Getting Here
Managed car parking was re-introduced at many of NHSGGC’s hospital sites from Thursday 1st June 2023 during peak hours of 07:00-16:00 Monday to Friday. This action was taken to address some of the peak, weekday challenges that parking at busy hospital sites create, and in doing so strike a balance between the needs of staff, patients and visitors.
We recognise that car parking space allocation has to be properly managed to ensure that our hospitals remain accessible and so that we can minimise potential hazards for both pedestrians and other vehicles.
As was the case prior to the COVID pandemic, there is a system of permit and non-permit staff spaces, combined with allocated parking for patients and visitors as well as spaces for holders of blue badges, which can be utilised by both members of the public and staff.
Parking at our hospital sites will continue to be free for staff, patients and visitors.
The following information has been produced to give guidance to staff in relation to how the managed car parking process operates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What proportion of parking at each of our sites is dedicated to staff?
We have to ensure that there is access to parking at all of our sites for staff, patients and visitors. We have a system in place where there is an equitable distribution so that everyone who needs to access our sites and services can. Currently the share of parking for staff including both permit and non-permit at our main acute sites is as follows; Please note these figures exclude blue badge spaces, as these can be used by any blue badge holder (patient or staff).
- Glasgow Royal Infirmary – 49%
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and Royal Hospital for Children campus – 47%
- Gartnavel campus – 54%
- Royal Alexandra Hospital Campus – 53%
- Stobhill – 56%
- New Victoria – 40%
- West Glasgow Ambulatory Care Hospital – 44%
Can we extend the amount of parking available to staff?
Unfortunately, at many of our sites, there is no additional land available to extend car parking. A prime example of this is at the GRI. We recognise that hospital sites are often very busy and that staff need parking areas that are dedicated to you. However, our patients and visitors also need to be able to access our buildings and a managed approach is the fairest and most equitable way of ensuring everyone can park free at our sites.
There are also planning restrictions in place at many sites that prevent any expansion of parking. Find out more about the Board’s net zero targets and aims for sustainability to reduce emissions on our Sustainability webpage.
Can a park and ride system be put in place for staff so we can park offsite and travel to main acute sites to reduce the number of cars on site?
Unfortunately, NHSGGC does not own surplus estate to make such a scheme possible. We do operate an inter-site bus service for staff, which is free, so that if you are able to use public transport to one site, you can still travel between others without the need for a private vehicle.
What is the criteria for a parking permit?
Permits are for staff who have a requirement to travel off and on site for work purposes, not for travel to and from work.
Does NHSGGC have electric vehicle charging?
Information on how to register to use electric vehicle charging facilities at our sites, is available here.
I have to work across more than one site, will my permit be transferrable?
Individual car parking permits issued for one site can be used at another one.
What is the criteria for use of NHSGGC pool cars?
As we are aware there has been a rise in the number of request to utilise pool cars across various areas of the board due to the increase cost of living. The Corporate Transport team have received high numbers of enquires and request for access to pool cars and for service related pool cars. These request have been managed by the Corporate Transport Team utilising where possible existing pool type cars. In some cases there has been a need to procure additional pool cars for service specific request
Pool Cars for ad hoc users
The Corporate Transport team have been working with a wide variety of service and departmental leads to identify cars/pool type cars that can be better utilised during core hours. There has been a number of services and pool cars identified through this work that would allow ad hoc pool car users to full utilise existing pool type cars within the current fleet of vehicles. Below outlines the current location, number of cars available and the contacts that should be used to book a pool car. It is recommended that booking should be made in advance where possible.
GP OOH – Caledonian House
- Booking Number – 0141 636 8412
- 6 Cars available between 8.00am – 5.00pm
- Pick up and Drop off address – Caledonia House, 140 Fifty Pitches Road, Glasgow,G51 4EB
QEUH Facilities Pool Cars
- Booking Number – 0141 354 9650
- 4 Cars available
- Pick up and Drop off address – QEUH Labs Building, 1345 Govan Road Glasgow, G51 ATF
Gartnavel Royal Hospital
- Booking Number – 0141 211 6437
- 2 Cars available between 7.00am – 6.00pm
- Pick up and Drop off address – Gartnavel Royal Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12 0YN
Central Decontamination Unit
- Booking Number – 0141 232 2800
- 1 Car Available
- Pick up and Drop off address – Central Decontamination Unit (Cdu), 24 Finlas Street, Cowlairs Industrial Estate, G22 5DT
Central Stores/Pharmacy Distribution Centre
- Booking number – 0141 211 6560
- 2 Cars available between 7.00am – 6.00pm
- Pick up and Drop off address – 21 Dava Street, G51 2JA
Glasgow Royal Infirmary Facilities
- Booking Email – Gri.FacilitiesHelpdesk@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
- 3 cars available
- Pick up and Drop Off address – Cuthbertson Building, Wishart Street, Glasgow.
Royal Alexandra Facilities
- Booking Number – 0141 314 7082
- 1 Car Available
- Pick up and Drop off address – Facilities Office at RAH, Corsebar Road, Paisley, PA2 9PN
Requirements to drive a Pool Car
Drivers making a booking request for the 1st time will be required to submit their driving licence, the new style photo card licence should be accompanied by the paper copy or the traditional paper copy will be sufficient. An annual driving licence inspection will be carried out by the transport department to ensure registration is maintained and active.
All drivers of NHSGGC pool cars are required by law to hold a full current driving licence, by signing the vehicle log sheet and / or in the course of driving on behalf of NHSGGC business you declare to be the holder of the appropriate licence.
All Pool Car driver must carry out a first use check on the vehicle to identify any defects, accident damage or missing parts. All users must complete the appropriate documentation that will be issued with the vehicle keys. At the end of each booking the driver is responsible for handing the vehicle back in a clean and appropriate condition. All documentation must be returned at the end of each booking with the keys. Damage and Condition of vehicles will be routinely checked with the last driver being held accountable for any un-reported damage or defect.
Future opportunities for Pool Car availability
Currently there are large numbers of vehicles not used during the out of hour’s period. Below is a list of pool type cars that if required could be accessible after 4pm but required daily at 8am.
- 10 Cars available at Royal Alexandra Hospital – Maternity – contact to be arranged.
- 4 Cars available at Vale of Leven – Maternity – contact to be arranged.
- 6 Cars available at Inverclyde Royal Hospital – Maternity – contact to be arranged
Recently developed Pool Cars
As outlined in the introduction there has been large amounts of work developed in conjunction with service leads and departments to provide Pool type cars for employees. Below outlines the services, location and number of Pool Cars place.
- Renfrewshire HSCP – 3 Cars – based at Mile End and Dykebar Hospital
- Care Home response team – 1 Car – based at 21 Dava Street Glasgow
- Barr Street – home service 2 Cars – based at Barr Street Woodside Health Centre.
- Greenock HC – nursing staff – 4 Cars – based at the Greenock Health Centre
- Police Custody Nursing Staff – 2 Cars – based at Govan Police Station
- Oral Health – Stobhill and Dykebar – 2 cars
- Leverndale Occupational Therapist – 2 Cars based at Leverndale Hospital
- Mental Health Liaison Service – 3 cars – based at QEUH, GRI and Stobhill
- QEUH Neurology Ward – 1 Car – QEUH site
Recommendation
There is further opportunity to extend pool car facilities across the board. These opportunities can first be developed by looking at ways of better utilisation of existing fleet. There are a number of small type vans that can be used at certain periods of the day and there can be further developed pool share schemes with services operating out of the same location. The recommendation would be to work with services who have regular “Grey Mileage Claims” and “Staff Taxi Use” to identify pool car facilities that can be shared and better utilised.
How do I get more information on public transport services?
Traveline Scotland provide journey planning information for public transport services across Scotland.
Are there ways I can save money for travelling to and from work by public transport?
NHSGGC staff can purchase annual season tickets for First Glasgow, SPT ZoneCard and ScotRail and repay the cost via salary deductions over the year. More information is available from Travel Plan Office.
Are there alternatives to annual tickets?
First Glasgow offer 20% discount for NHSGGC staff on 4 weekly season tickets via their First Commuter Travel Club. More information is available from Travel Plan Office.
Do NHSGGC offer any options for staff to purchase a bike?
Through Cyclescheme you can save between 25-39% on a brand new bike and accessories and spread the cost over 6, 12, 18 or 24 months through your salary. More information is available from Travel Plan Office.
Where can I get more information on car share options?
More information can be found on our staff parking and car share scheme page.
Is there any staff bus services in operation across GGC?
NHSGGC operates staff shuttle bus services, linking major sites.
It is now an offence for anyone to smoke within 15 metres of an NHS hospital building. This applies to everyone, including staff, patients and visitors to our hospital sites.
The new law applies to all NHS hospital buildings in Scotland and includes all awnings, canopies, or other overhanging structures connected to an NHS hospital building (even if they extend further than 15 metres from an NHS hospital building).
This short video explains the new legislation.
FAQs For Patients and Visitors
Why has this legislation been brought in?
NHS Boards have had voluntary smoke-free grounds policies in place since 2015, however there has been significant issues around compliance with people continuing to smoke on hospital grounds, in some instances congregating near entrance doorways and windows creating a hazard for others.
The introduction of a legally enforceable smoke-free perimeter is designed to support existing voluntary smoke-free grounds policies by making it socially unacceptable to smoke within a health-promoting environment.
Why can’t I smoke within 15 metres of an NHS hospital building?
Our hospitals are used by many people who are particularly vulnerable to the harms and irritations caused by second-hand smoke. Keeping all areas around hospitals free from health-harming hazards benefits everyone.
What happens if I smoke within 15 metres of an NHS hospital building?
If you are found smoking within the 15 metre perimeter you will be asked to stop smoking right away or you could receive:
- A fixed penalty notice of £50 (reduced to £30 if paid within 15 days)
- £1,000 fine if taken to court.
Is this legislation an infringement on people’s right to smoke?
No, the legislation is not banning people from smoking, but to support compliance with NHS smoke free grounds policies prohibits smoking within 15 metres of a hospital building.
Can e-cigarettes be used on NHSGGC grounds?
E-cigarettes can be used on NHSGGC grounds by patients, visitors and staff. However, they are not permitted within our buildings or at building entrances and exits.
What help is available to help me stop smoking if I am a patient?
Coming into hospital presents many patients with an ideal opportunity to stop smoking. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is committed to providing practical help, support and advice to patients who wish to take advantage of this opportunity.
You can ask ward staff for Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to help with any withdrawal discomfort that you may experience during your hospital stay, as you will be unable to smoke.
If you are ready to stop smoking, you can ask a member of staff to refer you to the Quit Your Way hospital stop smoking service. A trained stop smoking advisor will contact you to guide and support you through your quit attempt –including organising NRT, if you feel that this will help you.
On discharge, you will go home with a supply of NRT along with information on how to continue to access your product through your local community pharmacy. Ongoing telephone support is provided by the Quit Your Way stop smoking service.
What help is available to help me stop smoking if I am not a patient?
Our free and friendly local Quit Your Way stop smoking services can hugely increase your chances of having a successful quit attempt and staying stopped for good. We have various support services available to help you stop smoking including Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). To find out more, visit Quit Your Way or call our team on 0800 916 8858 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm).
Hospital Smokefree Zones and Information
Rowanbank Clinic is a mental health secure care centre on the Stobhill site.
The first patients were admitted to Rowanbank Clinic during July 2007. The 74 bed centre became fully operational on a phased basis over the next 18 months.
This facility improves services for adults with mental health problems who may pose a risk to others or have the potential to commit an offence because they are unwell. It provides specialist treatment and support in modern, purpose-built accommodation designed to meet the specific needs of patients and staff.
A carers support group has been set up to provide information and support for family and friends of service users who use forensic services. The group’s purpose is to provide time, space and much needed support just for family and friends.
All enquiries to: carers.rowanbank@nhsggc.org.uk
Getting Here
Visiting
To maintain the safety of patients, visitors and staff, visiting still needs to be carefully managed. You can find current information and guidance on the Patients, Hospital Appointments and Visiting page or contact the ward or unit directly to discuss visiting arrangements.
Further Information
Services
Adult Mental Health – Secure Care
Unlike other mental health hospitals where the average length of stay is around six weeks, patients at Rowanbank Clinic will normally spend around three years undergoing treatment and rehabilitation before they are transferred to another hospital or discharged. It is therefore vital that patients have access to the specialist care and treatment they require to give them the best possible chances of recovery.
Patients have access to a range of general health services along with specialist mental health services delivered by psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists, clinical forensic psychologists, social work and forensic psychiatrists which will include:
- treatment for mental illness (including access to drug, psychological and behavioural therapies and counselling)
- rehabilitation (including individual and group therapy, education, training, occupational therapy)
- health improvement (including opportunities for physical exercise)
Although providing drug and therapeutic treatment is obviously important, making sure patients are equipped with the practical skills and experience to help them cope after they are discharged is also vital. They need access to a range of facilities and activities as part of their overall treatment programme. Rowanbank is equipped with a number of recreational and therapeutic facilities including an IT learning centre, therapy kitchen and access to arts and crafts and gardening projects. As patients spend the majority of their time inside the building, they need access to exercise facilities. This not only improves their overall physical health but will boost mental health: regular exercise has been shown to reduce levels of stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression. Rowanbank Clinic has a sports hall, gym and a five a side football pitch.
Carers Group
The carers support group has been set up to provide information and support for family and friends of service users who use forensic services. The group’s purpose is to provide time, space and much needed support just for family and friends.
All enquiries to: carers.rowanbank@nhsggc.org.uk
Quit Your Way
Call: 0141 211 6564
With our help and support you can successfully give up smoking and become smokefree. You can do it, We can help.
Smokefree Services are responsible for a wide range of tobacco projects aimed at reducing the damage from tobacco to people in and around Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Parking arrangements
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has a Car Parking Policy in place at hospital sites where the demand for spaces outweighs availability. The arrangements are designed to balance the needs of staff, patients and visitors and ensure our car parks continue to be fairly and effectively managed. In relation to our sites, a visitor relates to someone visiting an inpatient or attending with an outpatient for a hospital appointment.
A 4 hour maximum stay in patient and visitor car parks operates Monday to Friday (7.30am – 4.30pm). This does not affect the vast majority of patients and visitors and arrangements can be made for the small number who require to park for longer than 4 hours.
The maximum stay does not apply to designated staff car parks set aside for permit and non-permit holding staff.
Hospitals where arrangements apply are:
- Gartnavel Hospitals Campus
- Glasgow Royal Infirmary – alternative parking is available at Duke Street multi storey (please note charges will apply at alternative locations)
- Royal Alexandra Hospital
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Campus and the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow – alternative parking is available at Ogilvie Car Parking on Hardgate Road, Monday – Friday (please note charges will apply at alternative location)
- Stobhill Hospital Campus
- Victoria Hospital ACH
Control and management arrangements will be enacted as required by local Management at all other NHSGGC sites.
Roadworks can cause delays for patients, visitors and staff travelling to our sites. Information will be posted here for major planned roadworks we have been made aware of.
The websites below also provide more information on roadworks that may have an impact on your journey. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are not responsible for the content of external sites.
- Amey – (South Trunk Road Network – South West Unit), including M8 motorway
- Scottish Roadworks online – Planning, co-ordination and quality of roadworks in Scotland
- Tell Me Scotland – Information for planned roadworks for all local authorities in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area
- Traffic Scotland – up to date information on traffic for the trunk road network for Scotland.
Current and forthcoming roadworks
M8 Kingston Bridge works
Overnight roadworks/road closures continue to take place on the Kingston Bridge and surrounding approach roads of the M8 motorway. Information on current and planned works is available from Amey.
M8, Hillington Interchange – Major Bridge Refurbishment; 30th September – 15th December 2025 (phase two)
Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, is undertaking a major bridge refurbishment project, including rail and slip road upgrades, on the M8 at Junction 26 (Hillington Interchange). These essential works will be delivered over five phases from September 2025 until Spring 2026 and include significant repairs and upgrades to four key bridge structures, addressing vehicle parapets, structure waterproofing, safety barriers, and carriageway surfacing.
This will cause delays on the M8 and on diversion routes, particularly at peak times, so please allow additional time for travel. More information is available from Amey
M80 roadworks
Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, is undertaking essential resurfacing on the M80 northbound junction 1 on-slip (Blochairn Road) from Monday 24th November until Thursday 27th November 2025 between the hours of 20:00 and 06:00 each evening. Local diversions are in place. More information is available from Amey.
Fifty Pitches Road, Cardonald
Temporary traffic lights, and a contraflow, are in place on Fifty Pitches road. Delays can be expected for travel to and from Queen Elizabeth University Hospitals, especially at peak times.
Battlefield Road; Scottish Power emergency works
Due to emergency Scottish Power works, Battlefield Road is closed at the roundabout between Langside Road and Overdale Avenue. This may impact travel to and from New Victoria Hospital. Delays are expected and drivers are advised to use alternative routes where available.
Roadworks on A82 and A898 at Dalnottar Interchange; 10th November – 20th December 2025
Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, are carrying out essential repairs on the above section of roads. The work will be carried out between 20:00 and 06:00 each evening with lane closures and local diversions in place. Please allow additional time for your journey. The work will be carried out in phases with phase 1 operating from 10th – 25th November 2025. More information is available from Amey.
Active & Sustainable Travel Information
JMB Travel X1; Hillhouse to Glasgow
From 2nd November 2025 JMB Travel are adding additional journeys, including a new Sunday service, to their X1 service from Hillhouse – Hamilton – Glasgow Royal Infirmary – Glasgow City Centre. More information is available from JMB Travel.
Vale of Leven Hospital to Royal Alexandra Hospital bus service
NHSGGC provide a bus linking Vale of Leven and Royal Alexandra Hospital for staff, patients and visitors. The timetable for the service is available here. More information on this service is available at our news page.
Public Transport Information
For up to date information on public transport, please visit Traveline Scotland.
Glasgow Bus Alliance
The Glasgow Bus Alliance is a partnership of the leading bus operators in Glasgow, and the surrounding areas, who are working together to transform the bus travel experience for current and future bus customers in the city. More information is available from Glasgow Bus Alliance.
Community Transport Association
The Community Transport Association is a UK member-based charity providing leadership, training, advice, and operational support to transport related charities, community groups and social enterprises across the UK. More information is available from Community Transport Association.
You may be entitled to help with necessary travel costs to and from hospital if you receive NHS treatment under the care of a consultant and have a low income or receive certain benefits or credits.
For more details download the NHS Scotland leaflet HCS1 – A quick guide to help with health costs. Or you can call the NHS Helpline on 0800 224488 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm).
For help to plan your travel to the hospital please call Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or visit: www.travelinescotland.com
Travel Costs
Patients can claim their travel costs if they receive, Income support, Universal Credit, Income related Employment & Support Allowance, Income based Jobseekers Allowance, Guaranteed Pension Credit, named on a valid NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate, named on a valid NHS Exemption Certificate (HC2) or Asylum Registration Card.
Claiming travel costs
- Patients must bring proof of entitlement dated within 3 months of the appointment, (or most recent appropriate letter)
- The tickets for all your journeys will be required as evidence
- We can reimburse a mileage rate for patients using their car
- In some cases the travelling costs of an escort can be claimed
- We will not reimburse taxi fares
- Only the cheapest form of transport can be paid
- All patients travelling from the Highlands & Islands are entitled to claim some or all of their travel costs.
Further information
- If you are an inpatients, please ask your nurse for further information
- If you are an outpatients, please ask staff for further information or directions to the cash office.
Transport issues can have a significant impact on people’s health and their ability to access health services. NHSGGC continues to work closely with our partner organisations, including the local authorities and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, to address any issues.
For information on…
NHSGGC have developed walking and cycling maps for our Acute hospital sites.
The maps provide information for patients, visitors and staff on walking and cycling routes, public transport options and access points surrounding the sites listed below.
Please click on the links below to access and download a copy:
- Gartnavel Hospitals
- Glasgow Royal Infirmary
- Inverclyde Royal Hospital
- New Stobhill Hospital
- New Victoria Hospital
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and Royal Hospital for Children
- Royal Alexandra Hospital
- West Glasgow Ambulatory Care Hospital
- Vale of Leven.
Getting Here
Services
Residential Service
More information coming soon.