Central Hub is a dedicated resource. The service is available to all who live, visit and work in Care Homes across Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Glasgow City Care Home Nursing Team is a dedicated resource for care homes within Glasgow City

The team includes, Team Lead, Practice Development Nurses (PDNs), Registered Nurses, Care Home Liaison Nurses (CHLNs) and Care Home Support Workers.

The team can be accessed by contacting your Care Home Liaison Nurse(CHLN) or Practice Development Nurse (PDN) aligned to your Care Home.

Alternatively, email us on ggc.chlnreferral@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

HUB 5 is a dedicated nursing team which includes, Nurse Team Lead, Registered Nurses and Care Home Support Workers. The team works in partnership with care homes across East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire.

We support the specialists in our Central Hub to deliver sessions on:

• Caring About Physical Activity (CAPA)
• MUST and MUST Step 5 pathway and calculations
• Palliative Care for Carer
• Peer-to-peer support networks
• Peer support for Quality Improvement projects
• Scottish Ballet Duet

We encourage requests from care home teams, and engage with other services and partner organisations to design peer-to-peer support and learning opportunities for Nursing and Care Support Staff, across a range of issues including

• Catheter Care
• Confirmation of Death
• Hydration
• Record Keeping
• Story Gathering and What Matters to You Conversations

Technology is playing a key role in modernising our health services and the creation of virtual pathways is already having a significant impact on our urgent and unscheduled care patients. Virtual pathways enable us to provide urgent care outside of A&E, and in many instances, in the comfort of the patient’s home –freeing up valuable capacity within our acute sites and giving our patients a better experience.

At the core of virtual pathways lies the FNC which launched in December 2020. The FNC enables patients who would otherwise visit A&E, to receive a direct video or telephone consultation with an emergency care clinician. Externally the FNC is branded as virtual A&E. You can find out more information by visiting our FNC webpage or watching the video below.

Interface Care is new approach to enable primary and community care providers such as GPs to access immediate specialist care advice from acute colleagues to help assess patients who may otherwise be sent to A&E.

The programme is currently in development, with new respiratory pathways coming online alongside heart failure pathways. With more immediate clinical advice being made available, the hope is to ensure patients receive the right type of treatment for their needs, faster, and without having to be admitted to hospital.

Our teams are working closely with HSCP / Scottish Ambulance Service and other partners to establish new methods of A&E avoidance for elderly and vulnerable patients who would otherwise have been sent to hospital.

By linking these specialist frailty teams as early as possible in the patient journey, often patients are able to be discharged from hospital faster, or avoid A&E altogether.

Home First Response launched in November 2022 and helps provide targeted interventions to older and vulnerable patients who would otherwise spend long periods of time in hospital. Being treated at home provides significant benefits – increasing recovery time, preserving mobility and reducing the chance of delirium.

As part of the rollout, specially trained HSCP staff have been recruited and embedded alongside acute frailty teams at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital to help limit admissions, improve early discharges and support anticipatory care planning. 

OPAT is a specialist-led service which provides acute-level hospital care in an outpatient capacity to patients with complex infections is playing a critical role in freeing crucial bed space in hospitals across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. 

Based at the QEUH in Glasgow, but with outreach to hospitals throughout NHSGGC, the specialist OPAT team is made up of nurses, pharmacists and infectious disease consultants and can see more than 100 new referrals each month. 

The service treats patients with infections who require IV antibiotics either on a short or long-term basis but who are otherwise suitable for outpatient treatment. This might include, for example, patients suffering cellulitis, which is a common skin infection or, a range of other difficult to treat infections, for example, complicating diabetes, chronic lung disease or surgery.

About one in three patients are referred direct by GPs and avoid hospital admission altogether while two thirds (usually with more complex infection and requiring initial hospital investigations and treatment) have their hospital stay significantly shortened. For patients that require an initial inpatient stay, the time spent in hospital is shortened by an average of three weeks per patient.   

Hospital at home aims to keep patients out of hospital by providing the same level of high-quality multi-disciplinary care they would receive as inpatients.

Eligible patients are identified either upon presenting at A&E thus avoiding admission, or to enable an early supported discharge, or they can be referred by their GP.  Patients need to be over the age of 65 to be suitable for the service.

An example of a hospital at home patient would be an elderly person who has fallen at home, has a severe infection, delirium, or who has seen an acute functional decline due to an existing health condition. Individual assessments take place for each patient before a decision is made.

Patients who are treated within Hospital at Home also have access to hospital-level diagnostics, such as endoscopy services, radiology, cardiology and a range of urgent hospital-level interventions such as IV therapy and oxygen.

Care is delivered by a team of Nurses (including Advanced Nurse Practitioners and Consultant Nurse), GPs, Pharmacists, Occupational Therapists and Consultant Geriatricians.

This Spring Programme, the decision was made to invite the full cohort of eligible children and adults irrespective of whether they had engaged in previous COVID-19 vaccine programmes. 

This decision was based on reaching the widest number of eligible people and recognised that some time may have passed since they were last contacted.   

In spring 2024, the JCVI advises that a COVID-19 vaccine should be offered to:

• All those aged 75 years and over
• Residents in care homes for older adults
• Individuals aged 6 months and over who have a weakened immune system.

To be eligible this spring, an individual must turn 75 years of age on or before 30 June 2024. For infants in the programme, they must turn 6 months of age on or before 31 March 2024 to be eligible.

A list of eligible health conditions is available on NHS Inform: www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccineconditions

If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent information via letter, text or email about your appointment or how to book one. Please wait to be contacted. You’ll be able to book or rearrange an appointment online or by calling 0800 030 8013. If you need to book or reschedule an appointment for your child who is aged 11 or under, please call 0800 030 8013. It’s not possible to use the online booking portal for this age group. Step-by-step video guides are available to help with booking and rescheduling appointments, as well as updating your communications preference and retrieving your booking information. These will be available at NHS Inform from 1st April.

Please note that the COVID-19 spring vaccine for children aged 6 months to 11 years at higher risk leaflet in A4 format is now live on phs.scot at:
https://publichealthscotland.scot/publications/covid-19-spring-vaccine-2024-for-children-aged-6-months-to-11-years-a4-format/

If you’re eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine this spring, you can visit a drop-in clinic to receive it without an appointment. You may have to wait to receive your vaccination if the clinic is busy.

Community Clinic

Sunday 28th April

Eastbank Health Promotion Centre, 22 Academy St, Glasgow G32 9AA – 08:45am – 16:30pm

Mobile Vaccination Bus

The Mobile Vaccination Bus is a drop in service.  This means that there may be busy times and you may have to wait.  The mobile clinic can only accommodate 4 vaccinators and a limited supply of vaccine.  Please be patient.  You may wish to book an appointment at one of our Vaccination Centres instead.  You can do this by going to the online booking portal or by calling the National Contact Centre on 0800 030 8013.

The Mobile Vaccination Bus service will offer the following vaccinations:

1. Getting vaccinated is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself against COVID-19 circulating this spring.
2. Even if you had a COVID-19 vaccine in the winter, it’s important to get another dose this spring to help maintain your protection.
3. Optimum protection from the COVID-19 vaccines is derived during the first 3 months after vaccination. Protection from the vaccines does not stop after 3 months, but slowly it does start to fade.

Attending your appointment

There is no requirement to wear a mask when attending our vaccination clinics. If you have a weakened immune system and prefer to wear a mask you can choose to do this.

How do I reschedule my appointment?

Please reschedule via Booking Portal or call 0800 030 8013 during the hours of Mon to Fri 9.00am to 6.00pm or Sat 09.00am to 1.00pm

You no longer need to wait for a specific amount of time after confirmed coronavirus infection to have your vaccine. However, if you’re unwell, wait until you’ve recovered to have your vaccine. You should not attend an appointment if you have a fever or think you might be infectious to others.

If you are unable to attend or cannot get to this location, you can change your appointment online at:

NHS Inform – Invitations and Appointments webpage

Or you can call the helpline number to rearrange your appointment Mon to Fri 9.00am to 6.00pm on 0800 030 8013 or Sat 9.00am to 1.00pm

Please note this number is for rescheduling appointments only.

Support is available in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde if you:

• require an interpreter at your vaccination appointment
• need help finding transport to your vaccination appointment

General help with planning your public transport journey is available on the Traveline Scotland website or by phoning 0141 465 1878 (open 24 hours).

If you’re unable to leave your home (due to your mobility or physical ability or mental health condition) or if you need additional support at your appointment (for example, someone to support you when you arrive or a private space to be vaccinated), phone the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013 and your request will be sent to your local health board.

Your local Health and Social Care Team will be in touch with your nursing home to arrange to visit and deliver vaccinations to all those eligible.

Like all medicines, the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines can cause side effects. It’s normal to experience side effects after a vaccine. It shows the vaccine is teaching your body’s immune system how to protect itself from the disease. Not everyone gets side effects. Most side effects are mild and normally last only a day or two.

Side effects of coronavirus vaccination

Very common side effects in the first day or two include:

• having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection
• feeling tired
• headache, aches and chills

If you feel uncomfortable, you can rest and take paracetamol. Make sure you take paracetamol as directed on the label or leaflet. Remember, do not take medicines that contain aspirin if you’re under 16 years of age.

If your side effects seem to get worse or if you’re concerned, phone NHS 24 free on 111. Tell them about your vaccination so that they can assess you properly.

For those individuals who declined their vaccination initially or missed their appointment and now wish to be vaccinated, please contact the national helpline on 0800 030 8013 or register online at the NHS Inform vaccine registration portal.

You can now update your contact details and your preferred method of contact on the online portal. If you select to receive future correspondence about your coronavirus and flu vaccines by email or SMS then you will no longer receive future letters with this information.

Milngavie Town Hall Clinic

• Address: Milngavie Town Hall, 71 Station Rd, Milngavie, Glasgow G62 8BZ
• Facilities: Parking, Wheelchair Access, Hearing Loop, Toilet Facilities, Baby Changing, Interpreter Services
• Transport links: Bus – First Bus and Train – ScotRail

Merkland Primary School Clinic

• Address: Merkland Primary School, Langmuir Rd, Kirkintilloch, Lenzie G66 2QF
• Facilities: Parking, Wheelchair Access, Hearing Loop, Toilet Facilities, Baby Changing, Interpreter Services
• Transport links: Bus – First Bus and Train – ScotRail

Renfrew Leisure Centre Clinic

• Address: Renfrew Leisure Centre, Paisley Rd, Renfrew PA4 8JL
• Facilities: Parking, Wheelchair Access, Hearing Loop, Toilet Facilities, Baby Changing, Interpreter Services
• Transport links: Bus – First Bus and Train – ScotRail

Johnstone Town Hall Clinic

• Address: Johnstone Town Hall, 25 Church St, Johnstone, PA5 8EG
• Facilities: Parking, Wheelchair Access, Hearing Loop, Toilet Facilities, Baby Changing, Interpreter Services
• Transport links: Bus – First Bus and Train – ScotRail

Lagoon Leisure Centre Clinic

• Address: Lagoon Leisure Centre, 11 Christie St, Paisley, PA1 1NB
• Facilities: Parking, Wheelchair Access, Hearing Loop, Toilet Facilities, Baby Changing, Interpreter Services
• Transport links: Bus – First Bus and Train – ScotRail

Eastwood Health and Care Centre Clinic

• Address: Eastwood Health and Care Centre, Drumby Crescent, Clarkston, Glasgow, G76 7HN
• Facilities: Parking, Wheelchair Access, Hearing Loop, Toilet Facilities, Baby Changing, Interpreter Services
• Transport links: Bus – First Bus and Train – ScotRail

Whiteinch Community Centre Clinic

• Address: Whiteinch Community Centre, 1 Northinch Court, Glasgow G14 0UG
• Facilities: Parking, Wheelchair Access, Hearing Loop, Toilet Facilities, Baby Changing, Interpreter Services
• Transport links: Bus – First Bus and Train – ScotRail

Barmulloch Residents Centre Clinic

• Address: Barmulloch Residents Centre, 54 Quarrywood Rd, Glasgow G21 3ET
• Facilities: Hearing Loop, Toilet Facilities, Baby Changing, Interpreter Services
• Transport links: Bus – First Bus and Train – ScotRail

Glasgow Central Mosque Clinic

• Address: Glasgow Central Mosque: 1 Mosque Avenue, G5 9TA
• Facilities: Parking, Wheelchair Access, Hearing Loop, Toilet Facilities, Baby Changing, Interpreter Services
• Transport links: Bus – First Bus and Train – ScotRail

St Marks Church Clinic

• Address: St Marks Church, 281 Kinfauns Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow G15 7BD
• Facilities: Hearing Loop, Toilet Facilities, Baby Changing, Interpreter Services
• Transport links: Bus – First Bus and Train – ScotRail

Greater Easterhouse Supporting Hands Clinic

• Address: Greater Easterhouse Supporting Hands, 1 Redcastle Sq, Glasgow G33 5EG
• Facilities: Parking, Wheelchair Access, Hearing Loop, Toilet Facilities, Baby Changing, Interpreter Services
• Transport links: Bus – First Bus and Train – ScotRail

Eastbank Health Promotion Centre Clinic

• Address: Eastbank Health Promotion Centre, 22 Academy St, Glasgow G32 9AA
• Facilities: Parking, Wheelchair Access, Hearing Loop, Toilet Facilities, Baby Changing, Interpreter Services
• Transport links: Bus – First Bus and Train – ScotRail

Alexandria Community Centre Clinic

• Address: Alexandria Community Centre: Main St, Alexandria, G83 0NU
• Facilities: Parking, Wheelchair Access, Hearing Loop, Toilet Facilities, Baby Changing, Interpreter Services
• Transport links: Bus – First Bus and Train – ScotRail

Concorde Community Centre Clinic

• Address: Concorde Community Centre, St Mary’s Way, Dumbarton G82 1LJ
• Facilities: Parking, Wheelchair Access, Hearing Loop, Toilet Facilities, Baby Changing, Interpreter Services
• Transport links: Bus – First Bus and Train – ScotRail

The Hub Community Centre Clinic

• Address: The Hub Community Centre, 405 Kilbowie Rd, Clydebank G81 2TX
• Facilities: Parking, Wheelchair Access, Hearing Loop, Toilet Facilities, Baby Changing, Interpreter Services
• Transport links: Bus – First Bus and Train – ScotRail

Greenock Town Hall Clinic

• Address: Greenock Town Hall: Cathcart Square, Greenock, PA15 1LS
• Facilities: Signage appropriate for people with a visual impairment, Wheelchair Access, Hearing Loop, Toilet Facilities, Interpreter Services
• Transport links: Bus – First Bus and Train – ScotRail

Gamble Halls Clinic

• Address: Gamble Halls,  44 Shore St, Gourock PA19 1RG
• Facilities: Parking, Wheelchair Access, Hearing Loop, Toilet Facilities, Baby Changing, Interpreter Services
• Transport links: Bus – First Bus and Train – ScotRail

• Sign up to our mailing list for regular updates

By signing up to this mailing list you agree to be contacted by the Care Home Collaborative.  We will not share your details with anyone else.

Networks being developed

Further information to follow.

NHSGGC Anticipatory Care Plan (ACP)

Information for Care Homes

ACP Training Hub

The ACP Programme have a range of training opportunities which are free and open to all.

Visit the training hub for more information.

Video Resources

Please click below to access video resources from the Care Home Pharmacy Services team.

Recording of training session on topic of UTI’s in Care Home residents

Recording of training session on Care Home Pharmacy services provided by the Pharmacy Primary Care Home Team

Please click here to access the Care Home Winter Pack 2023/2024.

The Care Inspectorate provides a helpful resource for promoting continence for people living with dementia and long term conditions.

SIGN

SIGN 167 Care of deteriorating patients a national clinical guideline.

NHSGGC Resources to support falls reduction

A series of 5 posters aimed at care home staff and carers to highlight simple measures that can help reduce the risk of residents falling.

GGC care homes should receive a hard copy of each of the posters. Further copies can be ordered from the medical illustrations department.  Email: medical.illustrationgri@ggc.scot.nhs.uk Telephone 0141 211 8580

Posters

• Zimmer – How to know when a zimmer is past it!
• Walking stick – How to spot when a stick is rot!
• Delta – How to check that wheels aren’t wonky!
• Footwear – Suitable footwear for care homes
• Seating and posture – Are you sitting comfortably?

Videos

Please click here to access educational videos for care home staff on the reduction and management of resident falls.

Standard Infection Control Precautions  

Standard Infection Control Precautions or SICPs are the basic infection prevention and control measure used to reduce the risk of transmitting infectious agents from known and unknown sources of infection. SICPs should be used by all staff, in all care settings, at all times, for all residents to ensure the safety of those being cared for as well as staff and visitors to the home.

There are 10 SICPs. For more information on SICPs please Care Home specific section of the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual.

Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs)

Transmission Based Precautions

In certain circumstances using Standard Infection Control Precautions (also known as SICPs) won’t be enough to stop an infection spreading and you will need to use some extra precautions. These extra precautions are Transmission Based Precautions, or TBPs.

TBPs should be used if a resident has a suspected or known infection.

Please see below for a series of two short videos developed for staff wishing to refresh their knowledge of TBPs.

Transmission Based Precautions (TBPs) Video 1

Transmission Based Precautions (TBPs) Video 2

For more information on TBPs please see the care home specific section of the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual.

Further Resources

For more information on SCIPS access the Preventing Infection in Social Care Settings app released by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) in partnership with NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and the Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre (DHI).

The app has been developed for staff in settings such as care homes with a view to enabling easy access to infection prevention and control guidance.

Welcome to the Care Home Learning Forum Resource pages.

You can find information on future meetings and registration on our Learning Opportunities page.

Care About Physical Activity programme is an improvement programme lead by the Care Inspectorate it can be used to support physical activity in different ways.

Paths for all is a Scottish Charity. Their vision: Scotland is a walking nation. Everyone has the opportunity ti be active everyday, creating a happier, healthier and greener Scotland. They support healthcare staff to deliver walking activities, combined with Strength and Balance, to residents, patients and clients in care settings.

Age UK Wellbeing for older people’s groups and organisations.

Scottish Ballet Duet is a series of three 10-minute films and two 12-minute audio recordings specially designed for people with reduced mobility to move together with their companions or carers. As with all SB Health materials, SB Duet can also be enjoyed on your own.

Miami J Collar – Stable

This information can be helpful for use of a Miami J Collar following a stable neck injury or fracture where the patient is able to safely apply and remove themselves.

Miami J Collar – Stable with assistance

This information can be helpful for use of a Miami J Collar following a stable neck injury or fracture where the patient requires a carer, family or friends to safely apply and remove the collar as they cannot do this themselves.

Miami J Collar – Unstable

This information can be helpful for use of a Miami J Collar following an unstable neck injury or fracture. It provides information to help their carers, family or friends understand how to safely remove and apply the collar as they cannot do this themselves and it requires two people to remove to apply the collar.

NHSGGC Nutrition In Care Homes

MUST and MUST Step 5 training videos to support understanding of MUST calculations and MUST Step 5 pathway. This is used for care and residential homes. Click here to access the MUST Guide to Help.

Hydration poster identifies key points for delivering good hydration.

Mealtime experience poster identifies key points for delivering a good mealtime experience for residents.

Food fortification poster key points to support a food first approach for residents who require it.

IDDSI and dysphagia poster provides an overview of the IDDSI framework.

NHSGGC Dysphagia

IDDSI and dysphagia training videos for care and catering staff in care homes created by Speech and Language therapy, Dietetics and IDDSI specialist chef.

IDDSI snack list poster to support snack choices for residents with dysphagia. This poster goes through each IDDSI level with sweet and savoury suggestions.

NHSGGC Malnutrition

Other resources

IDDSI resources and recipes to support providing food and fluid to residents with dysphagia.

Wessex academic health network website. The Hydration at Home e-learning module and Toolkit has been endorsed by the British Dietetic Association. Useful information to support training on hydration to all care staff.

Nutrition and Hydration Week 2024

Malnutrition Monday – Signs, prevention and consequences of malnutrition plus malnutrition screening

Food and Fluid Preference Tuesday – Food and fluid preference tips and considerations

Snack Wednesday – Texture modified and diabetic snack ideas

Thirsty Thursday – Factors affecting hydration and tips to support fluid intake

Mealtime Friday – Importance of Positive Mealtime Experience

Malnutrition Awareness Week 2023

Malnutrition – Signs, symptoms and consequences

Interactive Tuesday – Be person centred, no one size fits all!

Ask Look Listen – Good Nutrition

Thirsty Thursday – Hydration

Focus on Resilience – Top tips

Care Inspectorate

‘Supporting better oral care in care homes’ quality illustration.

Caring for Smiles

Scotland’s national oral health programme for dependent older adults.

NHS Education for Scotland (NES) Resources for Health and Social Care Staff

Turas Learn

Confirmation of death resources are available on Turas Learn. The pages contain Information and Education Resources resources to support registered professionals with Confirmation of Death.

Turas Learn is a website for health and social care staff that hosts a wide range of learning materials including eLearning modules and courses.

You must be logged into your Turas Account to view and access eLearning modules Sign In

If you do not have a Turas account you can create one

Support around death

This website aims to support health and social care staff who are working with patients, carers and families before, at, and after death. It provides key information on the clinical, legislative, and practical issues involved.

NHSGGC Palliative Care

This website has links to education and resources for health and social care professionals, patients and relatives.

NHSGGC Syringe Pump Resources

Click here to access NHSGGC resources and updates for syringe pumps including instruction videos, competency frameworks and guidelines for use.

Scottish Palliative Care Guidelines – Launch of the new web and mobile app

The Scottish Palliative Care Guidelines describes good practice in the management of adult patients with life-limiting illness. They are designed for healthcare professionals from any care setting who are involved in supporting people with a palliative, life-limiting condition.

This app is delivered through the Right Decision Service – the national decision support service provided by Healthcare Improvement Scotland and is Nationwide.

The guidelines can be accessed via the Right Decisions website or download the Right Decisions mobile app from the app store for Apple or Android.

Care Home Collaborative

RESTORE2 is the national acute deterioration tool recommended by Scottish Government for care homes.

The Care Home Collaborative can support the implementation of this nationally recognised tool in care homes across GGC.  

If you would like more information or our support using the RESTORE2 tool within your care home please get in touch.

Wessex Patient Safety Collaborative

RESTORE2 is a national resources that was co-produced by NHS West Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group and Wessex Patient Safety Collaborative.

RESTORE2 is designed to support homes and health professionals to:

• Recognise when a resident may be deteriorating or at risk of physical deterioration
• Act appropriately according to the residents care plan
• Obtain a complete set of physical observations to inform escalation and conversations with health professionals
• Speak with the most appropriate health professional in a timely way to get the right support
• Provide a concise escalation history to health professionals to support their professional decision making

Resources

The NHS Health Education England videos below can be used to support staff when implementing the RESTORE2 tool in your care home.

Other useful resources

RESTORE2 chart

How to complete a RESTORE2 chart

RESTORE2 Rollout Handbook

Wessex Patient Safety Collaborative

RESTORE2 Mini can help your team to identify that a resident is deteriorating and to get help earlier, supporting the resident to remain at home.

RESTORE2 Mini is a shortened version of the full RESTORE2 tool and is ideal for introducing to residential homes (that are currently unable to take physical observations) to the concepts of soft signs and SBARD structured communication.

Resources

Other useful resources

RESTORE2mini chart

RESTORE2 handbook

Pressure Ulcer Awareness Week 2023

Monday – Stop the Pressure 2023 Programme

Tuesday – CHC Pressure Ulcer Poster to support bitesize sessions on pressure ulcer prevention

Wednesday – Pressure Ulcer Module – The prevention and management of pressure ulcers module – to provide care home staff with the knowledge and skills to understand pressure ulcers – how they form, how they are treated and crucially, how they can be prevented.

Thursday – Pressure Ulcer Day – SSKINS Training – Thursday 16th November – 9am – 4.30pm – Stobhill Hospital

Friday – Wound Care Study Day – Thursday 30th November – 9.15am – 3.15pm – Clutha House

Health Improvement Scotland

The Tissue Viability Toolkit is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals and caregivers involved in preventing and managing pressure ulcers. It typically contains a range of tools, worksheets, guidelines, and educational materials aimed at improving tissue viability and reducing the risk of pressure ulcers in patients.

The Scottish Wound Assessment and Action Guide (SWAAG) is a resource that can aid wound assessment and management, and should be used in line with local policy/guidelines.

NHSGGC

NHSGGC A guide to help you Prevent Pressure Ulcers leaflet

NHSGGC Joint Wound Care Formulary (2022) is a guide to aid Healthcare Professionals in selecting the most appropriate dressings/products.

The Prevention and Management of Pressure Ulcers Module

The purpose of this course is to provide care home staff with the knowledge and skills to understand pressure ulcers – how they form, how they are treated and crucially, how they can be prevented. Click here to access this module.

WMTY day is an annual event which is recognised and celebrated internationally. On this day, more than any other, there is a focus on raising awareness of having conversations with care home residents and staff that help to build connections and improve outcomes for the person:

• Ask What Matters,
• Listen to What Matters and
• Do What Matters.

You can read a selection of WMTY Activities and stories from staff, residents and families in our Good News Stories section. You can also get involved by Sharing your stories and building the evidence base.

For further information have a look at the these WMTY resources

The Care Home Collaborative is delighted to announce our next Care Home Development Day. The day will feature presentations from a variety of specialists covering Quality Improvement, Food, Fluid and Nutrition, Dementia, Tissue Viability and Demystifying Death.

Please use button below to book your place

Care Home Collaborative

The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) Confirmation of Death (CoD) policy permits any trained Registered Health Care Professional to confirm death in any circumstance.

The Care Home Collaborative sessions provide an overview of the national learning resources, provide an opportunity for reflective discussion, simulation and competency sign off.

These are 2 ½ hours sessions which are delivered face to face, with rotating venues.

The aim of the session is to familiarise care home registered nursing staff with the process of Confirmation of Death.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify the difference between Confirmation of Death and certification of death

• Understanding and undertaking the practical component of CoD

• Demonstrating knowledge of navigation of NHSGGC palliative care website/Moodle and other relevant electronic resources

• Overview the NHSGGC COD competency document

Please use buttons below to book your place

NHSGGC

Click here to access NHSGGC Sphere Bladder and Bowel up-coming training dates February – May 2024.

Delirium is a serious, life threatening condition that develops rapidly over days or hours. When untreated delirium can lead to poorer outcomes for care home residents.

Would you like to find out more about how to reduce the risk of your residents developing delirium? Click below to register for our upcoming sessions.

Care Home Collaborative

The Essentials in Psychological Care – Dementia Training Programme delivered by the Care Home Collaborative is a certificated, exciting training programme that will increase your existing dementia knowledge, in a practical way to help you support the people you care for.

Modules

1: Dementia and Unmet Needs

2: Understanding Distress in Dementia

3: Understanding the Persons’ Reality

4: Communication

5: Stimulation and Meaningful Activity

6: ABC Charts

7: Staff Stress and Distress

Learning Outcomes

• To enhance understanding of the causes of distressed behaviours in dementia.
• Explore evidence-based proactive and preventative strategies and be able to apply these effectively.
• Improve the experience and care for people living with dementia, their families and carers.

Please book online using the buttons below

Do you want to improve your knowledge and understanding of dysphagia?

These half day sessions will include presentations from Speech and Language Therapy and Dietetics. It will be followed by a practical session by a chef with specialist knowledge in creating food and fluids suitable and safe for residents with swallowing
difficulties.

The Care Home Learning Forum aims to bring together Registered Nurses across all care homes, HSCPs teams and acute settings to share experience and practice across the NHSGGC area.

We aim to recognise, celebrate and highlight the impact of nursing practice in the care home setting, and establish a supportive community of learners and peer support networks. The 90min online sessions are designed to support accessible bite sized learning opportunities for busy RNs and are jointly chaired by RNs from Care Homes and HSCP teams. Dates for 2024 meetings are as follows:

• Wednesday 1st May 1.30pm – 3pm
• Tuesday 11th June 1.30pm – 3pm
• Thursday 22nd August 1.30pm – 3pm
• Wednesday 2nd October 1.30pm – 3pm
• Tuesday 12th November 1.30 – 3pm

Please click on the link below to join the learning forum mailing list

Care Home Collaborative

Are you interested in new ideas to promote meaningful activities for your residents? Would you like to share your good news stories and celebrate successes with other care homes? Then this is the event for you!

The Care Home Collaborative would like to invite you to join us at our next ‘Meaningful Activity Network Meeting’ as we continue our conversation about meaningful and purposeful activity. We are hosting this event in partnership with Care Inspectorate’s Health and Social Care Improvement team.

Care homes who attended our first meeting indicated their keen interest in being involved in a network where they could support each other and share ideas, including information and resources which would enhance the provision of activities for care home residents. We have listened to your feedback and opened this to all care home staff (Managers, Nurses, carers, activity coordinators, catering, housekeeping, etc.).

Please click on the link below to register

Caring for Smiles is Scotland’s national oral health training and support programme.

Education and training of staff play an important role in the delivery and improvement of oral care. All care staff including supervisors and managers are encouraged to take up Caring for Smiles training where it is available.  

NHSGGC

• FREE online communication skills workshops.

SAGE & THYME workshops support all care home staff in using the evidence based skills required to provide person-centred support to residents and relatives with emotional concerns or worries. Using a mixture of group work, lectures and videos, the workshop discourages staff from ‘fixing’, and demonstrates how to work with the residents’ own ideas and solutions first.

Using a memorable structure, each 2 hour 45 minutes online workshop delivered via zoom reminds staff how to listen, and how to respond to distress in a way which empowers the resident or relative.

These FREE online workshops are delivered via Zoom for anyone working in health and social care.

Multiple dates AM and PM options – click here for further details and booking information

• NHSGGC Palliative Care Education and Training Calendar

Macmillan Cancer Support

Macmillan Enhanced Palliative & End of Life Care Learning & Development Toolkit.

Our Toolkit has been designed to offer a range of interactive, online modules, tools and resources to develop your knowledge and skills in palliative and end of life care. The toolkit offers flexible, self-paced learning that can be accessed when and where you need it. We have divided the content into 5 topic areas:

• Pain management in palliative and end of life care
• Other common palliative and end of life symptoms
• Communication in palliative and end of life care
• Palliative care emergencies
• Person-centred care at end of life

Who is the toolkit for?

The toolkit is aimed at health and social care professionals who regularly assess, manage and influence decision-making for people with life-limiting illness.

What level is the toolkit?

The toolkit is Enhanced Level. This means that it’s suitable for learners with existing knowledge and/or experience in palliative and end of life care who wish to develop their knowledge and skills further.

How do I navigate the toolkit?

Each topic contains a range of resources – including online modules, articles, videos and tools – to enhance your knowledge and skills. You can choose the topics and resources relevant to your role, interests and professional development and complete them in any order.

How do I access the toolkit?

The toolkit is hosted within the Palliative and End of Life Care Community in the Macmillan Learning Hub. If you are not already registered for the Learning Hub please click here to sign up for this free resource.

If you would like more information you can watch a short video that explains more about our learning hub and toolkit.

An online module to provide residential care home staff with the knowledge and skills to understand pressure ulcers – how they form, how they are treated and crucially, how they can be prevented.

Click here to access

RESTORE2 is a physical deterioration and escalation tool recommended in My Health, My Care, My Home Healthcare Framework for adults living in care homes by the Scottish Government.

The Care Home Collaborative can support the implementation of this tool in care homes across GGC.

Click here to access RESTORE2 resources including videos, charts and the rollout handbook.

If you are interested in using RESTORE2 in your care home, please join us at one of our training events listed below to find out more about RESTORE2 and how to implement it in your home.

RESTORE2 Mini can help your team to identify that a resident is deteriorating and to get help earlier, supporting the resident to remain at home.

RESTORE2 Mini is a shortened version of the full RESTORE2 tool and is ideal for introducing to residential homes (that are currently unable to take physical observations) to the concepts of soft signs and SBARD structured communication.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Learning about RESTORE2 Mini
2. Recognising ‘soft signs’
3. Knowing the person you care for
4. Structured communication and escalation

Click here to access RESTORE2Mini videos.

If you are interested in using RESTORE2Mini in your home, please join us at one of our training events listed below .

Do you want to make lasting changes within your care home? Let us help you make those changes by giving you the tools and knowledge to carry out Quality Improvement (QI) projects. The Scottish Improvement Foundation Skills Programme (SIFS), developed in partnership with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) covers the following topics:

• An introduction to the Model for Improvement

• How to understand and identify where changes can be made

• How to test and understand what difference your changes can make

The programme lasts 14 weeks and you will be asked to carry out a small project within your care home. You will take part in 3 in person learning days during the programme.

You will be assigned a Quality Improvement Advisor from the CHC team for support during the programme. If you are interested, please click on the link and complete the application form by 22 March 2024.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: ggc.chccontact@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

Care Home Collaborative

The Care Home Collaborative are providing full day training sessions focusing on the SSKINS Bundle on the prevention and management of pressure ulcers. With the input of a multi-agency team the session will consist of an in depth look at each element of SSKINS.

This training is aimed at nursing staff, carers, activity co-ordinators and managers working in care homes.

After the training the participants will receive a certificate of attendance that will count for 6 hours CPD.

At the end of the session participants should be able to:

1. Explain what SSKINS is
2. Identify residents that would be at risk of pressure ulcers
3. Carry out a thorough skin inspection
4. Recognise and grade the different grades of pressure ulcer
5. Understand the importance of pressure relieving equipment and how to care for it
6. Understand what we can do to keep our residents moving to prevent pressure ulcers developing or deteriorating
7. Ensure moisture and continence is managed appropriately to avoid/reduce risk of pressure ulcers
8. Recognise the importance of nutrition and hydration in pressure ulcer prevention

Please book online using the buttons below. Availability of places is dictated by the size of each venue.

A two-hour interactive learning opportunity for all care home staff to better understand how to help residents experiencing distress in dementia.

The Wound Care Study Day has been developed in response to care home colleagues’ requests for wound care information and updates. We worked in partnership with colleagues from each HSCP to develop a comprehensive wound care study day.

The training is suitable for registered nurses and care staff who have an existing competency in wound management within their role in the care home. It also counts towards Continuous Professional Develop (CPD).

The study day offers a full day combining presentations with hands on interactive sessions on the topics listed:

• Composition of the skin and its functions
• Introduction to wound assessment and definition of a wound
• Wound assessments – Practical session
• Wound management
• Healing and antimicrobial stewardship
• Treatment of wounds and case studies

Learning outcomes:

• Describe composition of the skin and its functions
• Define and assess a wound
• Carry out wound assessment
• Describe stages of wound healing and principles of antimicrobial stewardship

The training does not deem someone competent but provides an update and refresher on wound care and current formulary products.

Please book your place by clicking the link below.

Macmillan

Macmillan’s Social care community

The Social care community on Macmillan’s Learning Hub offers free training and education for staff working in adult social care. Develop your knowledge and skills in supporting people affected by cancer by learning about topics including:

• cancer awareness,
• communication skills,
• person-centred care,
• cancer and other conditions
• palliative and end of life care.

There is a wide range of resources in the community for you to explore, including interactive e-learning, virtual classrooms, articles and videos.

Who is it for?

This community is for staff working in adult social care who want to improve their understanding of cancer and skills in supporting people affected by cancer.

What level is it?

The community contains training and education at both Essential and Enhanced level.

How do I navigate the Community?

The training and education is organised into 5 topic areas. Each topic contains a range of resources (including e-learning modules, articles and videos) to enhance your knowledge and skills. You can choose the topics and resources relevant to your role, interests and professional development and complete them in any order.

How do I access the Community?

If you are not already registered on Macmillan’s Learning Hub, please click here to sign up for free

Once logged in, you can access the Social care community here

Turas Learn is a website for Health and Social Care staff that hosts a wide range of learning materials including eLearning modules and courses.

There are a wide range of educational resources which provide guidance and support to enhance your ongoing professional development.

You must be logged into your Turas Account to view and access eLearning modules Sign In

If you do not have a Turas account you can create one

Watch the short video to find out how to:

• Register for Turas Learn
• Sign in to find learning resources
• Find your Learning Record

Information for the public and professionals: Prehabilitation for Scotland – This website provides a range of information for both the public and professionals. Although this website talks mainly about cancer, much of this information is relevant to other conditions.

Pre-Operative Assessment – Information and resources on getting ready for surgery, FAQ’s information videos and information on different sites.

Realistic Medicine is about supporting people using healthcare services, and their families, to feel empowered to discuss their treatment. Realistic Medicine also promotes shared decision making and a personalised approach to care which are also values central to Prehab.

Holistic needs assessment (HNA) and care planning was first introduced by the National Cancer Survivorship Programme to help identify the concerns and needs of people living with cancer. The holistic needs assessment and care planning tool provides a useful framework for the basis of a person-centred discussion based on what matters to the person at that time.  Used with appropriate training, information and knowledge of available supports to meet needs, the tool facilitates the following:

• Identification of need / impact of wider determinants;
• Self management, self-care;
• Person-led care or goal-setting, health and wellbeing improvement;
• Social-prescribing, mitigating impact of poverty and life circumstances;
• Applied health improvement, developing the wider health improvement workforce, embedding health improvement in clinical care.

In recognition that many of the issues faced by people living with cancer are similar to those for people living with other life changing and/or deteriorating conditions, the Acute Health Improvement Team identified areas where this approach could be tested:

• Parent/Carers within Royal Hospital for Children
• People undergoing lower limb amputation at QEUH
• People attending Physical Disability Rehabilitation Unit at QEUH campus
• People attending for renal dialysis at IRH. 

The concerns in the cancer focused tool required review with clinical colleagues to tailor concerns to meet the needs of each of the different groups.  A monitoring and evaluation framework for the work was developed to ensure outcomes were captured. 

National Cancer Survivorship Initiative. Living with and beyond cancer: taking action to improve outcomes,

Department of Health,  2013   

In April 2017 tests of change were developed in adult acute services to determine how the HNA and care planning model works in adult hospital settings beyond cancer services.  As a result, three locations were chosen, reflecting patients who were experienced permanent changes to their lives as a result of health conditions or traumatic events:

• Renal Dialysis Unit, Inverclyde Royal Hospital,
• Physically Disabled Rehabilitation Unit (PDRU), Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow
• Ward 11A (lower limb amputees), Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow

Each location chosen was allocated a member of the health improvement team to liaise with them to facilitate the process in their location. This was in recognition of the fact that the implementation process was likely to be different in each location, reflecting the differing patient groups, nature of clinical interactions, and experience of conducting health behaviour change discussions in each clinical area.

The delivery model for implementing the Supporting People in Hospital approach varied amongst the three locations as follows:

• Nurse led – Renal Dialysis Unit
• Key worker led (both AHP’s and Nursing staff) – PDRU
• Health Improvement Led from Support & Information Service – Ward 11A (and Ward 11D). 

The HNA has been rolled out to further to Renal services at the QEUH with other areas planned. Over time, the completion of the tools has been incorporated into routine practice within these areas.

Below is a video clip of Katharine Montgomery, Staff Nurse, Renal Unit IRH talking about how the HNA has been implemented in their area.

 An initial evaluation on the HNA was completed in July 2017 and a learning event took place October 2017 where findings were disseminated. The evaluation found that:

The patients welcomed this approach:

• “It’s about helping me if I have anything that is worrying me”  
• “It gives me the chance to tell someone if I need help with things at home”.
• “It gave me the chance to talk to my family about how I felt and for them to tell me how they felt too”.

The staff welcomed this approach:

• “Our patients go out of here different to when they come in.  They usually come in mobile and leave in a wheelchair.  It’s a huge psychological as well as physical change and it affects every part of their lives.  Nothing is the same for them anymore and this is a great opportunity for them to talk to someone about more than just their medical condition”
• “Coming in here is a massive part of their weekly lives and they are exhausted.  We talk to them about how they feel physically but they have many other issues – particularly money, so this is a really good way of helping them deal with things which are affecting them and their families”

More information on current prehabilitation projects across NHSGGC coming soon.

The following pages have advice on the management of Long COVID and the symptoms and support for managing the condition.

• Long COVID Workbook – downloadable booklet about management of Long COVID from NHS Scotland
• NHS inform
• Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland – this charity has information and support groups for Long COVID
• NHS Greater Glasgow webpage – Long COVID advice
• Asthma + Lung UK – Long COVID advice
• Long COVID Physio – an international peer support, education and advocacy, patient-led association of Physiotherapists living with Long COVID and allies
• British Heart Foundation – Long COVID advice
• Visible – App based activity tracking for Long COVID.
• C19-YRS – Long COVID advice
• Long COVID Scotland – a volunteer-led charity run by people living with Long COVID on behalf of those living with Long COVID. Collectively advocate on employment and benefits, research and local and national policy.
• NHS England COVID Recovery – 4-5 minute videos giving practical advice to help you recover from COVID-19. You can use them as self-management guides.

Support groups

• Long COVID Support
• Long COVID kids

Fatigue is the most frequently reported symptom of Long COVID. There are some strategies which can help manage your energy – different ones work for different people. You may wish to try one at a time. The RCOT website has some practical ways to use the “5Ps” to manage your energy.

• Post viral-fatigue and conserving energy – Royal College of Occupational Therapy
• Activity diaries
  • Fatigue in long Covid: Using an activity diary to monitor your symptoms on Vimeo
  • Activity Diary
  • Simple Activity Diary (needs printed)
  • MS Word simple diary
  • Energy and Symptom Diary – highlights what activities impact on your symptoms
• Spoon theory
• Energy Envelope
• Introduction to fatigue in long COVID on Vimeo
• Understanding your fatigue on Vimeo

Sleep is important for replenishing energy levels and repairing the body. Many people with Long COVID feel that their ability to sleep and their sleep quality have got worse since COVID. The following pages help with advice and support to improve your sleep.

• Sleepio
• Sleep Foundation
• BetterSleep
• Wellbeing HUB – sleep
• Sleep Cycle

Brain fog is the term coined for those with memory and attention impairments. It is one of the most frequently reported symptoms of Long COVID and impacts on many daily activities. The following pages can give some helpful tips on how to manage these problems and ways to improve your memory and attention gradually.

• NHS inform
• Long COVID Physio – Cognitive Dysfunction
• Mindfulness Breathing exercise
• NHSGGC Mindfulness App

Breathlessness has been one of the main symptoms of Long COVID and is often not caused by any damage to the lungs or respiratory systems.

Many people with Long COVID do not have any abnormality shown on x-ray or CT, but have debilitating symptoms of breathlessness.

The following pages have exercises and advice to improve the efficiency of your breathing if you have “dysfunctional breathing” or a “breathing pattern disorder”.

The breathing exercises may also be helpful if you have been diagnosed with anxiety, asthma or COPD, as an adjunct to medical management. There are also sections on cough management.

• Physiotherapy for Breathing Pattern Disorders
• Breathing Physio
• Scottish Opera Breath Cycle II (Long COVID)
• Calm App
• Borg Score

Your mental health is as important as your physical health – while you are recovering from COVID or living with the ongoing symptoms, it is understandable that many people feel a decline in their mental health.

It is important to address these issues to prevent worsening, and there are many ways to self-manage milder symptoms.

If your symptoms are worsening or you no longer feel that you can keep yourself or others safe, then please contact your GP or call NHS24 on 111 or 999 depending on the severity.

• NHS – 5 steps to mental wellbeing
• Stress Management Society
• Wellbeing services – South Glasgow – web links and virtual groups for various aspects of mental health for those with GPs in the South of Glasgow
• Wellbeing Scotland
• Meditation and Sleep Made Simple – Headspace
• Breathing Space Scotland – a free, confidential, phone and webchat service for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.
• Lifelink – can offer support to anyone who is struggling to cope with everyday stress or is feeling anxious or depressed. 1:1 counselling available and a Glasgow based service.
• Samaritans – for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. This is for if you are in crisis or to prevent a crisis.
• Daylight – clinically proven digital treatment that uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to help people gain control over their anxiety.
• Shereen’s Story – Mental Health Foundation – Shereen’s story of her experience of Long COVID

Those with Long COVID often struggle to return to work, study or unpaid work. The following webpages offer support and advice about how to plan your return to work, what to do if you have not been treated fairly by your employer and where to turn if you are exiting work or seeking new employment.

• ACAS – free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice
• Access to Work – Government based agency offering support to those with a disability
• Jobcentre – Support and advice on benefits and employability
• Action for ME – a useful leaflet with advise and working examples for returning and remaining at work.
• The Advocacy Project – human rights based organisation that supports people to have their voices heard and be empowered to be involved in decisions that affect their lives
• The Federation of Small Businesses – for those self employed or running smaller businesses – advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice heard in government
• Govan Law Centre – a free legal resource – a charity challenging poverty, discrimination and disadvantage. They specialise in housing, landlord and tenant, homelessness, welfare rights, money advice, social services, consumer and debt
• Wellness Action Plan (MIND) – an example of a plan which can be useful for maintaining or returning to work.

People living with Long term conditions often need to reduce their working hours or stop working to manage their condition. This may inevitably have an impact on their finances. The following pages may be able to help and guide you to money management or signpost you to grant or benefits to help.

• Support and Information Services (NHSGGC) – a service within the NHSGGC who can advise on financial, social, educational, lifestyle issues and support groups and guiding through the complaints process.
• Citizens Advice Scotland – help for benefits, debt and money, housing, work, family, law and courts and immigration for those living in Scotland.
• Money Matters – a Welfare Rights Service, financial capability service based in Glasgow.

Some people with Long COVID have been experiencing palpitations – a sensation of fast or inconsistent heart beats in their chests or dizziness. In some cases this is cardiac related, but many have been medically assessed and the symptom is not due to any damage to the heart.

If you have this symptom and cardiac cause has been ruled out then this may be classed as dysautonomia. This is a condition which many people have and can be managed with the right advice and treatment.

• Dysautononomia Support
• PoTS-UK
• Standing Up To PoTS
• NHS Page for PoTS
• Stop Fainting

With Long COVID, you may find that you struggle with the minimal amount of activity due to fatigue.

If you are at a level where you can manage your activities of daily living without a set back in your symptoms then you may be ready to consider gradually introducing some additional activities.

Please ensure you are not pushing beyond what your energy levels are tolerating and allow for at least 3 days after introducing a new activity before repeating or progressing, especially if you have Post exertional Symptom Exacerbation (PESE, also known as PEM). .

Consider what you have planned before and after the new activity and ensure you are using a paced approach (see fatigue section regarding the 5Ps).

Please stop or reduce what you are doing if your symptoms are worsening and re-evaluate if you are ready to be more active.

The following links will provide you with some ideas for introducing a new activity or exercise:

• Live Active is a service which is available in the NHSGGC council areas. Your GP or an NHS clinician can refer you. There are Live Active advisors who help you build the confidence you need to make positive lifestyle changes. They will personalise their support to make sure it meets your needs. With one-to-one catch-ups and supported activity sessions. These sessions can be based at your local council gyms for those who live within NHSGGC. The vitality classes may be a good starting point for those struggling with finding a starting point for exercise with Long COVID:
  • Live Active Glasgow
  • Live Active Inverclyde
  • Live Active East Renfrewshire
  • Live Active Renfrewshire
  • Live Active East Dunbartonshire
  • Live Active West Dunbartonshire
• The Scottish Ballet Long COVID programme helps posture, alignment and body confidence and its creative elements address your whole being
• NHS Sitting exercises
• NHS Pilates – a series of introductory Pilates exercises
• Suzy Bolt Long COVID Yoga – videos of meditations, educational sessions and Yoga based gentle exercise
• Glasgow Walking groups

The following pages will signpost you to 3rd sector agencies for ongoing support of your long term condition

• WRAP – wellness action plan, an example of a plan which can be useful for maintaining or returning to work.
• MAP

For reduced or loss of sense of smell there are charities which support and sell packs to rehabilitate the sense of smell

• Abscent
• Fifth Sense

• For people with noise sensitivity after COVID, many have found that noise Reducing earplus like Loop helpful.
• Visual decline – please refer to your local opticians
• Visual sensitivity – some have found that wearing coloured glasses lenses relieving, or wearing a cap to be helpful to shade the light from above.

These pages have adapted fatigue strategies for those who are neurodivergent (eg – Autism or ADHD).

• The Neurodivergent Spoon Theory is a helpful tool which has adapted the Spoon Theory for those who are neurodivergent
• How to Use Pacing Systems — Insights of a Neurodivergent Clinician (neurodivergentinsights.com)

Direct referrals will be accepted from GPs, Specialty Consultants and AHPs

GPs please refer via SCI.

AHPs and consultants can refer using this document if there is no access to SCI gateway:

Please ensure that patients meet the criteria:

Inclusion criteria

• 12 weeks symptoms persist following initial confirmed (PCR or LFT) or probable COVID-19 (decision made on best clinical judgement).
• Patients who had a prolonged hospital stay due to COVID-19.
• Patients who did not require hospital admission but have persistent or new COVID-19 symptoms 12 weeks post initial infection.
• Patients with ongoing respiratory, neurological, functional, psychological or cognitive issues caused by COVID-19 disease 12 weeks post initial infection
• Any other possible reasons for symptoms have been appropriately investigated

Exclusion criteria

• Symptoms lasting less than 12 weeks.
• Patients with suspected or confirmed active COVID-19.
• Other medical conditions that may present with similar symptoms i.e. symptoms that are not Long COVID.
• Patients with co-existent active cancer that would be best managed by the cancer pathway.
• Patients with severe frailty.
• Patients in the end of life period.
• Patients with palliative care needs.
• Patients who are in mental health crisis.
• Patients living outside NHSGGC boundary

May be discussed

• Patient is resident in a nursing home.
• Ongoing medical investigations for other conditions.
• Patient is receiving long term oxygen therapy.
• Patients needs are being met elsewhere (eg community respiratory team).

Please speak to your GP if you think this service could help you.

If you meet the criteria then your GP can refer you directly and you will receive a questionnaire by text, email or by post to complete once you reach the top of the waiting list.

Please read the following before attending for the first time:

• https://www.nhsggc.scot/downloads/long-covid-appointment-pre-reading/
• https://www.nhsggc.scot/downloads/attend-anywhere-leaflet/

Below you will find presentations and resources relating to the Long COVID group sessions.

The “notes” section of the PowerPoint presentations has a script for each session.

Session 1 – Introduction

Session 2 – Post COVID Dysautonomia

Session 3 – Fatigue (Part 1)

• Energy and Symptom diary
• Living in your Energy Envelope tool

Session 4 – The Breath

Session 5 – Brain Fog

Session 6 – Fatigue (Part 2) and Sleep

Session 7 – Wellbeing

• Links for Support

Session 8 – Planning for the Future

• Workplace Adjustment Passport
• Return to Work Problem Solving Template
• Self Management Toolbox