This page provides information on Person Centred visiting in our mental health wards.
Please visit our Information About Visiting page for information on visiting arrangements, guidance and safety measures everyone must follow when visiting all other wards.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are the person in hospital
On admission to the ward, you will be asked about your preferences for visitors. Your family and/or significant others can also contribute to this. We will record this on a visiting form which will be kept with your care plan.
Can my children visit?
The importance of maintaining family connections with your children, when you are in hospital, is important. We will discuss this with you and your family at admission and during your hospital stay. Where possible, we will facilitate visits in a designated family area.
If you are the visitor
We have no set visiting times. This means you can be here to support your family member or friend at any time during the day. Please discuss with your family member or friend what they would like in terms of visits and what times would work best for you both, then talk to ward staff about your plans.
There may be times when visiting takes place in a communal area or visiting room, the nursing staff will advise where visiting is offered in each ward.
Should you need to access an area out with the dedicated visiting area, please speak to the nurse in charge.
Can I visit during mealtimes?
In those Mental Health wards where visiting can only take place in dining rooms, family support during mealtimes will be discussed and agreed as part of individual visiting and care plans, in conjunction with the individual, the people who matter to them and staff.
As a visitor, what safety measures do I need to follow?
To ensure a safe environment and that of yourself and others, please discuss with the nurse in charge what is safe and not safe to take into the ward. Examples of items not deemed safe are glass bottles, knifes, medications and plastic bags. Any electrical equipment should be handed into staff to be safety checked.
Can I take my family member out of the ward when I visit?
We recognise the benefits of having the opportunity to spend time with those visiting away from the immediate ward. However, there may be times when this is not possible. Please discuss this with the nurse in charge, and always let the nurse in charge know when you are going out of the ward with your family member.
Returning following time off the ward with family member
It is important for staff to know when patients have returned to the ward. This ensures that staff maintain overall safety and activity on the ward, and allows staff to plan therapeutic engagement. In addition, this provides family members with the opportunity to feedback to staff on how the visit has gone and ask any questions regarding this.
Welcome to the Ward / Department posters are in place at all ward/department entrances to provide at-a-glance essential information for visitors to the area.
What Matters to You Day annual reports provide an overview of activities held throughout NHSGGC, including local activities, seminars, and social media engagement. Current and historic copies of What Matters to You Day annual reports can be accessed via the links below.
Long COVID is a term which includes both ongoing COVID symptoms and new symptoms which develop as a result of COVID-19 infection.
When the symptoms of COVID have not resolved or new symptoms have persisted beyond 12 weeks of initial infection, then it may be classed as Long COVID if all other medical reasons for the symptoms have been excluded or unlikely.
What are the symptoms of Long COVID?
There are many symptoms of Long COVID – the most commonly reported symptoms are:
Fatigue
Problems with memory or concentration (known as brain fog)
Muscle and joint pains
Breathlessness
Difficulty sleeping
Chest pain
Heart palpitations
Dizziness
Loss of taste and / or smell
Pins and needles or numbness
Rashes
Depression and anxiety
Feeling sick, diarrhoea, stomach aches, loss of appetite
At the moment there is no ‘cure’ for Long COVID, however, addressing and treating the symptoms can help manage them and improve quality of life.
Small lifestyle changes can often lead to improvements in the condition.
How to manage the symptoms of Long COVID
For many people with Long COVID, strategies and lifestyle changes help manage their symptoms. In time, many people feel that they have recovered from Long COVID without any additional assistance.
Below are some self management resources / links.
Long COVID Advice
The following pages have advice on the management of Long COVID and the symptoms and support for managing the condition.
Long COVID Workbook – downloadable booklet about management of Long COVID from NHS Scotland
Long COVID Physio – an international peer support, education and advocacy, patient-led association of Physiotherapists living with Long COVID and allies
Long COVID Scotland – a volunteer-led charity run by people living with Long COVID on behalf of those living with Long COVID. Collectively advocate on employment and benefits, research and local and national policy.
NHS England COVID Recovery – 4-5 minute videos giving practical advice to help you recover from COVID-19. You can use them as self-management guides.
Long COVID and Diet – the association of UK Dietitians resource for dietary advice to support Long COVID
Friends and Family Leaflet – a leaflet you may wish to share with friends and family to help understand Long COVID and support you better
Fatigue is the most frequently reported symptom of Long COVID. There are some strategies which can help manage your energy – different ones work for different people. You may wish to try one at a time. The RCOT website has some practical ways to use the “5Ps” to manage your energy.
Sleep is important for replenishing energy levels and repairing the body. Many people with Long COVID feel that their ability to sleep and their sleep quality have got worse since COVID. The following pages help with advice and support to improve your sleep.
Brain fog is the term coined for those with memory and attention impairments. It is one of the most frequently reported symptoms of Long COVID and impacts on many daily activities. The following pages can give some helpful tips on how to manage these problems and ways to improve your memory and attention gradually.
Breathlessness has been one of the main symptoms of Long COVID and is often not caused by any damage to the lungs or respiratory systems.
Many people with Long COVID do not have any abnormality shown on x-ray or CT, but have debilitating symptoms of breathlessness.
The following pages have exercises and advice to improve the efficiency of your breathing if you have “dysfunctional breathing” or a “breathing pattern disorder”.
The breathing exercises may also be helpful if you have been diagnosed with anxiety, asthma or COPD, as an adjunct to medical management. There are also sections on cough management.
Your mental health is as important as your physical health – while you are recovering from COVID or living with the ongoing symptoms, it is understandable that many people feel a decline in their mental health.
It is important to address these issues to prevent worsening, and there are many ways to self-manage milder symptoms.
If your symptoms are worsening or you no longer feel that you can keep yourself or others safe, then please contact your GP or call NHS24 on 111 or 999 depending on the severity.
Breathing Space Scotland – a free, confidential, phone and webchat service for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.
Lifelink – can offer support to anyone who is struggling to cope with everyday stress or is feeling anxious or depressed. 1:1 counselling available and a Glasgow based service.
Samaritans – for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. This is for if you are in crisis or to prevent a crisis.
Daylight – clinically proven digital treatment that uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to help people gain control over their anxiety.
Those with Long COVID often struggle to return to work, study or unpaid work. The following webpages offer support and advice about how to plan your return to work, what to do if you have not been treated fairly by your employer and where to turn if you are exiting work or seeking new employment.
ACAS – free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice
Access to Work – Government based agency offering support to those with a disability
Jobcentre – Support and advice on benefits and employability
Action for ME – a useful leaflet with advise and working examples for returning and remaining at work.
The Advocacy Project – human rights based organisation that supports people to have their voices heard and be empowered to be involved in decisions that affect their lives
The Federation of Small Businesses – for those self employed or running smaller businesses – advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice heard in government
Govan Law Centre – a free legal resource – a charity challenging poverty, discrimination and disadvantage. They specialise in housing, landlord and tenant, homelessness, welfare rights, money advice, social services, consumer and debt
Wellness Action Plan (MIND) – an example of a plan which can be useful for maintaining or returning to work.
Financial Advice
People living with Long term conditions often need to reduce their working hours or stop working to manage their condition. This may inevitably have an impact on their finances. The following pages may be able to help and guide you to money management or signpost you to grant or benefits to help.
Support and Information Services (NHSGGC) – a service within the NHSGGC who can advise on financial, social, educational, lifestyle issues and support groups and guiding through the complaints process.
Citizens Advice Scotland – help for benefits, debt and money, housing, work, family, law and courts and immigration for those living in Scotland.
Money Matters – a Welfare Rights Service, financial capability service based in Glasgow.
VoiceAbility – support for those with Long Term Conditions – eg – advice for applying for Adult Disability Payment / ADP (previously known as Personal Independence Payment / PIP)
Palpitations / Dizziness
Some people with Long COVID have been experiencing palpitations – a sensation of fast or inconsistent heart beats in their chests or dizziness. In some cases this is cardiac related, but many have been medically assessed and the symptom is not due to any damage to the heart.
If you have this symptom and cardiac cause has been ruled out then this may be classed as dysautonomia. This is a condition which many people have and can be managed with the right advice and treatment.
With Long COVID, you may find that you struggle with the minimal amount of activity due to fatigue.
If you are at a level where you can manage your activities of daily living without a set back in your symptoms then you may be ready to consider gradually introducing some additional activities.
Please ensure you are not pushing beyond what your energy levels are tolerating and allow for at least 3 days after introducing a new activity before repeating or progressing, especially if you have Post exertional Symptom Exacerbation (PESE, also known as PEM). .
Consider what you have planned before and after the new activity and ensure you are using a paced approach (see fatigue section regarding the 5Ps).
Please stop or reduce what you are doing if your symptoms are worsening and re-evaluate if you are ready to be more active.
The following links will provide you with some ideas for introducing a new activity or exercise:
Live Active is a service which is available in the NHSGGC council areas. Your GP or an NHS clinician can refer you. There are Live Active advisors who help you build the confidence you need to make positive lifestyle changes. They will personalise their support to make sure it meets your needs. With one-to-one catch-ups and supported activity sessions. These sessions can be based at your local council gyms for those who live within NHSGGC. The vitality classes may be a good starting point for those struggling with finding a starting point for exercise with Long COVID:
The Scottish Ballet Long COVID programme helps posture, alignment and body confidence and its creative elements address your whole being
For people with noise sensitivity after COVID, many have found that noise Reducing earplugshelpful.
Visual decline – please refer to your local opticians
Visual sensitivity – some have found that wearing coloured glasses lenses relieving, or wearing a cap to be helpful to shade the light from above.
Practical Solutions
Ask Sara – Impartial advice about equipment to help make daily living easier
Kitchen Aids – A list of small aids that can support you when completing kitchen tasks
Household Aids – A list of small aids that can support you when completing kitchen tasks
Personal Care Aids – A list of small aids that can support you when completing personal care tasks
Driving
Certain medical conditions need to be declared to DVLA. Some symptoms of Long COVID may impact on your ability to concentrate or safely manoeuvre a vehicle. If you do not declare a new or worsening health condition or disability, it may result in a fine or prosecution. Please see the DVLA website for further information and an A-Z list of conditions.
Neurodiversity
These pages have adapted fatigue strategies for those who are neurodivergent (eg – Autism or ADHD).
If Long COVID symptoms are not improving with self-management within 12 weeks of using the strategies or if you are struggling to manage them, then your GP may refer you to the Long COVID Service (assuming they have excluded any other medical reason for your symptoms.)
The Long COVID Service
The Long COVID Service is led by Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Healthcare Support Workers.
We offer Long COVID assessment and management.
There are no doctors in the team and we are unable to prescribe medication or advice on treatments which are not evidence based or experimental.
The SIGN guidelines have evidence based, safe treatment options.
We aim to offer advice and coping skills, helping you to set goals to work towards.
Fatigue management
Sleep advice
Breathing assessment and treatment
Cognitive strategies to address brain fog
Mental health and wellbeing advice
Physiotherapy assessment for muscle or joint pains
Advice for returning to work / study, recommendations for employers
Goal setting to return to work / study / hobbies
Assessment for assistive adaptations
Financial advice
Carer advice
Group sessions for peer support
Who the Long COVID service is for
Any adult who is living with Long COVID (having symptoms for 12 weeks or more)
The service will only be for those over the age of 16
People who are not acutely medically ill
People who are physically, psychologically or mentally impacted by their long COVID symptoms
People who are able to learn ways to manage their condition using Supported Self Management approaches
What will the service offer?
Help to improve, manage and live with Long COVID symptoms using a Supported Self Management Approach
Appointments in a way that suit people by video, telephone or in person at a clinic or home appointments
Time limited individual or group interventions
Support, treatment and strategies to help improve quality of life
Direct you to tools to help manage your condition
Information for referrers / GPs
Direct referrals will be accepted from GPs, Specialty Consultants and AHPs
GPs please refer via SCI.
AHPs and consultants can refer using this document if there is no access to SCI gateway:
Please ensure that patients meet the criteria:
Inclusion criteria
12 weeks symptoms persist following initial confirmed (PCR or LFT) or probable COVID-19 (decision made on best clinical judgement).
Patients who had a prolonged hospital stay due to COVID-19.
Patients who did not require hospital admission but have persistent or new COVID-19 symptoms 12 weeks post initial infection.
Patients with ongoing respiratory, neurological, functional, psychological or cognitive issues caused by COVID-19 disease 12 weeks post initial infection
Any other possible reasons for symptoms have been appropriately investigated
Exclusion criteria
Symptoms lasting less than 12 weeks.
Patients with suspected or confirmed active COVID-19.
Other medical conditions that may present with similar symptoms i.e. symptoms that are not Long COVID.
Patients with co-existent active cancer that would be best managed by the cancer pathway.
Patients with severe frailty.
Patients in the end of life period.
Patients with palliative care needs.
Patients who are in mental health crisis.
Patients living outside NHSGGC boundary
May be discussed
Patient is resident in a nursing home.
Ongoing medical investigations for other conditions.
Patient is receiving long term oxygen therapy.
Patients needs are being met elsewhere (eg community respiratory team).
Information for patients
Please speak to your GP if you think this service could help you.
If you meet the criteria then your GP can refer you directly and you will receive a questionnaire by text, email or by post to complete once you reach the top of the waiting list.
Please read the following before attending for the first time:
Ne mund të përkthejmë çdo informacion tonë në gjuhën e zgjedhjes suaj. Thjesht pyesni një anëtar të stafit ose na kontaktoni në numrin e telefonit të dhënë në letrën ose informacionin që keni marrë. Mund të na telefononi duke përdorur shërbimin telefonik.
يمكننا ترجمة أي من معلوماتنا إلى اللغة التي اخترتها. ما عليك سوى سؤال أحد أعضاء فريق العمل أو الاتصال بنا على رقم الهاتف المذكور في الرسالة أو المعلومات التي تلقيتها. يمكنك الاتصال بنا باستخدام خدمة الترجمة الهاتفية لدينا
আমরা আমাদের যেকোনো তথ্য আপনার পছন্দের ভাষায় অনুবাদ করতে পারি। শুধুমাত্র কর্মীদের একজন সদস্যের সাথে যোগাযোগ করুন অথবা আপনার প্রাপ্ত চিঠি বা তথ্যে প্রদত্ত টেলিফোন নম্বরে আমাদের সাথে যোগাযোগ করুন। আপনি আমাদের টেলিফোন দোভাষী পরিষেবা ব্যবহার করে আমাদের সাথে যোগাযোগ করতে পারেন।
Можем да преведем цялата Ваша информация на езика, който предпочитате. Попитайте член от медицинския екип или се свържете с нас на телефона, посочен в писмото или листовката с информация, които сте получили. Можете да се обадите по телефона като се възползвате от услугата от преводач по телефона, която предлагаме.
Veškeré naše informace můžeme přeložit do vámi zvoleného jazyka. Stačí požádat zaměstnance nebo nás kontaktovat na telefonním čísle uvedeném v dopise nebo informacích, které jste obdrželi. Můžete nám zavolat a využít naši službu telefonického tlumočení.
چگونه با استفاده از ترجمان با خدمات خود تماس بگیریم
ما می توانیم هر یک از معلومات خود را به زبان که شما انتخاب کردید ترجمه کنیم. فقط از یکی از کارکنان بپرسید یا با شماره تلیفون ارائه شده در نامه یا معلومات که دریافت کرده اید با ما تماس بگیرید. می توانید با استفاده از خدمات ترجمه تلیفونی ما با ما تماس بگیرید.
We can translate any of our information into your chosen language. Just ask a member of staff or contact us on the telephone number provided on the letter or information you have received. You can call us using our telephone interpreting service.
Staff can request information in alternative languages and formats via the Clear to All web page.
برای ساخت (Farsi)
ما میتوانیم هر کدام از اطلاعات مان را به زبان مورد نظرتان ترجمه کنیم. کافی است با یکی از کارکنان صحبت کنید یا با شماره تلفنی که در نامه یا اطلاعات ارائهشده ذکر شده است تماس بگیرید. همچنین میتوانید از خدمات ترجمه تلفنی ما برای تماس استفاده کنید.م
Nous pouvons également traduire l’ensemble de nos informations dans la langue de votre choix. Il vous suffit de demander à un membre du personnel ou de nous contacter par téléphone au numéro indiqué sur la lettre ou l’information que vous avez reçue. Vous pouvez aussi nous appeler grâce à notre service d’interprétation par téléphone.
ჩვენ შეგვიძლია, გითარგმნოთ ჩვენი ნებისმიერი სახის ინფორმაცია თქვენ მიერ არჩეულ ენაზე. ამისთვის სთხოვეთ ჩვენს მომსახურე პერსონალს ან დაგვიკავშირდით ტელეფონის ნომერზე, რომელიც თან ახლავს თქვენთან გამოგზავნილ წერილს ან ინფორმაციას. თქვენ შეგიძლიათ, დაგვირეკოთ ჩვენი სატელეფონო თარჯიმნის მომსახურების გამოყენებით.
Μπορούμε να μεταφράσουμε οποιαδήποτε από τις πληροφορίες μας στη γλώσσα της επιλογής σας. Απλώς ρωτήστε ένα μέλος του προσωπικού ή επικοινωνήστε μαζί μας στον αριθμό τηλεφώνου που παρέχεται στην επιστολή ή στις πληροφορίες που έχετε λάβει. Μπορείτε να μας καλέσετε χρησιμοποιώντας την υπηρεσία τηλεφωνικής διερμηνείας.
हम अपनी किसी भी जानकारी का अनुवाद आपकी चुनी हुई भाषा में कर सकते हैं। बस स्टाफ के किसी सदस्य से अनुरोध करें या पत्र या आपको प्राप्त हुई जानकारी पर दिए गए टेलीफोन नंबर पर हमसे संपर्क करें। आप हमारी टेलीफोन अनुवाद सेवा का उपयोग करके हमें कॉल कर सकते हैं।
Bármely információnk lefordítható az Ön által kiválasztott nyelvre. Csupán kérje meg az egyik munkatársunkat vagy lépjen velünk kapcsolatba a levélben megadott telefonszámon vagy a kapott információ alapján. A híváshoz igénybe veheti telefonos tolmácsszolgálatunkat.
Possiamo tradurre qualsiasi informazione nella lingua da te scelta. Basta chiedere a un membro dello staff o contattarci al numero di telefono indicato sulla lettera o sulle informazioni che hai ricevuto. Puoi chiamarci utilizzando il nostro servizio di interpretariato telefonico.
Wi kin translat eni ɔf wɛ infɔmɛshɔn intɔ ani lɛŋgwij wae yɔu chɔs. Jɔs ask wan mɛmba ɔf di staf ɔr kɔntakt wi na di tɛlɛfɔn nɔmbɔ wae dem don prɔvaid na di lɛta ɔr infɔmɛshɔn wae yɔu dɔn rɛsiv. Yɔu kin kɔl wi wae yɔu go usɛ wɛ tɛlɛfɔn intɛrprɛtin sɛrvɪs.
Mēs varam tulkot jebkuru mūsu informāciju jūsu izvēlētajā valodā. Vienkārši jautājiet darbiniekam vai sazinieties ar mums pa tālruņa numuru, kas norādīts uz saņemtās vēstules vai informācijas. Jūs varat piezvanīt mums, izmantojot tulkošanas pa tālruni pakalpojumu.
Tokoki kobongola ba nsango na biso nyonso oyo tozali na yango na monoko oyo oponi. Tuna kaka mosali moko to benga biso na nimero ya telefone oyo epesami na mokanda to na sango oyo ozwi. Tosengi yo ozala na bonsomi ya kobenga biso na lisalisi ya interprete na biso na telefone.
Mes galime išversti bet kokią informaciją į jūsų pasirinktą kalbą. Tiesiog teiraukitės darbuotojo arba susisiekite su mumis telefono numeriu, nurodytu laiške ar gautoje informacijoje. Galite mums paskambinti naudodamiesi vertimo žodžiu paslauga telefonu.
Oferujemy możliwość przetłumaczenia wszelkich udostępnianych przez nas informacji na wybrany przez Ciebie język. Wystarczy, że poprosisz o to jednego z naszych pracowników lub skontaktujesz się z nami pod numerem telefonu podanym na otrzymanym liście lub innym dokumencie. Możesz do nas zadzwonić, korzystając z naszej usługi tłumaczenia telefonicznego.
Podemos traduzir qualquer uma das nossas informações para a língua que desejar. Para tal, basta perguntar a um membro da equipa ou contactar-nos através do número de telefone indicado na carta ou na informação que recebeu. Pode também contactar-nos através do nosso serviço de interpretação telefónica.
Putem traduce oricare dintre informațiile noastre în limba aleasă de dvs. Trebuie doar să întrebați un membru al personalului sau să ne contactați la numărul de telefon indicat pe scrisoarea sau informațiile pe care le-ați primit. Ne puteți suna folosind serviciul nostru de interpretariat telefonic.
Мы можем перевести любую информацию на ваш выбранный язык. Просто обратитесь к сотруднику или свяжитесь с нами по телефону, указанному в письме или предоставленных материалах. Вы также можете позвонить нам, используя нашу услугу телефонного перевода.
Všetky naše informácie môžeme preložiť do vami zvoleného jazyka. Stačí požiadať zamestnanca alebo nás kontaktovať na telefónnom čísle uvedenom v liste alebo informáciách, ktoré ste dostali. Môžete nám zavolať prostredníctvom našej služby telefonického tlmočenia.
Podemos traducir cualquier información a su idioma preferido. Pregúntale a un miembro del personal o póngase en contacto con nosotros en el número de teléfono que figura en la carta o en la información que ha recibido. Nos puede contactar a través de nuestro servicio de interpretación telefónica.
Tunaweza kutafsiri taarifa zetu zozote katika lugha uliyochagua. Uliza tu mfanyikazi au wasiliana nasi kwa nambari ya simu iliyotolewa kwenye barua au habari uliyopokea. Unaweza kutupigia simu kwa kutumia huduma yetu ya ukalimani ya simu.
எங்களின் எந்தத் தகவலையும் நீங்கள் தேர்ந்தெடுத்த மொழியில் மொழிபெயர்க்கலாம். ஊழியர் ஒருவரிடம் கேளுங்கள் அல்லது நீங்கள் பெற்ற கடிதம் அல்லது தகவலில் வழங்கப்பட்ட தொலைபேசி எண்ணில் எங்களைத் தொடர்பு கொள்ளுங்கள். எங்கள் தொலைபேசி மொழியாக்க சேவையைப் பயன்படுத்தி நீங்கள் எங்களை அழைக்கலாம்.
Herhangi bir bilgimizi seçtiğiniz dile çevirebiliriz. Sadece bir personelden yardım isteyin veya size verilen mektupta ya da bilgilendirme belgelerinde yer alan telefon numarasından bizimle iletişime geçin. Telefon tercüme hizmetimizi kullanarak bizi arayabilirsiniz.
Ми можемо перекласти будь-яку нашу інформацію на вибрану вами мову. Просто попросіть нашого співробітника або зв’яжіться з нами за номером телефону, вказаним на листі або в отриманій вами інформації. Ви можете зателефонувати нам, скориставшись послугою телефонного перекладу.
ہم آپ کی منتخب کردہ زبان میں اپنی کسی بھی معلومات کا ترجمہ کر سکتے ہیں۔ بس عملے کے کسی رکن سے درخواست کریں یا آپ کو موصول ہونے والے خط یا معلومات پر فراہم کردہ ٹیلیفون نمبر پر ہم سے رابطہ کریں۔ آپ ہماری ٹیلیفون ترجمانی سروس کا استعمال کرتے ہوئے ہمیں کال کر سکتے ہیں۔
Chúng tôi có thể dịch bất kỳ thông tin nào của chúng tôi sang ngôn ngữ bạn đã chọn. Chỉ cần hỏi nhân viên hoặc liên hệ với chúng tôi theo số điện thoại được cung cấp trong thư hoặc thông tin bạn đã nhận được. Bạn có thể gọi cho chúng tôi bằng dịch vụ thông dịch qua điện thoại của chúng tôi.
A lè túmọ̀ èyíkéyìí nínú àwọn ìsọfúnni wa sí èdè tí o bá yàn. Kàn béèrè lọ́wọ́ òṣìṣẹ́ kan tàbí kí o kàn sí wa lóríi nọ́ḿbà ẹ̀rọ ìbánisọ̀rọ̀ tí ó wà nínú lẹ́tà tàbí ìsọfúnni tí o ti gbà. O lè pè wá nípasẹ̀ lílo iṣẹ́ ìtúmọ̀ èdè orí ẹ̀rọ ìbánisọ̀rọ̀ wa.
More information will become available on this section as we move across information from our old website. Please check back soon for more additions to this page.
The importance of support from family members and loved ones for people in hospital cannot be overstated, bringing comfort to both the person in hospital and their family. We welcome, encourage and support people to stay connected to those who matter most in their lives, while they are in hospital. We know that this support has a positive effect on nutrition, healing, recovery and overall quality of care.
In line with NHS Scotland Hospital Visiting Guidance, a person-centred approach to visiting is in place across all NHSGGC sites. This page provides information about person centred visiting arrangements, guidance and safety measures everyone needs to follow.
What is Person centred visiting?
Supporting people in hospital to involve their family or carers as much as they would like is an important principle of person-centred visiting. This recognises the beneficial effect of a family member or carer participating in some elements of personal care and support, such as at mealtimes or with personal hygiene, etc.
Person centred visiting core principles
Person Centred Visiting means we will work together with patients, family members and staff so that care is in line with the following core principles:
We welcome and encourage the involvement of the people who matter to patients.
We are guided by patients: when the people who matter will visit, how they would like them involved in their care, and note when they want to rest.
We work in partnership with the people who matter to patients.
We have no set visiting times.
We respect people’s individual needs and act on an individual basis to ensure the safety, privacy and dignity of all patients. This means there may be times when we need to ask people to leave a clinical area temporarily.
Individual visiting plans
An individual visiting plan should be discussed with the person, their family and ward staff. This will ensure:
the needs of the person are met
no blanket timelines for the duration of a visit
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I visit?
Please speak to the person you are visiting, and the ward staff, about the best times for you to visit.
In most circumstances we ask that there are no more than 2 visitors at a time (these visitors can change). This is to help make the environment as restful as possible, and to minimise the risk of infection. There may be times when it would be appropriate for more than 2 people to visit at a time. The nurse in charge will be happy to discuss this with you.
Can I phone the ward to find out how a relative or friend is doing?
Yes. If possible, we ask that one family member is identified to be the key hospital contact who takes responsibility to share information with other family and friends, as appropriate.
Please note, there is a limit to what information we can give over the phone, and who we can give this information to.
What safety measures do I need to follow?
Please use the hand sanitizing gel provided when coming into and leaving the ward.
Please do not visit if you are unwell. For example, if you have cold or flu, vomiting or diarrhoea, or an upset stomach.
Please use the toilets for the public, and not those designated for patients or staff, where you can.
Visiting may take place at a bedside or communal area. In all instances chairs provided for visiting should be used. If visiting at a bedside, you should avoid sitting on the bed as this can spread infection.
If your relative/friend is being isolated, or if the ward is temporarily closed, please follow the advice provided by staff as there may be additional safety measures to follow.
What visiting arrangements are in place in outpatient areas or emergency departments?
Person Centred Visiting is in place across NHSGGC, including outpatient areas and emergency departments.
Please see the rest of this page for information about Person Centred Visiting.
My family member or friend is particularly vulnerable to the risk of infection. What visiting arrangements are in place for them?
Where there is a particularly high risk of infection, patients will continue to have visiting arrangements discussed as part of their individual risk assessments. Ward and department staff will be happy to discuss these with you.
My family member or friend has an infection. Can I visit them?
If your relative/friend is being isolated, please follow the advice provided by staff, as there may be additional safety measures to follow.
A ward is closed due to an outbreak of an infection. What visiting arrangements are in place there?
If the ward is temporarily closed, please follow the advice provided by staff, as there may be additional safety measures to follow.
Eating is a social occasion. You are welcome to visit at mealtimes to offer support and encouragement. However, please discuss visiting during mealtimes with the person you are visiting, and the ward staff.
Children are welcome to visit, however children under 18 years of age need to be supervised at all times.
If I am not able to visit, are there other ways that I can stay in touch?
We are offering ‘virtual visiting’ (video calls) for all patients. All wards have iPads specially set up to make video calls. This lets you see and talk to the people who matter to you. If you have your own mobile phone, tablet or laptop we can help you to make video calls using your equipment, if you are not able to do this yourself
Person Centred Visiting is in place across NHSGGC, including maternity antenatal, postnatal, and ultrasound appointments. In most circumstances we ask that there are no more than 2 visitors at a time (not including children) at the bedside. These visitors can change.
If possible, please arrange childcare for ultrasound appointments. If you need to discuss this, please phone the number in your ultrasound appointment letter.
Give and Go services are running from 12.00 – 5.00pm Monday to Friday at the main entrances of Glasgow Royal Infirmary and the Royal Alexandra Hospital from Thursday 17 March onwards. This is due to local temporary essential visiting restrictions which are now in place.
Our volunteer-run Give and Go service enables families and friends to safely collect personal laundry and hand in comfort items and essential belongings for their loved ones while they are in hospital and patient visiting is restricted due to COVID-19.
If you or a loved one would like to use the service, we ask that you only bring one small bag (e.g. a small rucksack or carrier bag) that is sealed with sellotape or masking tape and marked with the patient’s name, ward details and date of birth. Please try to ensure that only one person attends the hospital to hand in belongings.
Further information on the Give and Go service
What can you drop off?
We accept personal and comfort items.
You will be able to drop off essential items to our volunteers who will deliver these to the wards for your loved ones. Please ensure you observe social distancing when using this volunteer service. Many people want to bring food to their relative in hospital and we understand why this is important. Please only send small items of food that do not need to go in the fridge, or need to be reheated.
Items allowed
Toiletries (washbag)
Mobile phones, chargers, Kindle/iPad/e-readers
Clothing/footwear
Hearing aid/glasses/dentures (they must be in a protective container)
Snacks in original sealed package
Books, magazines.
Items not allowed
Food that requires refrigeration or reheating
Smoking/tobacco materials
Medication/drugs/alcohol
Money, bank cards
Jewellery
Flowers
Take away food
Balloons
Fans/Kettles.
Collecting laundry
If you would like to collect laundry please call the ward in advance of your visit to arrange and the volunteers will collect it from the ward when you arrive.
