We are a nurse led team. Our service provides the insertion of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC lines), Midline Catheters, Non-tunnelled Central Venous Catheters and the insertion and removal of Tunnelled Central Venous Catheters (TCVCs). We also provide advice and support on the care and maintenance of vascular access devices.
Nicola Wyllie – Senior Charge Nurse
Maren Hunter – Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist
David McGrath – Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist
Niamh Hughes – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Christian Macdonald – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Gemma Martin – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Isabel Soto Martinez – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Christina Milligan – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Yumiko Shimokawa – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Contact Details
Vascular Access Contact Details (Please do not call these numbers for queries regarding vascular surgery)
If your clinical area requires training on the care and maintenance of vascular access devices – please identify a device champion(s) and VAS will provide them with a workshop and simulated practice sign off. VAS can then assist with care and maintenance sessions for staff whose competency can then be assessed by the device champion.
Prior to training please ensure staff have completed learnpro modules –
GGC: 002 Health and Safety, an introduction
GGC: 007 Standard Infection Control Precautions
NES: Prevention and Management of Occupational Exposure (within SIPCEP)
GGC: 329 Vascular Access Devices
For queries regarding support and training on the care and maintenance of vascular access devices please email -ggc.nurseled.piccandhickteam@nhs.scot
When accessing any vascular access device you must always use ANTT®
Always wash hands effectively
Never contaminate key parts/key areas
Touch non-key parts with confidence
Take appropriate infection control precautions
The key principle to preventing infection is to maintain the asepsis of key parts/sites.
Key parts – any part of the device which will come into direct contact with the patients bloodstream.
Key sites – insertion and exit sites
The key parts can be protected by the use of micro fields such as syringe wrappers.
There is no need for the use of sterile dressing packs or sterile gloves, unless you are performing a dressing change when it is impossible to apply the new dressings without touching them and sterile gloves are required.
Advice and Links – Vascular Access Device Care & Maintenance
Dressing changes for all central venous vascular access devices must be done weekly (unless visibly contaminated). The dressing, stabilisation device (if PICC line), CHG impregnated foam dressing and needle-free device must all be changed weekly using an adapted ANTT®. Please see page 17 of the NHSGGC ANTT® Clinical Guideline for step by step guidance.
When accessing a vascular access device to flush, aspirate or change the needle-free device you must always ‘scrub the hub’ for 15 seconds. Whilst scrubbing the hub you should concentrate on the flat connective surface but also scrub around the side using wipes that contain Chlorhexidine 2% and Alcohol 70%.
Preventing catheter blockages
Flush immediately after use, use an ANTT® and scrub the hub for 15 seconds before accessing the device.
When flushing a vascular access device, routinely use Nacl 0.9% in a 10ml luer lock syringe and a brisk ‘push/pause’ technique. This creates a turbulent pulsatile flow which clears the lumen of debris. Ensure that you finish the flush by clamping on positive pressure (whilst you are administering the last push) to prevent blood re-entering the device and thus maintaining patency. Flush before, between and immediately after each use.
Routinely move clamp on PICC and Midline to prevent damage.
Difficultly aspirating catheter
Valsalva Manoeuvre – ask the patient to take a deep breath, hold and attempt to force out air through closed mouth.
Change needle-free device using ANTT
Check the clamp on PICC line, move clamp and massage lumen underneath if crushed. Check to see if the dressing has kinked the catheter near the insertion site.
Please do not remove a blocked PICC until you have spoken to a member of the Vascular Access Team as it may be salvageable.
Quick Guide To Vascular Access Devices
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)
Suitable for the duration of therapy.
No preparation required, no exclusion criteria (although patient must be able to position arm to enable insertion).
Suitable for all IV medications and parenteral nutrition (PN)
CT compatible and Non CT compatible depending on the device.
Tunnelled Central Venous Catheter (TCVC)
Suitable for the duration of therapy.
Not all patients are suitable to attend the Nurse led service as we have an exclusion criteria – (please see referrals section).
The TCVCs we insert are cuffed so they require to be removed by an appropriately trained individual under local anaesthetic.
Midline Catheters
4F 12cm Smart Midline peripheral catheter – last up to 29 days. CT Compatible. Please be aware – blood sampling from midline catheters may result in device failure.
Vascular access referrals
We encourage early referral for a suitable vascular access device to improve patient experience, preserve vessel health and effectively facilitate IV therapy.
Please be aware that this is an extremely busy elective service, covering multiple sites within NHSGGC. We will endeavour to facilitate all referrals as soon as possible. We are not an emergency service, however we will expedite urgent cases if we are able to do so. To discuss referrals please email us on the group email address above.
The Vascular Access Service work Mon-Fri 08:30 – 16:30 and some weekends staff permitting.
Please note : Vascular access is a nurse led service, not all patients are suitable for referral.
Catheter Peripheral Central Venous Catheter (PICC) / Midline Catheter
There is no restrictive exclusion criteria for PICC or midline catheter insertion.
Cuffed Tunnelled Central Venous Catheter (TCVC)
APTT ratio must be equal to or lower than 1.6
PT no higher than 16
Platelets must be above 40 (if platelets between 30-40 VAS will consider placing a catheter with platelets running following discussion with medical staff)
Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) must be omitted 24 hours prior to procedure if it is a treatment dose, 12 hours for a prophylactic dose.
Patient is able to lie flat
Patients not suitable for Nurse led service
Known venous stenosis, SVC obstruction or central venous stent in situ
Significant mediastinal disease
Recent myocardial infarction (within 2 days)
Pacemaker in situ
Current pneumothorax
If patient has these symptoms please refer to interventional radiology service.
Patient Referral to the Vascular Access Service
All patient referrals are made via TrakCare.
Please follow the process below:
Input the patients community health index (CHI) into trak
Click on Episode Tree
Select current episode
Click on ‘New Request’
Under Imaging:
For PICC line insertion : Input ‘IPICCI’ into item box
For TCVC insertion input ‘ITCVCI’
For TCVC removal ‘ITCVCX’
For TCVC exchange ‘ITCVCG
For Haemo-dialysis insertion ‘ ITUNDI’
For insertion of TCVC – all patients must have a recent Coagulation (Coag) and Full Blood Count (FBC) (within 2 weeks provided they have received no treatment)
Consent / AWI for Vascular Access Service
Patients will be consented by a vascular access nurse.
All patients must have capacity to consent ( i.e. not given a sedative pre-procedure unless already consented by a member of the vascular access team).
If the patient has impaired capacity, they must have a separate Adults with Incapacity (AWI) form specifically for the procedure completed before being transferred to the department.
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Are you a newly qualified nurse, midwife or allied health professional (AHP)?
The Practice Education team are providing access to two Clinical Supervision sessions in your first year of practice, although these may be provided locally for some disciplines. Through attending the sessions, newly qualified practitioners (NQPs) will have opportunity to explore the effects of your work, by recognising how you are impacted by this, you can then focus on solutions for your learning and development and maintain or build your resilience levels.
Clinical Supervision supports you to reflect, and develop your clinical practice, whilst embedding staff wellbeing and wellness into the working environment, promoting and establishing positive working cultures,leading to improved patient outcomes.
A brief overview of HFE-related Hereditary Haemochromatosis
This is common inherited disorder caused by a genetic predisposition to absorb and store excess dietary iron. It is more common in those with Northern European ancestry.
Symptoms
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FOLLOW SAME FORMAT AS ABOVE….H3 Headings within accordion panels and no bold headings…
Professionals
Patients
p.C282Y variant is not present
p.C282Y and p.H63D variants are not present
Heterozygous for p.H63D
Heterozygous for p.C282Y
Homozygous for p.H63D
Compound heterozygous for p.C282Y and p.H63D
Homozygous for p.C282Y
Reflex testing
Causes of iron overload
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The Clinical Genetics department is situated on Level 2A of the Laboratory Medicine Building of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. The staff of the Clinical Genetics Department see increasing numbers of patients and their families every year at general genetics clinics, cancer genetic clinics and other specialist genetic clinics.
These clinics are held within the department clinic area on level 1A, at other Glasgow hospitals or for some conditions, at a number of community locations throughout the West of Scotland, including Kilmarnock, Wishaw, Ayr, Larbert and Dumfries. We also offer virtual appointments by video or telephone where appropriate, or may reply by letter.
Jillian Rennie (AHP Practice Education Facilitator)
Sharon Dempsey (AHP Practice Education Team Administrator)
Heather Rodger (Associate Practice Educator)
“We work strategically at both a local and national level. We support and facilitate learning and development across all levels of the AHP Career Pathway”
What do we do?
We are part of a national network of AHP Practice Education staff based in all NHS Boards across Scotland.
The AHP Practice Education Team work with AHPs at all stages of their career. We aim to ensure the quality of work-based learning and to develop the work place as a learning environment.
Workstreams
Priority areas of work are guided at a national level by NHS Education for Scotland (NES). However, the AHP Practice Education Team workstreams do reflect the needs of the AHP workforce locally in NHSGGC and NHS Golden Jubilee.
We work with students and practice educators across NHSGGC, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and NES to support the provision of quality practice-based learning. This ensures we continue to have experienced newly qualified AHPs who can provide high quality care across NHSGGC.
AHP Careers and recruitment, including return to practice
As a team we are involved in the promotion of career choices and pathways available for AHP professions at all levels of the Career Framework.
The team link with local Workforce Employability Leads to keep up to date and support local workforce development plans/ events and to address any local recruitment challenges.
The NHS Scotland Careers in Healthcare webpage is easily accessible to all and has a number of useful resources including up to date careers opportunities across all professions, careers stories, blogs and information on apprenticeships.
The team also supports AHP return to practice. This includes AHPs who wish to return to practice and join the HCPC register, as well as AHPs willing to support a period of supervised practice for an AHP within NHSGGC.
NES have launched the AHP Return to Practiceweb page which provides information, links to resources and access to NHS Board key contacts.
The purpose of supervision is to promote wellbeing, support personal and professional development, develop knowledge, skills, and values and to promote competent practice, safe and effective person-centred care (Rothwell et al, 2018). All of these bring benefits to us as individuals, to our teams, organisations and to those who access our services.
Supervision is for and about you, as a person, a professional and as an employee.
We support local networks to highlight areas of best practice that are in place to support Newly Qualified Practitioners (NQPs).
The team will also be supporting a national scoping exercise looking at the needs of NQPs and those supporting them in their transition into the workforce.
NHS Flying Start Programme
We recognise that the transition from student to Newly Qualified Practitioner (NQP) can be an exciting but often daunting time. We therefore encourage all NQPs to complete NHS Flying Start, the national development programme designed to support NQPs including, nurses, midwives and AHPs, in their first year of practice.
The Flying start programme combines individual learning with support in the workplace which helps NQPs develop their confidence and become competent and capable health professionals.
Further information on the Flying Start programme can be found on the AHP Flying Start NHS® Learning Site on TURAS.
Healthcare Support Workers
Role development and learning and development for AHP support workers working across all care settings is vitally important. Information and resources are available on Support Worker Central on TURAS.
A survey was carried out in 2023 to establish the learning and development needs of the AHP HCSW workforce across NHSGGC. A report of the findings from this survey has been produced along with a summary SWAY.
Clinical Skills
Defined as “any action by a health or social care professional involved in direct patient care which impacts on clinical outcome in a measurable way” (NHS Education for Scotland, 2008).
We work with AHPs within NHSGGC to develop the use of clinical skills to support learning and high-quality client-centred practice. We also contribute to the national work stream to support and develop clinical skills.
AHP Education Fund
We are delighted to announce that the Autumn AHP Education Fund opens on 30th September offering AHP Staff the opportunity to apply for funding to support further education for the following
Using Counselling Skills within Allied Health Professions course – delivered by Strathclyde University commencing in January 2026 – March 2026.
This course is open to all NHSGGC AHP HealthCare Support Workers and registered AHPs and is fully funded through the NHSGGC AHP Education fund for successful applicants.
Exploring Practice and Practices Module : Learning at Work – delivered by Glasgow Caledonian University commencing in January 2026 – May 2026. This course is open to all NHSGGC AHP Health Care Support Workers and is fully funded through the NHSGGC AHP Education fund for successful applicants.
Further information on both opportunities can be found in the links below.
Application packs will be available for both opportunities from 30th September. Should you wish to receive a copy via e-mail, please request through the AHP PE Team: ggc.gjnhahpepl@nhs.scot
The Scottish MRSA Reference Laboratory (SMRSARL) was established in April 1997. We were created in response to a rapid increase in the number of MRSA infections identified in hospitals across Scotland. We are commissioned by National Services Division for Scotland, with clinical and scientific advice from Public Health Scotland (PHS) . Since November 2013, the Scottish MRSA Reference Laboratory has been located within the New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
The SMRSARL provides a national MRSA reference service for isolates from diagnostic laboratories throughout Scotland. The services we provide include: confirmation of MRSA status, detection of various toxin genes and epidemiological typing of strains. We also provide advice on infection control issues and have an ongoing research and development program. We collaborate with PHS to provide data on the national trends in MRSA epidemiology in Scotland.
The Scottish Government have provided funding for an Enterococcal Surveillance Service aiming to describe the genetic epidemiology of invasive E. faecium and resistant E. faecium and E. faecalis in Scotland. Scotland has a high prevalence of vancomycin resistance amongst invasive E. faecium isolates. To investigate the reasons for this, Boards are kindly requested to submit isolates as described in the above communications. Limited outbreak support continues to be available and it is hoped that an improved understanding of the background epidemiology will allow improved outbreak support in future. For investigation of cluster/outbreak isolates please contact SMiRL (Glasgow) to discuss prior to sending.
The Scottish Antimicrobial Resistance Service (SAMRS) investigates carbapenem resistance in Enterobacterales, Pseudomonads, Acinetobacter species and other healthcare associated Gram negative bacteria. We were commissioned in 2016 by National Services Division for Scotland, with clinical and scientific advice from Public Health Scotland (PHS).
The increasing incidence of carbapenemases across Scotland led to the formation of our service. From 2016, we began providing molecular detection for the ‘Big 5’ carbapenemase genes (KPC, NDM, VIM,OXA-48 and IMP). In 2018, we introduced molecular detection of OXA-23, OXA-24/40, OXA-51 and OXA-58 in isolates of Acinetobacter species. Finally, in 2019 we commenced our broth microdilution service. Broth microdilution allows our team to further screen for other mechanisms of resistance (including rare carbapenemases).
We investigate colistin resistance and other exceptional phenotypes demonstrated by Enterobacterales, Pseudomonads, Acinetobacter species and other healthcare associated Gram negative bacteria. We also provide cefiderocol sensitivity testing for multidrug resistant organisms (on request).
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Enteric Bacterial Infections Service Contact Information
Since November 2013, the Enteric Bacterial Infections Service (EBIS) (formerly known as the Scottish Salmonella, Shigella and Clostridioides difficile Reference Laboratory (SSSCDRL)) has been located within the New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
The EBIS provides antimicrobial susceptibility testing and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) of these pathogenic enteric bacteria. The Laboratory actively participates in training, development and relevant externally-funded research and works closely with a number of agencies including PHS and the Gastrointestinal Bacterial Reference unit (GBRU), London.
The Diagnostic and Reference Parasitology Service (DRPS) (formerly known as the Scottish Parasite Diagnostic and Reference Laboratory (SPDRL)) was established in 1982. Our aim is to provide an efficient and effective parasite diagnostic and advisory service for Scotland.
We are commissioned by National Services Division for Scotland, with clinical and scientific advice from Public Health Scotland (PHS). Since November 2013, the DRPS has been located within the New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
The DPRS provides a service to Medical Microbiology laboratories across Scotland. The services offered include: diagnosis and identification of parasites in clinical material, diagnosis of human parasite diseases by immunological methods, advice regarding investigation of patients and the appropriateness of tests and finally, advice about prophylaxis and treatment.
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