NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

20/02/2026

Feedback Friday!

This week we're celebrating staff within Ophthalmology services across NHSGGC.

Here is some of the feedback we've received from patients and relatives, showcasing the excellent care staff have provided.

If you would like to share your story with us, you can do so through the Care Opinion website - https://www.careopinion.org.uk/

19/02/2026

Do you receive lidocaine patches from your GP? If so, we have some important advice for you.

If you receive a prescription for these patches - more commonly known by names such as Ralvo or Versatis - please contact your GP practice pharmacy team to discuss if your prescription is still right for you.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4tIFeqH

18/02/2026

At the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, the Housing Clinic plays a vital role in supporting patients as they plan for their move back into the community.

The clinic works with people early in their recovery to help identify suitable housing, reduce uncertainty, and remove one of the biggest barriers to discharge - unsuitable accommodation.

By partnering with Housing Options Scotland, the team can navigate complex housing needs much more quickly, easing pressure on both patients and their families.

In this video, hear from Eve Young, Senior Housing Options Broker at the charity, about how this support is making a difference, and from a patient who has experienced the life‑changing impact of the clinic’s guidance.

You can also read more about the service here: https://www.nhsggc.scot/housing-clinic-for-spinal-patients-shortlisted-for-national-award/

18/02/2026

Helping loved ones get home sooner with Home for Lunch 🍽️💙

We’re asking patients, families, carers and friends to help support earlier discharges so more people across NHSGGC can get Home for Lunch.

Leaving hospital before noon means patients can return home sooner, avoid unnecessary delays, and support the smooth running of our health system so others can receive care quickly.

How you can help a loved one prepare:

• Share any discharge concerns with the ward team
• Arrange transport in advance
• Bring appropriate clothes for going home
• Know where the discharge lounge is (where available)
• Ensure they have access to their home
• Prepare essentials such as food and heating
• Consider arranging a Power of Attorney for healthcare matters

Early discharge has important health benefits, especially for older people, and helps free up hospital capacity for those who need it most.

Learn more: nhsggc.scot/homeforlunch
POA info: https://www.nhsggc.scot/your-health/planning-for-care/planning-your-care/power-of-attorney/

17/02/2026

If you have diabetes and are planning on fasting during Ramadan, visit our Type 2 Diabetes Hub for links to the latest advice and guidance to help keep you safe and healthy during this time.

Head to: https://www.nhsggc.scot/your-health/type-2-diabetes-hub/ and look for the Ramadan and Diabetes tab.

17/02/2026

Following a successful eight-week pilot with Dogs for Good - UK, stroke patients at Inverclyde Royal Hospital’s Larkfield Unit are benefiting from regular visits from Marcia and new recruit Ludo.

Working with patients, the dogs support physio and occupational therapy rehab through tasks such as stepping, brushing, and ball-throwing.

Staff say faces “light up” when the dogs arrive, with patients more engaged and confident in their exercises 🐶

16/02/2026

🚩 Ramadan and Diabetic Eye Screening Information 🚩

Ramadan is expected to start on the evening of Tues 17th February and end on Wed 18th March (dates may vary).

Fasting during Ramadan is not recommended if it poses a serious risk to your health such as those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, the frail or elderly, or if you have an acute health condition such as a sickness bug or chronic health condition such as diabetes with severe retinopathy or severe kidney disease.

Monitoring blood glucose levels more closely is advised as fasting can risk hypoglycaemia (too low) below 4.0 mmol/L or diabetic ketoacidosis (too high) above 16.6 mmol/L. If this happens the fast must be broken.

Discussing fasting with your GP is advised prior to starting in relation to any medication changes such as reducing insulin or changing the times they are taken, and again after finishing the fast to ensure there haven’t been any complications.

Dilating eye drops which may be used during screening will not break a fast.

If you would prefer to rearrange or postpone your appointment, please contact the screening team on 0141 451 5424.

15/02/2026

Two senior clinicians from the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre have helped transform breast cancer care for women in Gaza.

Advanced Nurse Practitioner Gerry O’Hare and Consultant Clinical Oncologist Dr Abdulla Alhasso have spent years working alongside Palestinian colleagues to establish the region’s first dedicated breast cancer service, introduce multidisciplinary care, and support training opportunities both locally and in Scotland.

Their long‑term humanitarian commitment was recently recognised with the Global Citizenship Award at NHSGGC’s Celebrating Success Excellence Awards.

Read more here: https://www.nhsggc.scot/beatson-clinicians-share-breast-cancer-care-collaboration-in-gaza/

14/02/2026

A pioneering augmented reality project developed by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde-hosted West of Scotland Innovation Hub and The Glasgow School of Art has been shortlisted for a national innovation award.

The collaboration, led by Professor Steven Lo from the Canniesburn Plastic Surgery Unit and Professor Paul Chapman from GSA, has been named a finalist in the Research and Innovation in Digital Health and Social Care category at this year’s Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards.

The team’s work includes the world‑first CLEAR programme, which helps families understand cleft lip surgery through fully visual, augmented‑reality guidance. A specially designed leaflet can be scanned with a smartphone or tablet, revealing lifelike 3D models that walk families through each stage of the surgical process. The technology aims to reduce anxiety and improve confidence ahead of a child’s operation.

The project also includes a new Breast Care augmented reality app to support patients preparing for breast reconstruction surgery following cancer treatment. Both innovations were co‑developed by the West of Scotland Innovation Hub and GSA, with support from Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and the Beatson Cancer Charity.

Read more here: https://www.nhsggc.scot/nhsggc-and-gsa-augmented-reality-project-shortlisted-for-national-innovation-award/

13/02/2026

For more information on feeding support and recalls visit https://www.nhsggc.scot/infant-milk-product-recalls/

We understand that recent infant formula recalls may be causing worry for parents and carers. Our information page explains which products are affected and what you should do.

Batches from brands including Aptamil, Cow & Gate and SMA have been recalled. If you have formula at home, check the batch code as affected products may still be in your cupboard.

If you have an affected batch:

- Stop using it
- Return it to the store for a replacement
- You can switch to another batch or brand
- If formula was prescribed, speak to a pharmacist or doctor first

For a full list of affected batches and more information on infant formula recalls: https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/infant-formula-recalls

13/02/2026

Our specialist neuropathy clinic at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital has been named Scotland’s first Centre of Excellence by the Charcot‑Marie‑Tooth Association.

The accreditation recognises the high standard of care delivered by our multidisciplinary team, led by Consultant Neurologist and Neuropathy Lead Dr Katie Brennan. The service supports people living with Charcot‑Marie‑Tooth disease through expert neurology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, genetic counselling, orthotics, surgical consultations and wider social support.

By joining the CMTA’s international network of Centres of Excellence, the QEUH is now formally recognised as a hub for specialist care and research, helping ensure patients can access expert clinicians, clear guidance on managing their condition, and the latest developments in treatment.

Read more: https://www.nhsggc.scot/nhs-greater-glasgow-and-clyde-inherited-nerve-condition-clinic-named-scotlands-first-centre-of-excellence/