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Staff Resources & Support

General Genetic Clinics

Clinics are held on weekdays at Level 1A, Laboratory Medicine Building, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow. Peripheral Clinics are held, usually monthly, at the following locations:

  • Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock
  • Houldsworth Centre, Wishaw
  • Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Dumfries
  • Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert 

All referrals should be sent to the Clinical Genetics Service at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (Laboratory Medicine ) and the patients will be offered an appointment at the nearest appropriate clinic, or in some situations, a virtual consultation.

Specialist Genetic Clinics


Prenatal Genetics Clinics

Consultant and Genetic Counsellor clinics are held at Clinical Genetics Department, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital

MDT Clinic alongside Fetal Medicine Service at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital

Cancer Genetics Clinics

Consultant and Genetic Counsellor clinics are held at Clinical Genetics Department, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital

At present, satellite clinics for cancer genetics are not being held at locations around the region, but patients will be offered remote consultation by video or telephone as an alternative to travelling to Glasgow to be seen face to face, as appropriate.  

It is not always necessary to see patients with cancer genetics family history in clinic, and some referrals will be dealt with by letter. 

Myotonic Dystrophy Clinics – Adults

Staff Grade Doctor delivers clinics, weekly at Clinical Genetics Department, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow. And at peripheral locations: University Hospital Crosshouse, Forth Valley Royal Hospital, The Houldsworth Centre in Wishaw, University Hospital Monklands. Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Inverclyde Royal Hospital and Vale of Leven Hospital.

Multidisciplinary Clinics with Clinical Genetics Involvement

MDT clinics are listed below, please note that these clinics are not administered by Clinical Genetics.MDT clinics are listed below, please note that these clinics are not administered by Clinical Genetics.

Achondroplasia – Children

Jointly with paediatric endocrinology/neurosurgery/ENT/respiratory medicine/orthopaedics. 4-5 times per year, Royal Hospital for Children (RHC), Glasgow

Aortopathy – Children

Jointly with paediatric cardiology, paediatric rheumatology and clinical genetic input. Two times per year, RHC Glasgow

Cardiac Conditions – Adults and children- Direct referrals to ‘Inherited Cardiac Conditions’ on SCI-Gateway

Jointly with Consultant Cardiologists. Weekly, Clinical Genetics department, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow

Child Development

Jointly with community paediatricians in Child Development Centres, Greater Glasgow & Clyde/Lanarkshire/Ayrshire 

Complex Bone Disorders- Children (direct referrals to paediatric endocrinology)

Jointly with paediatric endocrinologist. Twice monthly, RHC, Glasgow

Craniofacial Clinic – Children

Jointly with craniofacial team, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow

Dermatology- Children and Adults

Jointly with Consultant Dermatologists, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow

Differences in Sexual Development clinic – Children

Jointly with Paediatric Endocrinology, Clinical Psychology. Monthly, RHC, Glasgow

Endocrine cancer (familial paraganglioma, MEN, VHL)- Children and adults

Jointly with endocrinologists at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow. And with endocrinologists at RHC, Glasgow.

Endocrine/Genetic clinic – Children

Jointly with paediatric endocrinology. Two times per year, RHC Glasgow

Epilepsy – Children

Jointly with Paediatric Neurologists, RHC, Glasgow

Fetal Medicine  

Jointly with Fetal Medicine Service, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow

Huntington Disease Management

Jointly with Consultant Neurologist. Institute for Neurological Sciences, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow

Neurofibromatosis 2 (Schwannomatosis)

Jointly with specialist ENT and skull base surgeons. Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow

Neurogenetic/movement disorders – Adults

Jointly with Consultant Neurologist, Institute for Neurological Sciences, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow

Neurogenetics – Children

Jointly with Neurologists at RHC, Glasgow

Neuromuscular – Children and adults

Jointly with Paediatric Neurologists. Monthly to bimonthly. RHC Glasgow. No direct referrals.

Jointly with Adult Neurologists. Bimonthly to quarterly. Clinical Genetics, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow. No direct referrals.

Paediatric Rheumatology/Genetic clinic

Jointly with paediatric rheumatology. Two times a year, RHC Glasgow

Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis Clinic

Patients seen at Clinical Genetics clinics initially, and thereafter by Assisted Conception Service.

Chloe Cowan 

  • Interim Acting R&I Director

Email: Chloe.Cowan@ggc.scot.nhs.

Chloe Cowan 

  • Senior R&I Manager

Email: Chloe.Cowan@ggc.scot.nhs.uk  

Dr Katriona Brooksbank

  • Innovation Lead

Email: katriona.brooksbank2@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

Dr Melissa Robert 

  • Research & Innovation Systems & Operations Manager 

Email: melissa.robert@ggc.scot.nhs.uk  

Dr Caroline Watson 

  • Research Governance Manager 

Email: Caroline.Watson@ggc.scot.nhs.uk  

Dr Samantha Carmichael 

  • Lead Pharmacist 

Email: Samantha.Carmichael@ggc.scot.nhs.uk  

Dr Judith Godden 

  • Ethics Manager 

Email: Judith.Godden@ggc.scot.nhs.uk  

Charlie Mayor 

  • Safe Haven Manager 

Email: Charlie.Mayor@ggc.scot.nhs.uk  

Clare Orange 

  • Biorepository Manager 

Email: clare.orange@ggc.scot.nhs.uk  

Tracey Hopkins 

  • Lead Research Radiographer  

Email: Tracey.Hopkins@ggc.scot.nhs.uk  

Sandra Quinn 

  • Head of R&I Finance 

Email: Sandra.Quinn2@ggc.scot.nhs.uk  

As clinical staff may not be in the department or may be on leave, it may be preferable to contact via the genetics secretaries or generic email / phone rather than directly.

Telephone: 0141 354 9200 or 0141 354 9300

Email: ggc.genetic.secretaries@nhs.scot

Consultant Clinical Geneticists
  • Dr Cheryl Longman (Neuromuscular genetics consultant) 
  • Prof Daniela Pilz 
  • Prof Edward Tobias (Senior Lecturer & Honorary Consultant) 
  • Dr Jenny Patterson
  • Dr Karolina Pesz (lead clinician for prenatal diagnosis and preimplantation testing)
  • Dr Mark Hamilton
  • Dr Michael Yates
  • Dr Pete Constantinou 
  • Dr Rosemarie Davidson (Lead Clinician for Cancer Genetics and for Huntington disease) 
  • Dr Ruth McGowan (Lead clinician for cardiac genetics, Lead clinician for DSD)
  • Dr Sarah Wedderburn
  • Dr Shelagh Joss  (Lead clinician)
Speciality Doctor
  • Dr Bob Ballantyne 
Specialist Registrars
  • Dr Kerra Templeton
  • Dr Lisa Bryson
  • Dr Rhiannon Mellis
  • Dr Lucy Littlejohn
  • Specialist Registrars usually remain with the department for the duration of their 4 year training programme or may rotate to other Scottish Clinical Genetics Centres
WoS Genetic Counsellors
  • Abrar Buhlaiqah: Pre-registered Genetic Counsellor
  • Angela Iley: Genetic Counsellor
  • Camelia Harrison: Pre-registered Genetic Counsellor
  • Irene Esteban: Genetic counsellor
  • Lisa Hay: Genetic Counsellor
  • Mark Longmuir  (Head of Service): Lead Consultant Genetic Counsellor
  • Nandini Somanathan: Principal Genetic Counsellor
  • Somya Ellis: Genetic Counsellor
  • Subhashini Crerar (she/her): Consultant Genetic Counsellor, Clinical Lead for Prenatal & Neurodegenerative Genetic Counselling. Specialities: Rare Disease, Neurogenetics and Prenatal 
  • Terix To: Pre-registered Genetic Counsellor
Cancer Genetic Counsellors
  • Catherine Watt – Principal Genetic Counsellor 
  • Jennifer Gorrie – Genetic Counsellor 
  • Nicola Bradshaw – Macmillan Principal Genetic Counsellor
  • The cancer genetics service provides comprehensive genetic counselling to individuals with a family history and / or a personal history of cancer,  This process involves constructing detailed and confirmed family histories, risk assessment, arranging screening and or genetic analysis/  testing where appropriate and providing ongoing support.  The service also participates in various U.K and international research studies.
Genetic Clinic HCSW’s
  • Elaine Sprowl
  • Sylvia McCreight

“Clinical Supervision provides nurses with space to reflect on and discuss aspects of their role that are motivating and inspiring them, and also those elements that are frustrating or concerning them. Nurses and their supervisors can then jointly work through how the former can be promoted and the latter addressed” (Scottish Government, 2017).

NHS Education for Scotland short animation giving an overview of clinical supervision
What is restorative clinical supervision?

The restorative model of clinical supervision is recognised as an approach to support reflective practice that can help build practitioners’ resilience by focusing on the individual’s (supervisee’s) experience, aiming to sustain their wellbeing and their motivation at work.

This is achieved through guided reflection, exploratory questioning and supportive challenge, enabling a focus on action planning and goal setting. Restorative clinical supervision offers practitioners the opportunity to regularly discuss the positive aspects of their work which is as important as exploring those issues they find more challenging (NHS Education for Scotland, 2021). 

Why is restorative clinical supervision important?

Restorative clinical supervision is considered essential to support the nursing and midwifery workforce with the emotional challenges of their role, develop their reflective capabilities, and enable them to address professional challenges in new and innovative ways, thus contributing towards a healthy workplace culture (NHS Education for Scotland, 2022). 

Why is clinical supervision important?

NHS Scotland is committed to enabling the nursing and midwifery workforce access to regular clinical supervision and support. This includes non-registered staff such as health and care support workers.

This commitment is required to ensure that safe, effective and high-quality person-centred care is provided to patients and support families and carers. In line with the Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland’s vision (Scottish Government, 2017), the aspiration is for all nurses and midwives to participate in clinical supervision appropriate to their role by 2030. 

How do I access clinical supervision?

If there is no established restorative clinical supervision within your clinical area, please contact your Practice Education Facilitator (PEF) or Care Home Education Facilitator (CHEF) for further information. If you do not have an allocated PEF or CHEF you can contact the team using the generic email address practiceeducation@ggc.scot.nhs.uk. 

Where do I find out more information?

We recommend that all practitioners preparing to participate in restorative clinical supervision as supervisees, undertake Clinical supervision unit 1: fundamentals of supervision. Unit 1 is designed to provide you with an introduction to clinical supervision; what it is, the purpose, processes and potential benefits.  

How do I become a clinical supervisor?

One of the ways in which to develop the skills to become a clinical supervisor is to participate in the Clinical Supervisor Preparation Programme. This programme is managed and facilitated by the practice education team in collaboration with the NHS Education for Scotland (NES) Nursing and Midwifery Practice Educators.

The programme will offer you an opportunity to participate in a programme using a blended learning approach which builds on the theoretical foundation provided by the self-directed online learning units. Completion of the units is undertaken in conjunction with the online skills development workshops. The programme will also provide you with an opportunity to practice and develop the knowledge and skills for the role of clinical supervisor. 

What is the programme structure?

Participants are asked to engage with and complete the four self-directed online learning units (approx. 6hrs). They can be accessed on TURAS Learn and are part of the NES Clinical supervision resource. You will then be offered five facilitated skills development workshops accessed using MS Teams (approx.11hrs) or two in person study days held centrally within the board area. 

How do I apply for the clinical supervisor preparation programme?

The enrolment process is managed and facilitated by the PE team. There is a current timetable for this year and the programme runs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Participants are requested to choose a cohort when booking for example, all Tuesdays or all Wednesdays. The enrolment form has a list of all the cohort dates and times you should complete this with your preferred dates.

References

COVID-19 Instructions and Risk Assessments

All instructions and risk assessments for testing in patients with suspected or positive COVID-19 are listed below. This page will hold the most up to date version.

Abbott Freestyle Precision Pro glucose meters

Abbott i-STAT analyser

Roche influenza point of care unit

  • POC influenza risk assessment
  • POC influenza instruction

Hemocue Hb and WBC

  • Hemocue risk assessment

Haematology QEUH

  • Haemochrom risk assessment
  • Rotem risk assessment
  • Verify Now risk assessment

POCT Contact Information

  • Chairperson NHSGGC POCT Committee: Andrew Kerry, Consultant Clinical Scientist, Royal Alexandra Hospital

Biochemistry Contact Information

Haematology Contact Information

Virology Contact Information

POCT Support Information

Please contact the relevant laboratory discipline in your sector if you are considering introducing a new POCT service in your area. Staff will be happy to talk you through the process and direct you to the paperwork required prior to approval and introduction of any service. As a first step we would encourage you to read the POCT policy and POCT checklist.

No new POCT service will be introduced or supported by the committee unless the POCT checklist is completed and signed off.

POCT Useful Documentation

What is Internal Quality Control?

Internal quality control (IQC) involves analysis of control material of known concentration within predefined limits. This ensures the quality of the results produced prior to reporting any patient results from the POCT device

What is External Quality Assurance?

External Quality Assurance (EQA) involves analysis of a sample of unknown value from an external, independent source. The results are scrutinised by the EQA scheme provider and allow comparison of results across multiple sites. Participation in EQA allows monitoring of performance and possible early detection of a systematic problem with analysis of patient samples.

Any site wishing to introduce a new POCT service must enrol in a recognised EQA scheme.

Audit

The POCT team will perform audit of the service and provide feedback to the service lead. The audit outcomes and any corrective and preventative action are documented in the laboratory quality management system.

The NHSGGC Point of Care Testing (POCT) committee meets bi-annually with the aim of policy-making and review of sector POCT groups. The committee also includes Primary Care representation with the aim of guiding appropriate POCT governance in the community. The POCT Co-ordinators management group meets quarterly, with multidisciplinary representation and includes user representation where appropriate. The group focus on implementation and monitoring of POCT activity within each sector.

If you use POCT in your clinical area you must ensure your device is registered with the NHSGGC POCT committee.

What is Point of Care Testing (POCT) Testing?

Point of Care testing is defined as ‘Diagnostic testing that is performed near to or at the site of patient care with the result leading to a possible change in the care of the patient.*’ This normally takes place in a non-laboratory setting by appropriately trained non-laboratory staff.

  • ISO 227870: 2016 Point of Care Testing (POCT) – Requirements for Quality and Competence.
Potential Advantages of POCT

Rapid turnaround of results

  • Reduced patient waiting times
  • Earlier impact on clinical decision making
  • Financial efficiencies

Less invasive

  • Smaller sample volumes

Accessibility

  • Ability to reach remote places
  • Improved healthcare access
Potential Disadvantages of POCT

Expensive compared to conventional laboratory testing

  • Cost of consumables, IQC, EQA
  • Staff resource required at source of testing

Sample quality

  • Higher rate of pre-analytical errors are associated with POCT due to poor sample quality

Staff Training, competence and documentation

  • Appropriate training and continued competency checks required to ensure accurate results
  • POCT may need to be manually entered into patient record which is potentially problematic

Safety

  • Clear protocols required for infection control, storage and disposal of clinical waste etc.

Point of Care Testing (POCT) Services Offered in NHSGGC

Please note, not all services are available in all sectors.

Biochemistry

Blood glucose and ketone analysis

Blood gas analysis

Urinalysis

Haematology
  • Haemoglobin
  • INR
  • ROTEM analysis
  • Verify Now antiplatelet drug monitoring
  • White Cell Count
Microbiology/Virology
  • Flu/RSV (Paediatric RHC)

Further Information and Resources

COVID-19
Resources
Contacts, support and useful documentation
Internal Quality Control and External Quality Assurance and Audit

Allied Health Professions are a crucial part of the NHS, making up one third of the clinical workforce.

  • Art Therapist
  • Diagnostic Radiographer
  • Dietitian
  • Dramatherapist
  • Music Therapist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Orthoptist
  • Orthotist
  • Paramedic
  • Physiotherapist
  • Podiatrist
  • Prosthetists
  • Speech and Language Therapist
  • Therapeutic Radiographer

The Return to Practice process enables you to re-register with the HCPC after a period of time away from your profession. There are many reasons why you may not have practiced such as caring/parental responsibilities, illness, travel or other career routes.  We value the skills you have gained whilst you have been away and look forward to your return.

Different requirements apply depending on how long you have been out of professional practice. 

NHS Careers Scotland has all the information you need about the steps to re-registration including the links to the HCPC who manage the final step.

NHS Careers Scotland Return to Practice re-registration Information

Now is the time to return and help to deliver safe and effective care for the people of Scotland.

IENs and staff who support them should utilise these resources in order to facilitate a learning environment which allows them to consolidate their clinical skills and OSCE preparation course.

Internationally Educated Nurses resources 

TURAS Unit for Learners

TURAS Unit for Educators

NHSGGC IEN recruitment programme handbook

International Recruitment Toolkit

Royal Marsden Manual of Clinical and Cancer Nursing Procedures

To support learning and preparation for OSCEs, all IENs shall receive a copy of the book. If IEN has commenced within your area and has not yet received this, then please contact the PEF or email: practiceeducation@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

FAQ International Internationally Educated Nurse

Nursing and Midwifery Strategy: ‘Leading the Way’!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our first-ever Nursing and Midwifery Strategy, ‘Leading the Way’! To congratulate and thank all of you who helped shape this incredible strategy, we’ve created virtual party bags for all our Nursing and Midwifery colleagues.  You can access the contents of your party bag by clicking the link and then the squares.

What’s Inside your Party Bag?:

  • Leading the Way Logo: Add this to your email signature to help raise awareness of our strategy. (Instructions included below)
  • Printable Leading the Way Z-Fold Card: Print, fold, and carry it in your pocket for an easy and accessible way to stay familiar with the strategy.
  • Full Version of Our Leading the Way Strategy.
  • Printable Leading the Way Poster: Featuring a QR code that staff can scan with their mobile phones to access the strategy. Print and hang it in your staff room.
  • Leading the Way Teams Background: Use this during your team calls to promote and raise awareness of our strategy. (Instructions included below)
  • NHS GGC Education Learning and Career Development Framework for Nursing and Midwifery – Aligning with Strategic Priority 2 ‘How we develop our professions’, this framework joins together existing frameworks and provides examples of education opportunities that are currently available within NHSGGC.

Please share these party bags widely with your colleagues or use the resources to hold your own celebratory event within your team. Don’t forget to share your pictures with us at ggc.bigconversationsfeedback@nhs.scot. 

Also, look out for our NHSGGC Nursing and Midwifery Strategy Promo Video, which is now available on our sharepoint site and can be accessed Here.

Let’s celebrate together and lead the way! 🎉

NES Cultural Humility Learning Resource

The NES Equality, Diversity and Human Right Team developed this digital learning resource to consider how our backgrounds and the backgrounds of others can impact our relationships. Subsequently launched by @NHSScotAcademy, it provides leaners with tools to develop their cultural humility values, attitudes and behaviours. What’s more, learners will benefit from the range of videos, reflective activities, scenarios and a resource pack.

Specifically, the NES Cultural Humility Learning Resource will enable learners to:

  • Understand the concepts that underpin cultural humility
  • Identify the key behaviours for supporting an inclusive workplace
  • Apply a reflective approach aimed at transforming practice in health and social care

Both health and social care staff can easily access the NES Cultural Humility Learning Resource from any laptop, computer or smart device through their TURAS account.

NMC Resources and Welcome to the UK workshops

Test of Competence 2021 – The Nursing and Midwifery Council (nmc.org.uk)

Adult Nursing – NMC Competence Test Centre – Northumbria University

NMC launches forum to support international nursing and midwifery workforce – The Nursing and Midwifery Council

NMC Welcome to the UK workshops

Mark Brooke, NMC Principal Regulation Adviser, Professional Practice and Linda Martin, Regulation Adviser, Professional Practice will deliver two ‘Welcome to the UK’ workshops to accommodate 120 of NHSGGC’s IENs.  This interactive workshop is designed to support international nurses who have joined the NMC register in the last 12-18 months, to transition to their UK- based role, however, doesn’t preclude any who are waiting to join the register.  This workshop is not for OSCE preparation.

The next sessions will run on Friday, 15th August 2025 in QEUH, TLC, Room L0-007 9.00am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-5.00pm 60 IENs at morning session and 60 IENs at afternoon session.

IENs MUST register to attend  – the first 120 IENs registered will be aligned to either the morning or afternoon session at QEUH. You will receive a confirmation email confirming which session you will attend, with your SCN copied in.  PLEASE NOTE: IENs must attend at the venue, date and time confirmed, there is no option to turn up at another session without prior booking.

Register here: https://link.webropolsurveys.com/EP/D8BDAD521EA5C8F5

If you have previously attended the NMC “Welcome to the UK” workshop please do not register to attend.

Other resources

RCN: Journey of an Internationally educated nurse short film series

The RCN launched a series of short films detailing first-hand accounts from IENs on their experience of moving to the UK.

NHSGGC BME Staff Network

The Black And Minority Ethnic (BME) Staff Network was established in 2018. This followed a consultation with key stakeholders about their lived experience. The Network is working closely with the Workforce Equality Group to continuously improve the workplace experience of BME staff. Please click above link for further information.
 

Presentation for staff supporting IENs (UK based cohort)

LNs/SCNs/DCNs and staff who support IENs (UK based cohort) within the clinical area are invited to the next Internationally Educated Nurse information presentation.  Afterward, there will be time for Q & A’s. Both the presentation and Q & A’s will take approximately 1 hr.

Review presentation