At the first meeting with the Hospital Watch group of 2026, positive discussions were held on improvements to services at the Vale of Leven Hospital (VoLH), as well as a continued focus on helping to raise awareness of appropriate ways to access care.
Iona Scott, Interim Director for Clyde Sector, updated the group on improvements to the Physiotherapy Department at the hospital. The meeting heard that the project was a three-stage process, and that work was currently at stage two.
When complete, the Physiotherapy Department will provide an improved environment and better facilities for patients, but there will also be knock-on benefits for the Fracture Clinic and Minor Injuries Unit.
The importance of ‘Right Care, Right Place’ continued to be a matter of priority at the meeting. After hearing very encouraging performance figures for the Minor Injuries and Medical Assessment Units, the group discussed ways to help ensure that both healthcare providers and members of the public were aware of appropriate pathways for accessing care, particularly out of hours.
By contacting their GP, dentist, optician, or NHS 24 on 111 in the first instance, rather than self-presenting at the VOLH, patients could be more confident they would receive the care most appropriate to their needs, while also helping to reduce pressures on hard-working staff.
Iona said: “I was happy to join colleagues at our meeting with Hospital Watch, and to provide an update about activity in the hospital. The meeting at VOLH was productive and we continue to greatly appreciate their support in promoting our messages to the public.
“We shared positive news of the project to improve facilities at the hospital, which will bring benefits not only to Physiotherapy patients, but to the Minor Injuries Unit and Fracture Clinic too.
“We also appreciate the continued support of all at the meeting in helping to ensure our patients get the Right Care in the Right Place. Instead of coming to the Vale, the community should always contact their GP, pharmacy, dentist, optician, or call NHS 24 on 111 in the first instance.”
The meeting was also updated on the VoLH – RAH transport link, and it was agreed that usage levels, service operation and public awareness should be monitored to help inform efforts to optimise the service for the benefit of users. Further updates will be provided at future meetings.
Jim Moohan, Chair of Hospital Watch group, said: “We once again thank Iona Scott and her team for their hospitality at this first meeting of 2026. We spoke about the excellent care and service being provided at the Vale of Leven Hospital, and discussed a range of topics of importance to the people who use the hospital.
“We were grateful for the update on the Physiotherapy Department project, and we’re encouraged by the wider benefits that the work will bring.
“Ensuring people access care appropriately continues to be a topic of significant interest, and we share NHSGGC’s commitment to helping ensure that all parties are aware of the best pathways – particularly out of hours. We appreciate sight of such positive performance figures, but we all agree that there’s more to be done to help patients get the Right Care in the Right Place.
“We continue to discuss the VoLH – RAH transport link, and we will work with NHSGGC in their efforts to provide an effective service for the community. We look forward to further updates on this matter at future meetings.”