Services

The Neurology Specialist Nursing Service

The service provides specialist nursing to those with neurological conditions. Patients are referred to the service by their Consultant Neurologist, only once a confirmed diagnosis has been made.

A named carer can also contact the service, but only with consent from the patient. The service will work with you, and the people who care for you, to ensure that you receive the best care at the right time. The type of help that will best suit you and your family and carers will vary, depending on the stage of your condition and what you and your family/ carers need and want.

As well as the Neurology Specialist Nursing Service, people with a neurological condition are also cared for by a team of people which can include a range of specialists. This may include neurologists, your GP, community and hospital nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech & Language Therapists, Dieticians, Social Services, and members of community and voluntary organisations.

People who have a long term condition often stay well for longer if they feel that they are in the driving seat. This means giving you choices so you can work together with professionals to manage your condition.

The Neurology Specialist Nursing Service, in conjunction with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, will:

• help you and your family to understand your diagnosis and what it will mean to your life.
• help you and your family learn about your condition and understand how to manage your symptoms.
• help you to maintain your independence.
• ensure that everyone who needs to know about your condition understands how it affects you.
• discuss care options with you and act as co-ordinator where several agencies will be involved in your care.

TARGET GROUP:

People with a diagnosis of a neurological condition.

SERVICES OFFERED:

We offer:

• the provision of care, information, support and advice to people with a neurological condition and their families and carers, in conjunction with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
• to promote a greater understanding of neurological conditions, in conjunction with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
• to offer a person-centred approach to people diagnosed with a neurological conditions, in conjunction with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
• telemedicine consultations with a neurologist.

In addition, the NHS Western Isles Community Equipment Service, operated by the Occupational Therapy team, provides and uplifts equipment on behalf of health and social care professionals in the Western Isles. A referral to the service can be obtained from your health and social care professional.  For further information click here.

LOCATION:

Clinics can be offered at:

• Western Isles Hospital
• Uist & Barra Hospital
• St. Brendan's Hospital

We also offer home visits.

REFERRAL METHOD:

Referrals are accepted for patients who have a confirmed diagnosis from their Neurologist or GP.

NEUROLOGICAL CONDITION REFERRALS

There are a wide range of Neurological conditions that NHS Western Isles refers patients to our partners in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, this includes:

• Headache
• Motor Neurone Disease
• Myasthenia Gravis
• Neuromusular Disorders
• Neuro-Ophthalmology
• Neuropsychology 
• Peripheral Neuropathy.

The NHS Western Isles Neurology Specialist Nursing Service works in partnership with the Neurology Team at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and via the NHS Western Isles Managed Clinical Network with local colleagues including pharmacists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, dieticians, occupational therapists and radiologists.

Attending your appointment

If you are referred for an appointment, either at NHS Western Isles or at NHS Greater Glasgow Clyde, please follow the directions stated on your appointment letter.  If you experience any issues, or need to change or cancel, please contact the telephone number on your appointment letter as soon as possible.

You should read your appointment letter carefully, as it may contain instructions for you to prepare for your appointment. Please bring the card or letter with you.