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Infection Sciences (Microbiology & Virology)

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Infection Sciences Information

The Department of Infection Sciences is a collaboration between the North Bristol NHS trust and UK Health Security Agency to provide a hospital-based service for the laboratory diagnosis and clinical management of microbial diseases for patients both in hospital and the community, together with advice on the control of infection.

Laboratories participate and perform well in national quality assurance schemes and is fully accreditied. They are accredited for training with the Institute of Biomedical Science and registration with the Health Care Professions Council and the Royal College of Pathologists.

Medical microbiologists are available, both during the day and out-of-hours, to give advice concerning the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of infectious diseases. Where appropriate, preliminary reports and results are phoned to the clinician concerned. Ward rounds are conducted daily to review and offer advice on the management of inpatients with serious infections.

An active Infection Control Team is available at all times to help with matters relating to the control and prevention of infection.

UKHSA Terms and Conditions for the supply of goods and/or services Terms and conditions for the supply of goods and/or services - GOV.UK.

Useful Documents

 

User Survey:

Contact Microbiology

General Enquiries/Results/Clinical Advice
Southmead Hospital telephone: 0117 4146222

Email: microbiology@nbt.nhs.uk
 

Laboratory Hours
Monday to Friday 9am - 5.15pm
Saturday 9am 12 noon
A 24-hour on-call service operates outside normal laboratory hours - please contact via switchboard.

Infection Sciences (Microbiology & Virology)

Haematology

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The clinical service is staffed with 8 Consultant Haematologists for interpretation and advice.  The technical and clinical service is provided by Biomedical Scientists (BMS), Clinical Scientists (CS), Associate Practitioners (AP) and Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA).  In 2024 the laboratory processed 600,000 full blood counts, 250, 000 HbA1Cs & 100,000 clotting requests, with 10% growth each year. Haemoglobinopathy testing is also undertaken, including sickle cell and thalassaemia (SCT) screening for the antenatal and newborn programmes.

The Blood Transfusion laboratory issued over 13,000 blood components and processed 50,000 group and save samples. It also supports the Adult Major Trauma Centre at NBT and provides blood components to two air ambulances for the prehospital setting.  

The department has been approved for BMS training by the IBMS and our Trainee BMS staff are trained in accordance with the IBMS and HCPC regulations. Our qualified staff (CS and BMS) are required to be registered with HCPC. The department is also accredited to train staff undertaking the STP and HSST programmes with the National Science Healthcare school.  There is active encouragement for staff to follow further education courses, such as MSc (Haematology) and management qualifications.

The Department has a dedicated Quality Manager who is responsible for maintaining accreditation and compliance to ISO 15189 and BSQR (https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/severn-pathology/quality/pathology-accreditation-status) . The department participates in all appropriate External Quality Assurance Schemes accredited to ISO 17043 (https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/severn-pathology/quality/external-quality-assurance) for which performance is closely monitored.

Clinical Head of Service
Dr Alastair Whiteway

Blood Sciences Manager
Mrs Allison Brixey

Blood Sciences Operational Manager
Mrs Joanne Skingley

Haematology & Transfusion Laboratory Hours

Monday-Sunday including bank holidays: 8am - 10pm

Specimens received outside these normal opening times are classified as “out of hours”. Out of hours blood product requests must be discussed with the Biomedical Scientist on call. The Biomedical Scientists should always be informed of urgent analytical requests.

Test Information

Sample vials for testing

Includes details of sample types, volumes, special precautions, turnaround times & reference ranges.

Haematology

The Princess Royal Bristol Surgical Centre

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The Princess Royal Bristol Surgical Centre

The Princess Royal Bristol Surgical Centre is a dedicated centre for planned surgery at Southmead Hospital.

The centre consists of four operating theatres, medirooms where patients are admitted prior to surgery and afterwards for recovery. It also houses Rowan Ward for inpatient stays after surgery.

The centre is located near the Monks Park entrance to Southmead Hospital.

There is a cafe on the ground floor next to the entrance.

Please note your appointment letter may refer to the centre as the Bristol Surgical Centre.

Deep Brain Stimulation surgery for Parkinson’s

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This page details what you can expect to happen once a decision has been made that you will be going forward for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).

What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?

DBS is a surgical procedure to treat some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

The procedure involves:

  • The implantation of 2 leads, each with 8 electrodes (otherwise known as “contacts”), into structures deep within the brain called the basal ganglia.
  • The two extension leads are positioned under the skin of the head, neck, and shoulder.
  • The extension leads are connected to a small unit called an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG), which is placed under the skin just below the collarbone.

Deep Brain Stimulation works by sending electrical pulses to a selected area of the brain. These change the electrical signals in the brain that cause some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

The amount of stimulation provided by the IPG is adjusted to optimise therapeutic benefits and minimise side effects.

Deep Brain Stimulation is not a cure for Parkinson’s. However, it can help to address some symptoms by:

  • Increasing “on” time.
  • Reducing severity and amount of “off” time.
  • Improving tremor.
  • Enabling a reduction in Parkinson’s medication, and thus minimise the duration and severity of dyskinesia (involuntary movements).
  • Reducing rigidity (stiffness) to the limbs.
  • Reducing bradykinesia (slowness) to the limbs and when walking.

What are the risks of Deep Brain Stimulation?

We estimate that the overall risk of a significant adverse event with DBS surgery performed in our unit (including stroke and infection) is less than 5%. 

The following are some of the risks associated with the surgery:

  • Bleeding (haemorrhage) - which in the worst case could cause severe long term disability requiring long term care or death. The risk of a severe disability or death from bleeding in the brain is very rare.
  • Infection - in the worst case requiring removal of the system and reimplantation of the system a few weeks later. You will be without DBS therapy during this time if this occurs. The risk of infection is less than 2% for primary DBS procedures.
  • Seizures (fits) - 0-3% chance of occurring.
  • Stroke - 1% chance of occurring, which in the worst case can cause weakness and numbness in the body.
  • Meningitis or abscess of the brain - 1% chance of occurring.
  • Post-operative confusion and disorientation (transient) - 1% chance of occurring.
  • Unsteadiness and possible falls.
  • Speech and swallowing problems - 5% chance of occurring.

Other medical complications of surgery

It is possible that the following medical complications may occur: chest infection, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT blood clot in the leg), or Pulmonary Embolism (PE a blood clot in the lung).

After the surgery, some patients may have difficulty passing urine due to the anaesthetic. This could result in the need for a urinary catheter, short term. This increases the risk of a urinary tract infection, which may then require antibiotics.

Stimulation-related side effects

The following side effects can be experienced if the electric current spreads to areas surrounding the planned target area for stimulation in the brain:

  • Sensations of pins and needles in your arms and legs.
  • Facial contractions.
  • Balance impairment and possible falls.
  • Speech changes an occur, such as slurring of words or speaking softly.
  • Problems with eyelid opening.

These side effects are usually resolved by reducing the electric current.

The surgery process: what you can expect

Once the decision is made that you are proceeding to DBS, your Movement Disorder nurse specialist will refer you for surgery.

The DBS surgical coordinator will add you to the waiting list and will liaise with you about your appointments and admission for surgery.

Should you need to, you can contact the DBS surgical coordinator by phone on 0117 954 6700.

  • Step 1: Pre-operative Assessment Clinic (NPAC).
  • Step 2: Planning scans under general anaesthetic as a day case.
  • Step 3: Admission for surgery.

Full details are below. 

Step 1 - Neurosurgery Pre-operative Assessment Clinic (NPAC)

  • The purpose of the Pre-operative Assessment clinic is to confirm that you are medically fit for surgery.
  • This outpatient appointment will be in the Brunel building at Southmead Hospital.
  • You will be reviewed by one of the Neurosurgery advanced nurse practitioners, who will assess your suitability to undergo general anaesthetic for the planning scans and subsequently for your surgery.
  • Assessments will include general observations such as monitoring your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and oxygen saturations, as well as an electrocardiogram (ECG). An MRSA screening swab and blood samples will also be taken.
  • Additional tests may be required on an individual patient basis. Some of these additional tests may be performed closer to home in your local hospital or by your GP.
  • The results of tests performed at your Pre-operative Assessment Clinic will be valid for 18 weeks. If you do not have your surgery within 18 weeks of your appointment, you may need to have tests repeated.
  • Once you are confirmed to be medically fit for surgery, an appointment will be made for you to have your planning scans.

Step 2 - Planning scans

  • Ahead of your surgery, you will undergo a detailed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerised tomography (CT) scan of your brain under general anaesthesia, performed as a day case procedure.
  • You will be asked to attend a few hours before the scan.
  • The scans will take around 2 hours.
  • You are able to take your Parkinson’s medication on the morning of your MRI, up to one hour before your procedure.
  • You will be given instructions about not eating and drinking prior to your scan.
  • If you take medication to thin your blood (anticoagulants), you will be advised on when you may need to stop this medication by the NPAC nursing team.
  • The scans provide very detailed information about your brain anatomy, which allows the surgeon to plan your surgery.
  • The surgeons use specially designed surgical planning software to identify the target site in the brain on the scan.
  • The software is then used to plan a safe route through the brain, avoiding critical/vascular structures.
  • To get the highest quality images, the MRI scan is performed under general anaesthesia.
  • These images will be used to plan your operation.
  • Once you have recovered from the anaesthesia, you will be discharged from the hospital.
  • Please do not drive for at least 24 hours after the anaesthetic and only drive when you feel fully recovered.
  • Please ensure you have someone with you overnight.

Step 3 - What to expect from the operation

You will be admitted to the Brunel building on the morning of your surgery. A checklist of items to bring with you is at the end of this leaflet.

The surgery is performed under a general anaesthesia (you will be asleep throughout).

  • During the first stage of the operation, the stereotactic frame will be applied to your head and an intra operative CT scan will be performed.
  • Computer software will then merge your MRI planning scan with this CT scan.
  • The first part of the operation is performed with the assistance of a neurosurgical robot.
  • The neurosurgeon will make two incisions on the top of the head. Whenever possible, your hair will not be shaved.
  • Two burr holes will be made in the skull using the robot to guide the instruments.
  • The neurosurgeon will implant guide tubes through each burr hole, resting just above the target area.
  • The DBS electrodes will then be passed down the guide tubes to the target area.
  • Another intra-operative CT scan will be performed, confirming that the position of the leads is within the target area of the brain.
  • During the second part of the operation, the DBS leads are then connected to extension leads, which will be secured to the scalp and brought down the side of the neck through a small incision behind the left ear.
  • The extensions are then connected to the implantable pulse generator (IPG), which is implanted to the left side of the chest through a small incision.
  • The whole DBS system is placed under the skin.
  • The surgery will take approximately 4 - 5 hours in total.

Step 4 - After your surgery

  • You will resume your usual Parkinson’s medication regime as soon as appropriate following the operation.
  • Patients usually remain in hospital for 1 - 2 nights after their surgery.
  • You will be reviewed by one of the Movement Disorder nurse specialists on the ward prior to discharge, who will discuss discharge advice and plans for switching on and programming the stimulator.
  • You should not drive until you’ve had the first appointment after your surgery at Southmead so that we can confirm your clinical recovery; this will be in approximately 4 - 6 weeks.
  • Information and advice about what happens after surgery is available in the leaflet: ‘Discharge from hospital following Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery’

Checklist for your surgery

Please bring the following:

  • Your medication in the original packaging and, if possible, a medication list/prescription.
    • If you take Apomorphine, please ensure that you bring enough needles and administration lines for the duration of your stay.
  • Nightwear, comfortable clothes, and a washbag for your stay.
  • Glasses if you wear them.
  • Walking aid if you use one.
  • You may wish to bring books, magazines etc for use during your stay.

How to contact us:

  • Complex Therapies Services
    (Deep Brain Stimulation and Duodopa Therapy)
    Bristol Brain Centre
    Elgar House
    Southmead Hospital
    BS10 5NB
  • Daily Nurse Clinic Line
    Monday - Friday
    0117 414 8269
  • DBS Surgical Coordinator
    0117 954 6700

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published March 2023. Review due March 2026. NBT003513

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Looking after your wound following skin surgery

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Introduction 

This information is for patients who have just had an operation, under local anaesthetic, to remove a skin lesion. The following guidelines are to help you look after your wound according to the type of surgery you have received. 

If you have any questions, please ask a nurse.

Curettage and cautery

You have had a scraping technique called curettage. After curettage, the raw area has been treated with cautery (heat), electrodessication (electric current only), or a chemical to stop the bleeding. 

There are no stitches because this treatment is designed to allow healing with minimal scarring. The wound will be a black area like a deep graze, which may take two to three weeks to heal. Once healed the scar may be red and slightly raised. After several months it should settle to a more flesh coloured, flat scar.

  • Once the local anaesthetic has worn off, you may need to take a simple pain relieving drug.
  • Leave the dressing that has been applied in place for 24 hours, unless you have been advised otherwise.
  • Remove the dressing and wash the area under the shower, soak it or pour warm water over it. This will help to remove any loose debris which can cause infection.
  • Pat the area dry with a separate clean towel or tissue and cover with a thin smear of Vaseline or an ointment that the doctor has given you. A dry dressing may be applied, but it is not essential. Use a breathable, not waterproof, type of dressing.
  • Repeat every 24 hours until the wound has healed.
  • Do not apply makeup until the wound has healed.

Shave excision

A shave excision involves shaving the skin lesion off. It will leave a small wound, which may take 1-2 weeks to heal over.

Once healed, the scar may be red and slightly raised. After several months, it should settle to a more flesh coloured, flat scar.

Because the technique only removes the part of the lesion that protrudes above the skin, the appearance may remain abnormal.

Incision/Biopsy

Your rash or skin lesion has had a small piece removed (an incisional or punch biopsy) to help reach a diagnosis.

Excision/Biopsy

Your skin lesion has been completely removed.

If you have stitches, please book an appointment with your GP surgery as soon as possible to have them removed on a recommended date.

You should write this date down so you do not forget. 

Tips

  • Avoid bumping or stretching the wound after the stitches have been removed, the area will be weak for some time.
  • The initial dressing should be left in place for 24-48 hours, unless you have been advised otherwise. (If a pressure dressing has also been applied, this should be carefully removed after 24 hours, unless advised otherwise, taking care not to disturb the dressing underneath).
  • You should then wash the area under the shower, soak it, or pour warm water over it. This will then help to remove any loose debris under which infection can occur.
  • A cotton bud may be used to gently remove adherent crust.
  • Use mild shampoo to clean the scalp.
  • Pat the area dry and cover with a thin smear of fresh. Vaseline or an ointment that the doctor has given you.
  • A dry dressing may be applied, but it is not essential.
  • Do not apply make up over the wound until it has healed.

Remember

  • If the wound is painful after the anaesthetic has worn off, you can take a mild painkiller.
  • If the wound continues to ooze or bleed, press firmly on the area for 20 minutes with a clean dressing and the bleeding should stop. Do not dab or keep looking at the wound. If on the leg, raise the limb. If the bleeding continues, contact your GP or accident and emergency department.

Do

  • If the wound is on the face, use extra pillows to sleep more upright, which helps clear swelling and bruising.
  • Change a dressing if it gets wet or dirty. A wet dressing will promote infection.
  • If the wound is on your leg, keep your leg up whenever possible and avoid prolonged periods of standing, long walks, or sports until the scab has come off leaving a healed wound.
  • If you are given tubigrip it must be taken off at night because it can cause swelling. Reapply tubigrip the next morning.

Don't

  • Undertake too much activity or dirty work too soon. An infected or stretched wound will take longer to heal and may give you a larger scar.
  • If the wound is on the face, don’t stoop or strain (including on the toilet) whilst it is still tender.
  • If the wound takes more than three weeks to heal, becomes increasingly red and tender or leaks pus, contact your GP or Practice Nurse.

You will be contacted about any further appointments.

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published April 2024. Review due April 2027. NBT002436

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Dr Oladotun Abidakun - Stroke Services

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GMC number: 7554784

Year & location of first qualification: 2008, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

Specialty: Stroke Medicine

Clinical interests: Vascular Neurology, Hyperacute and Acute Stroke, Stroke in Young Adults 

Secretary: Janette Duggan

Telephone: 0117 414 6698

Profile: Dr. Oladotun Abidakun is a Consultant Stroke Physician at North Bristol NHS Trust and Honorary Senior Teaching Associate at the University of Bristol. A Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, his clinical expertise spans hyperacute/acute stroke management and rehabilitation. 

His research focuses on stroke in young adults, and he actively contributes to ongoing studies and publications in this area.

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Dr Magnus Teig - Anaesthesia

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Dr Teig

GMC: 4699183

Year and location of first qualification: 2000, Edinburgh University

Specialty: Anaesthesia

Clinical interests: Neuroanaesthesia and anaesthesia for stroke thrombectomy; as well as comprehensive broad training in adult anaesthesia, 

Dr. Teig has undergone Fellowship-level training in Neuroanaesthesia and Critical Care in London at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and in the USA at the University of Michigan. 

He has worked at consultant level since 2012, including working as an Assistant Professor in Anesthesia and Neurosurgery at the University of Michigan from 2013 to 2021 in the USA. 

He has won multiple awards for teaching and innovation, published 9 PubMed referenced papers, multiple internationally presented abstracts, authored four anaesthesia textbook chapters including two on neurocritical care and is an active author for the UpToDate website.

Secretary: Department of Anaesthesia Secretary team

Telephone: 0117 414 5114

Memberships: Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Royal College of Anaesthesia, European Society of Critical Care Medicine, Fellow of the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine

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Teig

National supply shortage of your medicine

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Why have I been given this information? 

You have been given this information as you are currently taking or about to start taking one or more of the following medicines:

  • Rifampicin.
  • Rifinah® 300 tablets (rifampicin 300mg / isoniazid 150mg).
  • Rifater® tablets (rifampicin 120mg / isoniazid 50mg / pyrazinamide 300mg).
  • Voractiv® tablets (rifampicin 150mg / isoniazid 75mg / pyrazinamide 400mg / ethambutol 275mg).
  • Pyrazinamide 500mg tablets.

At the moment these medicines are in short supply across the UK.

 What are these medicines used for?

All of these medicines are used to treat tuberculosis (TB). 

Rifampicin may also treat other infections like Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) or infections affecting bones or joints.

Why are there shortages? 

Shortages can be caused by many reasons. For example, because of problems with making them or more people needing them. 

 How long will the shortages last? 

We expect the shortages will last until at least the end of 2025, but this date may change. 

Will my treatment need to change? 

The shortages may affect different medicines at different times. 

Your specialist team may need to change you to a different medicine(s) if we do not have supplies of your usual medicine(s). The medicine(s) you receive may be

  • The same medicine, but from a different country. This is called an “unlicensed” medicine. There is information about unlicensed medicines at the bottom of this page. This medicine might look different to your usual medicine or have information that is in a different language. If the information is in a different language, we will give you a separate leaflet with this information in English.
    The medicine will always have the same active ingredient as your usual medicine, but may have different ingredients to those listed in the English leaflet. If you have any questions or worries about this please ask your specialist team or the hospital pharmacy.
  • The same medicine, but a different strength. This will mean that you need to take a different number of tablets or capsules to give your usual dose.
  • A different medicine. Sometimes this might mean taking more than one medicine in the place of your usual medicine if this was a combination product, for example Rifinah®, Rifater® or Voractiv®.

Any change that needs to be made to your medicine(s) will be discussed with you by your specialist team.

What does this mean for me? 

It is important that you continue to take your medicine(s) as prescribed for you – do not change how much you take unless your specialist team have told you to do this. Please do not stop taking your medicine(s).

If you think something is different about your medicine(s), please ask your specialist team or contact the hospital pharmacy. 

How will I get my medicine(s)?

The medicine(s) affected by the supply shortages are all prescribed by your specialist team and supplied by the hospital pharmacy. 

We are working to make sure we have enough supplies for everyone. To do this, we need to supply your medicine(s) in smaller amounts and more often – known as “instalment supplies”.

We will supply your medicine(s) in 4-week amounts (instalments), every 4 weeks until the prescription is complete. 

For North Bristol Trust (NBT) patients, the hospital pharmacy will automatically get these supplies ready for you to collect from the pharmacy in Southmead Hospital every 4 weeks. 

For University Hospitals Bristol and Weston (UHBW) patients the hospital pharmacy will automatically get these supplies ready for you to collect every 4 weeks. Please confirm with your specialist team where you need to collect these from – this will usually be the hospital pharmacy or the TB clinic.

Please put a reminder in your diary to collect your new supplies at least 1 week before you run out of your medicine(s).

Hospital pharmacy contact numbers and opening hours

LocationPhone numberWeekdaysWeekends and bank holidays
NBT (Southmead Hospital)0117 414 2236 09:00 – 18:00  09:00 – 16:00
Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI)0117 923 000008:30 – 19:0009:00 – 17:00
Weston General Hospital01934 414 58409:00 – 18:00

Saturday 09:00 – 17:00

Sunday and bank holidays closed

If you are not able to collect your medicine before you run out, please contact your specialist team immediately.

Who can I speak to if I have any questions or worries?

About unlicensed medicines

This information explains what it means when medicines do not have a licence. 

Because of supply shortages with your medicine(s) we may need to give you an unlicensed medicine instead. We want to reassure you that we have thought very carefully about the best medicine for you.

Why are medicines “licensed”?

The makers of medicines must ask the government for a ‘Marketing Authorisation’ or ‘Product Licence’ if they want to sell their medicines in the UK. They show evidence to the government’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) that their medicine works for the illness to be treated, does not have too many side effects or risks, and has been made to a high standard.

How do the manufacturers test medicines?

To be sure that a medicine works and is safe the maker must try it first on a small number of people in what is called a ‘clinical trial’. Information from clinical trials is given to the MHRA when the maker asks for a Product  in the UK.

 

Why don’t my medicines have a UK licence?

Due to stock shortages in the UK, we may need to buy your medicine from another country. The medicines we buy are licensed in the country we buy them from, but do not have a license in the UK. This makes them unlicensed in the UK. 

How do I know that these medicines are safe and will work?

The hospital pharmacy will ensure that the unlicensed medicine has been made to a good standard and is safe for you to take.

Should I be worried about taking these medicines?

If you are still worried after reading this information, please talk to your specialist team. They are looking after you and have thought carefully about the best medicine for you. 

What if I don’t want to take an unlicensed medicine?

Please talk to your specialist team and tell them what you are worried about. They can give you more information about the medicine. They can also tell you if there are other treatments that might be available and why they think this unlicensed medicine is the best one for you.

Can I get more information about my unlicensed medicine?

All medicines come with a leaflet inside the box (a “Patient Information Leaflet”) which explains about the medicine, including how to take it and what side effects might happen. For some unlicensed medicines the information in the box may be in a different language. If this is the case with your medicine, we will give you a separate leaflet with this information in English.

If you have questions after reading this information, please talk to your specialist team.

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published August 2025. Review due August 2028. NBT003466.

Support your local hospital charity

Southmead Hospital Charity logo

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It's okay to ask

Illustration of 3 clinicians wearing blue scrubs with stethoscopes around necks

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