Latest news with #NHSGGC
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
NHS health board admits 'no competence' in later abortion care
The revelation comes after an FOI request asking them to provide the number of staff trained up to the legal limit caused the health board to contradict itself amongst two teams. The FOI response from NHS GGC to The Herald in May showed there are currently 40 staff trained to provide the care in the health board up to the gestational legal limit. However, this month, their communications team said this was a "mistake". In the FOI, The Herald asked the board to reveal 'the number of staff members trained to provide abortion care up to the legal limit.' The [[Freedom of Information]] team responded: 'QEUH [Queen Elizabeth University Hospital] 20, RAH [Royal Alexandra Hospital] 20'. Asked for a comment on these figures, NHS GGC communications team told The Herald: 'There was a mistake with the FOI. "It said that 20 members of staff at the QEUH and the RAH could provide abortion care up to the legal limit. 'To clarify, as per our previous response, NHS GGC offers termination of pregnancy for all up to 20 weeks of gestation. 'We are aware discussions are ongoing at a national level with the Scottish Government about abortion care. We recommend reaching out to them for comment.' READ MORE: No qualified surgeons on panel to advise Scottish Government Minister criticised for backtracking on abortion care comments Labour MP calls for Scotland to decriminalise abortion When asked on several occasions to provide an amended figure, they later told The Herald: "We only carry out procedures up to 20 weeks. Consequently, the staff do not have the practical competence or experience required for cases beyond 20 weeks." However, asked for clarity on the staffing figures, a Freedom of Information Officer for the health board said the numbers provided in the FOI response were correct. A Freedom of Information Officer said: "In response to your query, we can confirm that the numbers provided relate to the total number of staff." Yet, on Wednesday this week, the FOI team re-iterated the statement from NHS GGC, stating there is no "practical competence or experience required for cases beyond 20 weeks'. In May this year, The Herald was informed that there are two fully qualified surgeons who can provide the care up to the legal limit. The admission and confusion comes as, across Scotland, one woman every four days is forced to travel down to England for an abortion they cannot be provided for in Scotland. Currently, no health board here is able to provide the care up to the legal limit, unless under exceptional circumstances. Exceptional circumstances include when a woman has a foetal anomaly but they do not cover 'ground C' cases such as 'social reasons' which can also include rape victims. NHS GGC has said their pregnancy termination services are delivered "in line with the national position" and the care they provide "in all cases" is "informed by clinical need." The Herald understands 65 women were sent to England by the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board in the last 5 years. In the same period, approximately 20 women are believed to have paid privately for the care and made the journey down south. Across Scotland, in 2024, there were 88 women from Scotland treated by the charity British Pregnancy Advisory Service at abortion clinics in England, up from 67 the year before. The Scottish Government's 2021 Women's Health Plan had an aim that 'all women will have a choice about how and where they access abortion care'. During their conference in 2022, the SNP committed to ensuring abortion services are available up to the legal limit of 24 weeks for all patients. The British Pregnancy Advisory Service has called on the Scottish Government to establish a national facility to provide the care. Ministers have set up a Task and Finish Group to ensure "equitable access" to abortion services up to the legal gestational limit within Scotland, "as soon as possible." Public Health Minister Jenni Minto has said she has written to the chair of the group urging them to report back within six months and provide 'an expert view' on establishing a later stage abortion service in Scotland. Jenni Minto (Image: Scottish Government) The Scottish Government has also committed to pay for training for any clinician who wishes to provide later stage abortions. Public Health Minister Ms Minto said: 'I empathise with all women who must travel to access abortion services. Together with NHS Boards and other key partners we are working to support women and establish equitable access to abortion services up to the legal gestational limit, as soon as possible.
Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
NHSGGC encourage Glasgow families to keep children active
The health board is working with partners to highlight a range of free and low-cost activities across the region, designed to help children stay physically and mentally stimulated during the holidays. Anna Baxendale, head of health improvement at NHSGGC, said: "Physical activity is vital for children's mental wellbeing, cognitive development, and physical health. "Children who are active from a young age are more likely to maintain healthy habits into adulthood. "Active play, especially when it's fun, social, and self-directed, is the most common and effective form of exercise for children outside of school." Read more: Nurses in Glasgow could go on strike over pay dispute (Image: Supplied) (Image: Supplied) NHSGGC recognises that keeping children active throughout the summer can be challenging, especially for families facing financial pressures or juggling multiple children. The health board is sharing details of organised activities in communities, as well as ideas for active play that can be enjoyed at home. Anna said: "Our aim is to support families in finding free or low-cost ways to keep active in the summer months and beyond by sharing with them organised activities in their local area and creative, cost-free ideas that they can adopt for active play at home. "We are grateful to our partners and local authorities for creating and hosting these events, as well as developing at-home resources." NHSGGC is signposting families to resources that promote active play, including Play Scotland, Parent Club, and the HENRY programme. The HENRY programme, delivered in partnership with Early Years Scotland (EYS) and PEEK (Possibilities for Each and Every Kid), is designed to bring practical support directly into communities. This summer, EYS is running free Step Into Summer sessions across the region, featuring sensory play, arts and crafts, and outdoor activities. Read more: Project to explore viability of self-driving bus service in Glasgow PEEK will also host a Play Day on July 30 at Crownpoint Sports Complex, offering go-karting, crafts, outdoor games, and a silent disco. NHSGGC also works with local authority leisure providers offering holiday programmes, free play sessions, and discounted court hire. Families in Glasgow can take advantage of Glasgow Life's Summer of Fun, which includes free family swimming, sports camps, and games sessions at local sports centres. Further details about NHSGGC programmes, including Thrive Under Five and HENRY, are available on the Child and Young Persons' Healthy Weight section of the NHSGGC website.
STV News
22-07-2025
- Health
- STV News
Catalogue of failures led to morphine underdoses at children's hospital
Review finds catalogue of failures led to morphine underdoses at Scotland's largest children's cardiac ward Seven children were given a tenth of the pain relief they should have during open heart surgery at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde found that overworked and fatigued staff at the hospital missed vital checks The children were administered 1mg/ml of morphine – when they should've received 10mg/ml The underdoses affected seven operations over six days within a single theatre between June 13 and 24 last year A catalogue of failures led to morphine underdoses at Scotland's largest children's cardiac ward. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) found in a review that overworked and fatigued staff at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow missed vital checks. It comes just months after STV News revealed that seven children were given a tenth of the pain relief they should have been after undergoing open-heart surgery last summer. The children were administered 1mg/ml of morphine – when they should've received 10mg/ml – raising questions from their families about the hospital's protocols and checks. The underdoses affected seven operations over six days within a single theatre between June 13 and 24 last year. STV News The errors were not discovered until nearly a month later, on July 6. A Significant Adverse Event Review (SAER) by NHSGGC has now found that checks were missed and that staff were overworked and overtired during shifts. The report, seen by STV News, also found the hospital's medication stocking software was not user-friendly, causing the wrong concentration of morphine to be logged. Initially, the error occurred when the wrong vials of morphine were delivered to the pharmacy. Instead of 10mg/ml, the delivery contained vials of morphine at a 1mg/ml concentration. The report revealed that this was not an isolated event, and the same delivery had also been made to some of the hospital's satellite sites within Adult Services. This was identified early, and the incorrect vials were not used. But on the paediatric cardiac ward, the vials were delivered to operating theatres and used on seven children between June 13 and June 24, 2024. The report found that staff in the ward's theatre 8 'assumed' the delivery matched the ordered strength of morphine. It stated: 'Despite the controlled drugs cupboard being checked twice a day, the incorrect morphine vials were used on patients without being noticed by many members of staff, who assumed the dose and strength were correct due to the historical and single use of 10mg/ml.' NHSGGC's guidance requires 'independent two person checks' before controlled drugs are administered 'at all times with children under the age of 16'. But the inquiry discovered another failure: fatigued medical staff made 'assumptions' that the medication was correct and missed those crucial checks. Other issues included a new logging system that was unfamiliar to staff. Another was the lighting and layout of the controlled drugs room at the hospital's pharmacy, which staff said made it difficult to carry out their checks. STV News spoke to three of the families affected by the incident and the reaction was unanimous – they're disappointed and feel like the review raises more questions than it answers. Ellie McAdam, mum to three-year-old Theo, said she felt the report was a 'half-hearted acknowledgement of not following policy, but it falls short of real accountability'. STV News She added: 'Instead of a sincere admission, it's filled with justifications and excuses that undermine the seriousness of the issue. 'Theo is doing well at the moment, but the knowledge that we will be back for more surgery and we do not trust the professionals to carry out their role properly causes a lot of anxiety.' Two-year-old Kai Campbell's mum Shelby shared those sentiments, adding that she was 'shocked' as the report 'was just full of so many excuses'. Coral Gilchrist, whose daughter Charlotte is believed to be the youngest patient to be affected at just 11 weeks old, told STV News: 'There are so many errors that could have easily been prevented if the correct procedures were followed. 'Only time will tell if they will make a difference. The right training and awareness can be given to everyone, but unless it is put into practice, it will make no difference.' NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde apologised and said families have been invited to meet with members of the review team to discuss their concerns. 'We know the care these patients received fell below the standard expected and we are sorry,' a spokesperson for the health board said. 'Both human and systems factors played a role in this incident, and we are committed to ensuring that lessons are learned from this extensive review, which was carried out with the involvement of pharmacy, nursing, and medical staff, as well as an individual panel member providing expert opinion.' NHSGGC said it began implementing the report's five recommendations as soon as the error was identified. 'It includes recommendations around staff training, the physical environment and stock management system, which are designed to ensure any incident of this nature is prevented from happening again,' the board said. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
21-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Trade union concerned as Paisley hospital ward closure remains under review
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) revealed last year that it wanted to close ward 36 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and reallocate the resources into the new Hospital at Home service. The Hospital at Home service will be treating 20 people per day by the end of the year, NHS chiefs have confirmed. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) revealed last year that it wanted to close ward 36 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and reallocate the resources into the new Hospital at Home service. In a statement to the Paisley Daily Express, the health board said the team had delivered hospital-grade care to 18 people in Renfrewshire since launching last month while the number of people within ward 36 continues to fall. The 22-bed ward, which sits outwith the main hospital building – usually cares for older people on delayed discharge. NHSGGC said its future remains 'under review'. But trade union representatives at the Paisley hospital say they are very concerned that the closure of ward 36 would force the frail and elderly into other acute medical settings. A spokesperson for Unison told the Paisley Daily Express that busy medical wards are no place for the frail and sometimes confused patients who can reside in ward 36 for weeks at a time. They said: 'We remain very concerned that should ward 36 close, there would be no suitable place for frail patients who may be waiting on a care home place, or our code 9 patients, whose guardianship and care lies with the courts. This can take many months to resolve. 'Added to that, should these patients be relocated to the main hospital building, they will be taking up beds desperately needed by very sick people. 'While Hospital at Home is a highly valuable service, it is no substitute to the caring and compassionate environment ward 36 provides some of our most vulnerable people. It should run in conjunction with ward 36, not instead of it.' They added: 'We would also want a reassurance that the funding for Hospital at Home will be maintained at a sufficient level for the long term.' NHSGGC first revealed in October 2024 that it wanted to launch Hospital at Home and put an initial closing date on ward 36 for March of this year. A spokesperson for the health board said: 'The Hospital at Home test of change went live in Renfrewshire in June and will continue to be stepped up between now and the end of the year, when it is anticipated it will be providing between 15 and 20 'beds'. 'Ward 36 at the RAH will remain under review as Hospital at Home reduces the need for inpatient care, and as delayed discharges decrease. The ward remains open to admissions, with beds primarily used for patients experiencing delayed discharge. 'Renfrewshire HSCP continues to perform well in this area resulting in reduced demand for the beds in this ward.' The news comes as the Scottish Government confirmed it was providing additional funding to expand Hospital at Home across the country. Minsters say they want to create the equivalent of 2,000 'beds' in the community by the end of 2026, backing the programme with £85 million.
Glasgow Times
10-07-2025
- Climate
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow placed under 'extreme' wildfire warning this weekend
The alert, which runs from Friday, July 11 to Monday July 14, covers central and eastern parts of the country and is expected to extend more widely. The SFRS has issued the warning due to an increased risk of wildfires, particularly in rural and remote areas. READ MORE: Car torched on residential street as fire crews tackle 'wilful fire' The warning comes just as the TRNSMT festival is set to take over the city this weekend. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has issued advice to festivalgoers, urging them to protect themselves from the sun, stay well hydrated, and look out for one another. The health board highlighted that sunburn, food poisoning, and insect bites or stings are among the most common health concerns during warmer weather. READ MORE: Youth charged after being caught with 'weapon' in local park Raymond King, Group Commander and Wildfire Tactical Advisor at SFRS, said: "We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame. "Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage. "Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland, and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires - as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities. "These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment, and the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. "Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code." READ MORE: Manhunt launched after 'violent attack' left teen in hospital The SFRS is asking anyone living in or visiting rural areas to take extra care, especially with items that could easily ignite a fire. Wildfires can burn for days, destroy large areas of land and wildlife, and pose serious risks to nearby communities. The warning does not currently apply to low-lying areas with green grass, but the SFRS is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with the Scottish Wildfire Forum. The fire service is urging the public to remain vigilant, report any signs of fire immediately, and avoid behaviours that could contribute to a wildfire during this high-risk period.
