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Person Centred Virtual Visiting

To help people maintain contact with each other we offer Person Centred Virtual Visiting. This service helps patients to keep in touch with their relatives and friends using video calls. The technology is available on devices most people have, such as an Apple or Android mobile, laptop or computer. 

All wards have iPads specially set up to enable ‘virtual visits’ (video call). This allows patients to see and talk to the people who matter to them using NHS Near Me / Attend Anywhere.  

The NHSGGC Communication Support iPads have now been updated to include the recent changes to the telephone interpreting procedures.

The iPads are available across NHSGGC and contain a range of apps to help communicate with patients, including:

  •  ILClient App – providing quick access to our telephone interpreting service. Go to the Interpreting Service web page for full instructions and access codes
  •  Sign Video App –a BSL Online service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For use in an unplanned or emergency situation, during hospital stays, or to enable deaf patients to communicate with staff if waiting for a face to face interpreter to arrive. Go to the BSL Online web page to view a short instruction video
  • AVA App – providing a written caption of what you are saying in real time for the patient to read. For patients with a hearing loss who would normally lip-read and cannot because of the use of masks.

Click here to access a list of sites where you can access the Communication Support iPads.

Virtual Visiting FAQs

How do I arrange a ‘virtual visit’ (video call)?

Please speak to ward staff to arrange a virtual visit.

A list of telephone numbers can be found for all wards and departments on the NHSGGC website

Please provide the following details:

  • Your family member/friends full name
  • Your phone number or email address. 

You will need to ensure you have a webcam and microphone on your device that you can use. Most devices already have this built in.

What happens if may family member/friend does not have a mobile phone or tablet?

All our inpatient wards have a least one iPad for patients to take part in ‘virtual visits’ (video call) to contact relatives and friends during their stay in hospital. If your family member/friend does not have a mobile phone or tablet of their own they are welcome to use a hospital iPad to see and talk to the people who matter to them. 

What happens when my family member/friend needs help to make a ‘virtual visit’ (video call)?

If your family member/friend is unfamiliar with using iPads to set up calls or are unable to do this independently, staff will always try to facilitate these calls where possible. In addition, the iPads all have a range of communication tools or apps installed, specifically for those who are deaf, hard of hearing or who speak a language other than English. 

Can I request a ‘virtual visit’ (video call) for a specific time of day?

Where possible ward staff will try to arrange a time to suit you as well as your family member/friend you want to contact. However, it may not always be possible to give an exact time or day when a video call or telephone call can be guaranteed. We are sorry for any distress this may cause and of course, staff will always try to facilitate these calls where possible, however we ask for your understanding.

Is it possible to record the call?

For the majority of situations in our wards it will not be appropriate for you to record the call. No-one is permitted to make unauthorised pictures, videos or audio recordings in healthcare settings that feature other service users, visitors or staff without their consent. If you are unsure, please speak to ward staff first for advice.

Can the hospital iPad or my own device be used to speak to a healthcare chaplain?

Healthcare chaplains are available to offer support and a listening service Monday to Thursday, 9.00am – 5.00pm and at weekends from Friday to Sunday, 9.00am – 10.00pm. If you wish to speak with someone confidentially, please ask a member of ward staff to contact switchboard and ask for the on-call chaplain.  

What if I am looking for information or a progress update on the care of my family member or friend? 

To obtain an update on the progress and plan of care for your family member/friend, you should contact the ward directly and ask to speak to the nurse or doctor looking after them.

Providing Feedback

If you wish to share your experience of virtual visiting, please share your story on Care Opinion.

Additional Information

For patients

If you would like to make a ‘virtual visit’ (video call) to your family or friends, please ask to speak to the nurse in charge of the ward or the nurse looking after you to arrange this. The ward staff will also be happy to help you to use your own phone or tablet or the hospital iPad if necessary.

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) are now available for staff and patients to access via the ward iPads. These can be accessed by using the IPC icon on the home screen, which links directly to the PILs on the IPC Intranet page.

Some of the PILs are available in other languages, but if there is a specific language that would suit you please let a member of staff know.

For family members

This guide provides help and guidance if you are not used to using Near Me.

For staff

The following documents provide help and guidance to ensure you are familiar with supporting patients and their relatives and friends to receive ‘virtual visit’ (video calls) and how to do this safely and efficiently at all times.

How to call a BSL interpreter online using the Sign Video App