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Physio/OT

GGC - BMT and Cellular Therapies
NHS GGC

We have a team of specialist Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists to assist with physical, functional and psychosocial issues that can appear as a result of your condition or treatment. 

Our service is mainly for inpatients, however, as a national service, we work with local services throughout Scotland to ensure that on-going Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy needs can take place close to your home, before, during and after treatment. 

We have a dedicated outpatient clinic for patients undergoing Donor Stem Cell Transplant which, when appropriate, can be arranged via video-call prior to admission. 

Anthony Nolan - Prehabilitation (prehab) and stem cell transplant

 

 

Meet the team

As an inpatient, our team can provide assessment, treatment, advice, equipment, discharge advice and onward referral. 

Jennie – Occupational Therapist 

Helen – Physiotherapist 

Elise – Physiotherapist 

Irene – Health Care Support Worker  

If you would like to contact the therapy team, please phone 0141 451 6282 or via e-mail  ot-pt.outpatientsqeuh@ggc.scot.nhs.uk 

 

Physiotherapy

Your condition and the effects of treatment can have a significant impact on your strength, energy levels, mobility, ability to complete day-to-day tasks or work and taking part in exercise or leisure activities. Physiotherapy can help maintain or improve some or all of the above. 

Physiotherapy may include: 

  • Mobility and balance practice 
  • Strengthening exercises 
  • Breathing techniques 
  • Advice and education regarding walking aids 
  • Advice and goal setting regarding physical activity and specific exercise 
  • Advice regarding returning to employment/ study 
  • Discharge planning to ensure you are ready to return home from hospital 

Whether you are receiving your treatment as an inpatient or outpatient, remaining physically active at an appropriate level is beneficial. If you would like specific advice regarding your circumstances, please speak to one of the physiotherapy team.  

Occupational therapy

There is also a dedicated Occupational Therapist within the Allogenic Stem Cell Transplant Team.  

How we can help  

  • Complete a holistic assessment, set goals and create a tailored treatment plan  
  • Rehabilitate using adapted routines and techniques to maximise engagement in everyday activity 
  • Provide equipment required to promote quality of life, independence or for conserving energy 
  • Assist in psychological adjustment to sudden loss of function 
  • Liaise with families/carers to understand social & environmental circumstances and if required liaise with local area teams regarding environmental or home assessment.  
  • Support, education and signposting on aspects of lifestyle 
  • Liaise with community services to maximise support on discharge 
  • Work closely and assist in decision making regarding complex discharge plans with the rest of the multidisciplinary (MDT) team. 

If you are an outpatient and feel you need occupational therapy you can request this via your GP or contact your local social work department to self-refer for Community Occupational Therapy. Or, you can speak to your Consultant or Clinical Nurse Specialist who can contact the Occupational Therapy service to discuss a referral for you. 

Further resources

General Recovery

Fatigue management 

We are able to provide information and advice on fatigue management during and after your transplant.

Routine – it's important to maintain a routine whilst on the ward. Some days you may only feel like walking around the room. 

Memory and concentration 

Occupational therapists can help patients with memory and concentration issues after a stem cell transplant by providing support and strategies to improve quality of life.  

Managing anxiety 

Managing breathlessness: 

Physical activity 

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 23/09/2025

Next review date: 23/09/2027