation
The Occupational Therapist will review the effectiveness of your treatment and make informed decision about continuing, modifying or ending occupational therapy.
Occupations
Your Occupational Therapist will explore a range of occupations. An occupation may be:
Self-care
Self-care may include activities you do to care for your mental, physical or emotional health. This typically includes how you can manage your basic needs: hygiene, diet, rest and sleep.
Leisure
Leisure activities include all activities you enjoy; consider what was enjoyable in the past and what you would like to try going forward. We acknowledge the importance of this to health and wellbeing and this often facilitates connection with others.
Productivity
Productivity typically includes home or garden maintenance, fulfilment of roles and responsibilities including social roles, financial activities, educational pursuits or voluntary, or paid employment
In a range of environments
Occupational therapy assessment and intervention can take place, in your home, hospital, clinic, community, or workplace settings. Sessions may take place face to face or virtually via telephone or digital platforms.
Mental Health Occupational Therapy Services
We offer occupational therapy services to adults aged 18 and above who are currently receiving care and treatment from any of the following Greater Glasgow and Clyde mental health services including specialist areas:
Adult/Older people Community Mental Health Teams (located throughout NHSGGC resource centres)
Inpatient Mental Health Services (located throughout NHSGGC inpatient sites)
Specialist and additional occupational therapy services, which include:
Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service
Esteem Glasgow
Perinatal Mental Health
Eating Disorders
Forensic Services
Complex Needs Service
Psychological Trauma Service
ADHD – assessment and intervention service (East Renfrewshire only)
‘You asked what I wanted to do with my day rather than just ask if I have been drinking and offer medication. Thank you.’
‘I love attending the poetry group, you learn and philosophise views of who and what we are collectively reading. We compose our own poems and perform them in this group setting which is supportive, makes you feel at ease and offers fair and balanced feedback. This group is so important to me.’
‘The Occupational therapist helped me leave my home for the first time in two years. Without them I would not have went across my door as my anxiety would stop me.’
‘I felt lonely, had no friends and everyday was the same. My occupational therapist helped me to structure my day and weeks. I joined new clubs, met new people and I now volunteer in my local charity shop. My life now has meaning.’
‘I was struggling at work to manage my ADHD. I couldn’t organise myself, I was missing deadlines and I was prioritising all the wrong things. My Occupational therapist helped me to adopt new strategies to support me in my work place to allow me to do my job.’
Useful Resources
The Royal College of Occupational Therapists have posters (A3 and A4) and leaflets available to download for your own use or to promote the value of occupational therapy in your workplace, community or event.
The posters and ‘Occupations matter’ leaflets highlight different ways occupational therapists support people.
Occupational Therapy is a degree-level profession, requiring the completion of a programme of study at one of the accredited higher education institutions that offer occupational therapy courses in the UK. Beyond the qualified Occupational Therapist role, career opportunities also exist for support staff, such as Occupational Therapy Technical Instructors. For individuals interested in pursuing the degree, there are alternative pathways to access undergraduate programmes; for instance, some undertake a HNC in Occupational Therapy and subsequently enter the undergraduate course in Year 2. The service is committed to offering student education across all its mental health services.
This provides you and your family with general guidance on how to care for your back following spinal surgery. It will concentrate on providing you with information on physiotherapy and what to expect following your surgery.
Most questions should be covered here however it does not replace discussion between you and your physiotherapist or surgeon.
The success of your operation is a team effort including doctors, nurses, physiotherapist, occupational, your family and most importantly you.
Immediately after surgery
This is a placeholder tab content. It is important to have the necessary information in the block, but at this stage, it is just a placeholder to help you visualise how the content is displayed. Feel free to edit this with your actual content.
Pain Management
You will have some pain following your operation. Due to the wound and swelling around the nerves, you may also experience leg pain, but this is expected to settle within 6 weeks as the swelling subsides. A degree of pain is normal at this stage as the healing process starts. It is important you inform the nursing staff if your pain is increasing so we can help you manage this. Controlling your pain not only helps you move, and sleep better but also aids in your overall well-being. The anaesthetist and ward staff will discuss pain relief options with you, and a pain management nurse may visit you after the operation. It is important not to suddenly stop your painkillers but to gradually reduce your dosage. If pain or swelling significantly increases, please contact your physiotherapist, GP, orthopaedic clinic, or attend your local minor injuries clinic for advice. For details, see the information at the end of the booklet. It is worth noting that the primary goal of the surgery is to relieve leg symptoms. While you may not experience immediate relief from your back pain, as your pain gradually decreases and mobility improves, we hope to see an improvement.
Physiotherapy
We will aim to get you up after you have recovered from the anaesthetic, this can be on the same day as your operation, and it will likely be a Physiotherapist who will assist you. We will check your sensation and movement before showing you the correct way to get up out of the bed. We will then help you to start walking and if necessary, provide you with a walking aid to help you walk until you are independent. It is common to still have attachments such as a drip or catheter after surgery, but this will not prevent you from mobilising. Once you are independent walking, with or without a walking aid, you will be shown how to go up and down the stairs if you are required to do this at home. You will be taught exercises to increase the movement and strength of your back. This will ensure you get the best outcome out of your surgery. It will help if you start these exercises straight away although there may be some circumstances where your consultant does not want you to start exercises straight after your operation. If this is the case, then your physiotherapist will advise you. If you decide to take up the offer of Physiotherapy, your Physiotherapist will likely encourage you to continue progressing your exercises and walking while addressing any concerns you may have. You are likely to feel that your pain and function are already improving at this stage and may require very minimal input from our service. Physiotherapy input can vary depending on your pain, function and confidence levels. Physiotherapy will involve guiding you through and advancing your post op exercises to improve your overall function and address any concerns you may have during this period. Every person is different therefore your recovery may take longer or shorter than the timescales recommended. The most important thing is that you are improving and trying to move and do more each week.
Return to daily living
With all activities you should use your common sense and listen to your body. Mild aches after a new activity are acceptable but severe pain is not.
Improvements can continue for 18 months with the current evidence showing that a more active approach in your rehabilitation will have better outcomes.
Walking
It is important to keep moving after your surgery. Regular walking is highly encouraged as it plays a crucial role in aiding your recovery and overall function. Especially within the initial 6 weeks, it is advisable to gradually increase both the distance and pace of your walks as your pain allows, taking care not to worsen any discomfort. While there is no strict limit on the distance you can walk, starting slowly and gradually on even surfaces may provide greater comfort.
Sitting
You should gradually build up sitting during activities like eating or relaxing and this should be guided by your pain. Limit sitting to 15 minutes for the first few days after your surgery and once you are comfortable you can start to build this time up.
Work
You will need to be off work for between 2-6 weeks depending on your job. If your job involves heavier or more manual tasks, you may be advised to remain off work for up to 12 weeks This will vary from person to person and your surgeon will advise you about your individual case. It is also sensible to discuss with your employer if you can return to light duties initially or reduced hours, making sure that you can regularly move about. The hospital can give you a fit note (used to be known as a sick note) if necessary.
Driving
We do not recommend sitting for extended periods after your surgery, including driving. However, if you have no altered sensation or weakness in your legs, you may resume driving when you feel confident and safe to do so. Generally, we advise waiting a minimum of 2 weeks before driving, although this could be extended to 4 weeks depending on factors such as pain levels, the need for pain relief medication, and the ability to safely perform an emergency stop. If you do require to drive longer distances, ensure you take regular breaks to stretch your legs. Before leaving the hospital, please discuss driving with your surgeon and remember to check with your insurance company.
Early Stage Exercises (0-4 weeks)
Static Abdominals
Static Glutes
Prone Lying
Knee Hugs
Sit to Stand
Intermediate Stage (4-8 weeks)
Gradually increase walking tolerance slowly and incrementally. Generally, walk for 10-15 minutes and gradually increase as you feel comfortable. Monitoring your step count can be a helpful guide with this. You can also begin to add in these exercises which will help with regaining your movement and strength. You may feel some pain at your back while doing these exercises however it should settle back down to normal within 15 minutes of completion. Use your own pain and function as a guide however we would recommend doing between 8-12 repetitions of each exercise 2-3 times per day
Range of Movement (ROM) exercises
Flexion in lying (knees to chest)
Extension in lying
Childs pose
Flexion in sitting
Slouch overcorrect
Spinal flexion/extension in 4-point kneeling
Neuro mobility
Neural flossing in lying with hip and knee at 90 degrees – straighten leg until tension is felt – do both legs, one at a time – operated and non-operated.
Can progress this same exercise to sitting as able.
Strengthening exercises
Glute Bridge
Can progress onto single leg once you can do about 20 reps comfortably
Sit to stand/half squat to a bench
Bird dog/Superman’s
Dead bug
Advanced/ later stage exercises
Continue with intermediate ROM exercises and aim to try and increase your flexibility particularly with movements that still feels tight or restricted.
You should continue to work on your strengthening exercises and as time progresses and your symptoms allow, you can continue to challenge yourself with these exercises by either increasing the frequency, speed, repetitions or adding an additional weight/resistance band..
Sports and Hobbies
Gentle low impact and non-contact sports can start at 4-6 weeks, e.g. – cycling and swimming.
Contact sports should be avoided at first but, you can get back to them after 10-12 weeks however it is sensible to be undertaking other types of exercises such as walking, cycling, and gym work before returning to contact sports. If you need specific guidance and advice on returning to your preferred sport, your physiotherapist can guide you.
You can return to jogging around 10 weeks and it is advisable to gradually build up your time and distance. It is also never too late to start, and jogging/running has so many beneficial health benefits you may wish to look at the NHS Couch to 5k App for a more specific training plan. Get running with Couch to 5K – NHS
As your function improves remember the UK Government guidelines for physical activity levels:
Some people will notice improvements immediately after surgery and others will be feeling much better by around 6 weeks. However, everyone is different, and improvements can continue for 18 months with the current evidence showing that a more active approach in your rehabilitation will have better outcomes.
Contact Information
In an emergency
In an emergency go immediately to your nearest Accident and Emergency (Take your GP letter, procedure information sheet and any tablets issued by Day Surgery).
If you have any further queries regarding your operation, please contact the Day Surgery Unit where you had your operation. Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (Ward 10A/10B/10C/ 10D) 0141 452 2700 8.00am – 7.00pm Monday to Friday Out with these hours, if further help or advice is required, contact NHS 24 Telephone No: 111.
If you have any concerns regarding your physical recovery within the first 4 weeks, please contact the physiotherapy team on 0141 452 3713 (Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 4.30pm). Out with this 4-week period, please discuss with your musculoskeletal physiotherapist.
This appointment will vary depending on why the patient is here.
If it is not the their first time at the clinic then we will;-
Assess the artificial eye for fit, comfort, cosmesis, and condition.
Wash and polish the artificial eye to remove any blemishes and restore shine.
Invite the patient back to have a new fitting carried out if required.
Advise the patient to contact us to arrange an annual check-up if everything is okay.
This appointment will take around 20 minutes.
If the patient is attending after surgery and is wearing a conformer then we will;
Remove the conformer and assess the healing of the socket.
Fit and supply a temporary artificial eye if the socket is healing well. This artificial eye will be worn until the definitive one is made.
Teach the patient how to handle and care for their new eye and answer any questions or concerns.
Answer any questions or concerns.
This appointment will take around 1 hour sometimes longer
The Impression
At this appointment we will;-
Take an impression of inside the eye socket using a cold cream (alginate). This only takes a few minutes
Collect accurate colour samples to match the patients own eye
Write detailed notes to help us reproduce the iris in oil paint
Take a close up photograph of the patients natural eye
This appointment takes around 30 minutes
The Fitting
At this appointment we will;-
Insert a wax model of the eye into the eye socket and assess.
Make alterations to gain the optimum combination of comfort, appearance and movement.
Attach the iris specially painted to the model.
Note details such as white colour and veining to assist us when manufacturing the artificial eye.
Show the patient the model in situ.
This appointment will take around 1 hour
The patient will not take possession of the eye at this appointment.
The Supply
After approximately 6 weeks we will have manufactured the new artificial eye and it will be ready for collection.
At this appointment we will;-
Insert and assess the new artificial eye
Make any necessary modifications.
Discuss with patient any issues or suggestions they may have.
Was this helpful?
Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!
There are several different types of artificial eye which can be worn in the eye socket for different purposes. Here you will find an explanation of what each one is and why it is used.
Types of ocular prosthesis
Conformer
Clear silicone or acrylic conformers retain socket shape post surgery whilst healing process is underway. They should stay in place until approximately 6 weeks after surgery.
Artificial Eye
Worn inside the eye socket in the absence of an eye(s) due to enucleation/evisceration to treat cancer, traumatic eye injury, blind painful eye or anophthalmos (born without an eye). Made from PPMA (Poly Methyl Methacrylate) – Acrylic. A unique artificial eye is produced from a mould taken of the individuals socket. A moulded eye ensures the best possible fit and maximises any movement from underlying muscles upon directional gaze. Painted by hand to best match the fellow eye.
Cosmetic Shell
Worn over a blind, shrunken and cosmetically poor eye. Essentially a cosmetic shell is the same as an artificial eye but usually much thinner to accommodate the underlying eye. To enable wearing of a cosmetic shell the eye must be somewhat shrunken (phthisical) to allow for space to insert the shell without the eye looking too large. It also allows the Ocularist to paint on the surface. Fitting a cosmetic shell can be trickier than an artificial eye due to the irregular nature of the underlying eyes surface and sometimes because of eye sensitivity. A trial period is necessary with a cosmetic shell to assess whether it is a viable option or not. A cosmetic shell is not intended to be worn permanently.
Socket Expander
Socket expansion is often necessary for children with anophthalmia or microphthalmia (no eye/eyes or very small eye/eyes). An ophthalmology Consultant will refer a child to our service if they have been born with one of these conditions. A course of intensive treatment will take place to try and expand the dimensions of the socket as the child grows. A series of clear conformers, increasing in size will worn. The aim of this is to promote growth within the socket and to support bone growth as the child develops. After reaching an optimal size, a painted artificial eye will be an option.
Insertion and removal of an artificial eye
Always handle an artificial eye with clean hands!!
The eyelids hold an artificial eye inside the socket. To remove the artificial eye gently pull down the lower lid until the edge of the prosthesis is visible. Using a fingertip, ease the bottom of the artificial eye out. Looking upwards can also make it a bit easier to come out. Plastic extractors and rubber suction cups can also be provided by the clinic for anyone who struggles to get their prosthesis out using this method.
To reinsert an artificial eye is the reversal of the previous method. Start by holding the artificial eye with the most pointed area towards the nose, lift the upper eyelid and slide the prosthesis directly up and into the socket. Then pull down the lower lid, and secure the eye inside the lower lid. Useful tip – the artificial eye will slide in easier when wet, so running under water or using artificial tears can help.
Care of an artificial eye
How often someone removes their artificial eye for cleaning is mostly down to personal preference, although it is something we encourage.
An artificial eye requires minimal maintenance as long as there is no discomfort or excessive discharge. It should always be in the socket including when sleeping. We strongly discourage leaving the artificial eye out for long periods. Although rare, sockets will sometimes contract (shrink) if the eye is not in for a period of time. Removing the eye for only a short time when cleaning, can hopefully avoid this from ever happening.
Note for cosmetic shell wearers – Typical wear time for a shell is 8-12 hours and the wearer should always remove it before sleeping. The underlying eye needs a rest and if worn constantly could lead to the eye becoming red and very painful possibly sustaining further damage.
Some stickiness upon waking in the morning is normal. Most wearers report this to be the case and they can clean it away without actually having to remove the eye.
Should the artificial eye become irritable removing and washing can often resolve the issue. Sometimes a build-up of dirt on the surface can result in a gritty feeling when blinking. A foreign body such as a trapped eyelash can also cause irritation.
When washing, use warm water and whichever hand soap you like, many prefer a fragrance free soap. Rub the artificial eye between the fingers and thumb to remove any surface deposit and rinse the eye well before re inserting. Tip – always make sure the plug is in the sink when cleaning an artificial eye as if it drops down it is gone!
No specialist cleaners required. It is not advisable to use boiling water, abrasives, chemicals or detergents as these can permanently damage an artificial eye.
We use cookies to analyse traffic to our site and to enable certain functions such as forms and YouTube videos. These do not collect personal information. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies, or you can customise the options.
This website uses cookies
Websites store cookies to enhance functionality and personalise your experience. You can manage your preferences, but blocking some cookies may impact site performance and services.
Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website.
Name
Description
Duration
Cookie Preferences
This cookie is used to store the user's cookie consent preferences.
30 days
CloudFlare provides web performance and security solutions, enhancing site speed and protecting against threats.
Sequence rules uses cookies to track the order of requests a user has made and the time between requests and makes them available via Cloudflare Rules. This allows you to write rules that match valid or invalid sequences. The specific cookies used to validate sequences are called sequence cookies.
session
cf_ob_info
The cf_ob_info cookie provides information on: The HTTP Status Code returned by the origin web server. The Ray ID of the original failed request. The data center serving the traffic
session
cf_chl_rc_m
These cookies are for internal use which allows Cloudflare to identify production issues on clients.
session
__cfruid
Used by the content network, Cloudflare, to identify trusted web traffic.
session
__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.
session
__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.
session
_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.
session
cf_clearance
Whether a CAPTCHA or Javascript challenge has been solved.
session
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.
session
__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.
session
cf_chl_rc_i
These cookies are for internal use which allows Cloudflare to identify production issues on clients.
session
cf_chl_rc_ni
These cookies are for internal use which allows Cloudflare to identify production issues on clients.
