Introduction

We hope you enjoy this section and find lots of useful and beneficial material here. We have tried to cover as many different subjects as possible. We are always happy to receive feedback so please let us know if there is anything you would like us to add to this page.

Adult Brachial Plexus Clinic

Most of the Adult Brachial Plexus Clinics take place once a month on a Monday afternoon at the New Victoria Hospital in Glasgow. This clinic usually begins at 13:30 and finishes around 16:45.

What will happen at the clinic?

You will meet different members of the team including consultants Mr Hems, Professor Hart and Mr Little, the clinical nurse specialist, the physiotherapist and the occupational therapist. As the New Victoria Hospital is a training hospital there may also be other clinicians or students at your clinic appointment.

The clinic runs all afternoon and you may be there for some time (between 1 to 2 hours). You will usually have an examination of your upper limb involving movement and measurements. As you will need to remove your upper clothing we suggest you wear a sleeveless top or T-shirt underneath.

You may also be asked to fill in some assessment forms which deal with different issues e.g. everyday activities, any pain or anxieties, work, hobbies etc.

Family members are welcome to accompany you in the clinic room if you wish.

You will have the opportunity to arrange follow up visits with the clinical nurse specialist to privately discuss any other issues or concerns you have.

What if I have questions to ask?

We encourage questions from all patients and families and will do our best to provide clear and honest answers. If you forget to ask something at the clinic then contact the appropriate team member by phone or e-mail and we will try to help.

Lots more information is available on this website and we encourage your views and input to this site. Stories and pictures are welcome!

What happens after the clinic?

A letter will be sent to your referring doctor and your GP giving the details of your appointment, examination and plans for ongoing care. If you require physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counselling or any other care this will be arranged by the appropriate member of the clinical team.

Questions, Suggestions and Complaints

If you have any queries, suggestions or problems in relation to the brachial plexus service you can contact the service administrator:-

by email at: ggc.brachial.plexus@nhs.scot

by telephone on: 0141 347 8916

or by post at:

Brachial Plexus Injury Service
REH030
New Victoria Hospital
Grange Road
GLASGOW
G42 9LF

NHS Complaints Department (Greater Glasgow & Clyde)

You can also contact the Complaints Department at NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde:-

by email at: complaints@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

by telephone on: 0141 201 4500

visit their website at https://www.nhsggc.scot/contact-us/complaints

or by post:

Complaints Department
North East Sector Offices
Stobhill Hospital
300 Balgrayhill Road
GLASGOW
G21 3UR

Aberdeen Outreach Clinic

An outreach clinic is held twice a year, usually on a Friday, at Woodend Hospital in Aberdeen. This clinic is for both adult and child patients. It begins at 11:00 and finishes at 15:00. We try to see children at the start of the clinic. An appointment letter is sent to you from the Outpatient Department at Woodend Hospital. Please get in touch with us at the New Victoria Hospital in Glasgow if you encounter any problems receiving your appointment letter or if you need further directions.

Therapist and Nurse-Led Clinic (TNL)

Reason for this clinic

All patients are seen initially at the consultant-led clinic where the full team are present as described above. Not all patients require to be seen by a doctor as their needs are not medical or surgical and they can be assessed and managed by other members of the team (nurse, physiotherapist and occupational therapist).

How this clinic works

You will be examined as normal by a member of the therapy team, if necessary, just like previous appointments, and given the opportunity to discuss your condition. These appointments are longer (approximately 20 to 30 minutes) and fewer people are booked into this clinic.

How you can prepare for the clinic

• Arrive a few minutes prior to the time of the appointment.
• Dress appropriately for your arm to be examined.
• Think what you may like to ask the clinicians about your condition and care. Bring your questions noted down.
• Bring a list of any medications that you are taking as a review may be required.

If you have any queries about this clinic please either email the Service Administrator or telephone 0141 347 8916.

Driving Assessment

When you suffer a brachial plexus injury it usually affects your driving ability. We can refer you for an appointment to have your driving assessed. This usually takes place in Edinburgh, at the Astley Ainslie Hospital. Please see our Driving Information Sheet for more details.

Brachial Plexus Injury and Driving

The DVLA have a webpage for drivers who have a Brachial Plexus Injury:-

https://www.gov.uk/brachial-plexus-and-driving

Contact the DVLA

It is essential that you inform the DVLA of your injury before you consider returning to driving.

For DVLA drivers’ medical enquiries telephone: 0300 790 6806
Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm
Saturdays, 8am to 2pm

or visit https://www.gov.uk/contact-the-dvla/y/driving-and-medical-issues

Further Information on Driving

The Adult Occupational Therapist also has a contact list for having car adaptations carried out.

Useful Web Pages

• www.gov.uk/government/organisations/driver-and-vehicle-licensing-agency
• www.gov.uk/health-conditions-and-driving

What is Clinical Neurophysiology?

Clinical Neurophysiology is a diagnostic speciality which involves recording electrical signals from various parts of the nervous system. The Institute of Neurological Sciences in Glasgow receives referrals from a wide range of medical services. The tests they do are used to help diagnose epilepsy, nerve and muscle illnesses. The tests which they carry out are most commonly known as EEG, EMG and EP.

Pain Management within NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde

Information and resources relating to pain management for patients can be found at the web page below:-

www.nhsggc.scot/hospitals-services/services-a-to-z/chronic-pain/information-and-resources-for-patients/

Although this is an NHS GG&C site, it contains useful information relevant to patients from any area.

Pain Management within the Brachial Plexus Service

Queries relating to Pain Management for the Brachial Plexus Injury Service can be addressed to the Clinical Nurse Specialist.