NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) want people to feel confident asking questions about their health and care. Whether they’re seeing their GP, pharmacist, physiotherapist, dentist, surgeon, optometrist, screening nurse or any other healthcare professional. It’s OK to Ask.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to healthcare. Everyone has their own lifestyle, priorities and circumstances, and sometimes a treatment might not feel like the right fit. Asking questions helps people understand their options, including the benefits, risks, alternatives, or even what might happen if they decide not to go ahead with a treatment.
One team already putting this into practice is the NHSGGC Adult Vaccination Team. They deliver vaccinations to children and adults all year round, including Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), HPV, Flu, Covid-19, Shingles and Pneumococcal.
Sometimes people feel unsure about getting vaccinated. They might have questions, feel overwhelmed with information, or simply be unsure what something is for. The team recognised this and created more opportunities for people to speak to a nurse before deciding whether to get a vaccine.
Gary Cooke, NHSGGC Clinical Lead for Immunisation Delivery, explained:
“We know some people don’t attend their appointments because they’re unsure. They might have questions but don’t always feel they have a chance to ask. Our nurses are always happy to answer questions, so we created new ways for people to speak to us before their appointment.”
In 2025, the team launched NHSGGC’s first Drop‑in and Chat vaccination clinics. On quieter days, clinics opened their doors so anyone could come in and ask anything about vaccines, what they protect against, the benefits of getting them, how they interact with medications or long‑term conditions, or what happens if someone chooses not to get vaccinated.
“Many people who came in for a chat felt reassured and chose to get their vaccine the same day. Others went home with answers and attended their scheduled appointment later. The approach was such a success that it’s continuing into 2026,” said Gary.
The same message applies across all health and care settings: There is no such thing as a silly question when it comes to health.
If you’re unsure, want clarity, or just want to understand your options, asking questions helps you take an active role in decisions about your care. Here are four key questions you can use at any appointment:
- What are the benefits of my treatment?
- What are the risks?
- Are there any alternatives?
- What if I do nothing?
Or simply remember BRAN: Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Nothing.
As part of our commitment to Realistic Medicine, NHSGGC wants everyone to feel informed, heard and involved in decisions about their health. Shared decision making means you and your healthcare team work together to choose the care that aligns with what matters most to you.
And it all starts with asking a question.
Remember: It’s OK to Ask.
