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Patients and visitors

Thank you for returning any equipment you no longer need.

Equipment should have a barcode and sticker note on it relating to contact details relating to returns. If this is missing then items of equipment provided by the NHS can be returned to the EquipU Store.

If you live close to the store then you can drop the equipment off at:

EQUIPU
17-20 Nurseries Road
Baillieston Distribution Centre
Glasgow G69 6UL

Alternatively please call 0141 287 6300 or email equipu@cordia.co.uk 

To make a charitable donation please contact the individual ward or department concerned via the hospital switchboard. The Charge Nurse responsible for the unit will be able to help you.

Thank you very much for your support.

Information on services to use during regular hours, at night or weekends

FAQs relating to using NHS services

What if I need to see a doctor when my GP surgery is closed?

When you, or someone you care for is unwell and you feel it can’t wait until your GP surgery re-opens, call NHS 24 on 111.

Where can I get a prescription or emergency medication when my nearest is closed?

Some pharmacies remain open during seasonal and public holidays, so you can get your prescription or emergency medication, or medical supplies. You can get further information on our Pharmacy page or via the link below.

When should I go to a minor injuries unit?

Minor Injuries Units treat adults and children aged five and over for a range of minor injuries. An injury is damage caused to the body by something physical (for example following a fall).

Opening hours

The New Stobhill HospitalNew Victoria Hospital and Queen Elizabeth University Hospital units are open 9.00am to 9.00pm every day of the year. The Vale of Leven Hospital MIU is open 8.00am – 9.00pm every day of the year.

For information on where to go with babies and young children, visit our MIU page.

The MIU will not treat illnesses.

How can I see a dentist at nights and weekends?

Emergency out of hours treatment is available through a referral from NHS 24 on 111. Out of hours dental treatment is a limited service, so check before making your journey. 

A Dental Nurse will take your call. If they assess that you are an emergency case and cannot wait until your dentist opens, they may give you an appointment to attend our out of hours service at the Glasgow Dental Hospital and School in Sauchiehall Street.

How can I find an NHS dentist?

If you want NHS dental treatment, you will first need to find out which dentists in your area provide NHS treatment, and then find one who is prepared to accept you as an NHS patient.

Some dentists do not provide NHS treatment, or only provide treatment to certain groups of people, for example children, or people getting benefits or tax credits.

Dentists do not have to take you on as an NHS patient, even if they provide NHS treatment. If this happens you can approach another dental surgery.

To find a list of dentists who do NHS work in your area, phone the NHS dental advice line on 0141 427 8235.

Who do I contact if I am seriously concerned about my mental health or that of someone else?

During office hours 

If you have concerns about your mental health you should contact your GP in the first instance. They will be able to help and if necessary refer you to appropriate mental health services.

At night or weekends 

You should call NHS 24 on 111. They will be able to help and if necessary will refer you to appropriate out of hours mental health services.

Can I use a mobile phone in hospital?

Use within designated areas

Patients and visitors to NHSGGC hospitals are able to use mobile phones in designated areas.   Areas where you can use your mobile are clearly marked but if you are unsure, please check with a member of staff. Patients can use mobile phones in:

  • Main entrances and all corridors and offices external to ward areas
  • Catering and dining rooms areas
  • Administration areas and offices.

Restricted use

All mobile phones should continue to be turned off in areas where it is signposted that their use is restricted.

There are restrictions regarding the use of camera phones, many of which also have voice and video recording facilities. Camera phones should not be used to photograph or record any patients in any of our healthcare premises without permission.

How do I arrange patient transport to a hospital appointment?

Patient Transport (managed by the Scottish Ambulance Service) is provided to patients who meet certain criteria, such as personal mobility problems. Patients can call 0300 123 1236 to be assessed and book transport.

How do I find a hospital?

You can view our directory of hospitals by clicking the link below. Each hospital has information on where it is, how to get there through public transport, by car or walking, visiting information, services directory, etc.

When you need to find the hospital you want to visit, main contact information will show when you ‘roll over’ the specific hospital. For further information, including how to get there and ward contact information, select the find out more button.

We try to ensure the information for each hospital is up to date, but we would recommend checking with the individual ward before you visit.

How do I find a health centre or other local NHS locations, such as a GP, Dentist, Optician, etc?

You can find information on all of our health centres here:

Or use the link below to find services in your local area:

Seeing your own records or those of another living person

The Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) gives people the right to know what personal information an organisation has about them. To use this right, you can make what is known as a ‘subject access request’.

Only the following people may apply for access to personal information: 

  • The person who the information is about
  • Someone acting on behalf of the person who the information is about.

You have a right to know whether or not we hold any information about you, and a right to have a copy of that information. You also have a right to know:

  • What kind of information we keep about you
  • The reason we are keeping it and how we use it
  • Who gave us your information
  • Who we might share your information with and who might see your information.  

You also have the right to have any codes or jargon in the information explained. You won’t be able to see information that could:

  • Cause serious harm to your physical or mental health, or anyone else’s
  • Identify another person (except members of NHS clinical staff who have treated the patient), unless that person gives their permission.

Download GDPF forms

Seeing the records of someone who has died

The Access to Health Records Act, 1990 lays down strict guidance on what personal information can be provided to a third party regarding a deceased patient. Our application form has therefore been designed to provide us with sufficient information to ensure that we only provide access to those who are legally entitled to receive this.

The Act gives certain people a right to see the health records of somebody who has died. These people are defined under section 3(1)(f) of that Act as:

  • The patient’s personal representative. This will be the executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate
  • Any person who may have a claim arising out of the patient’s death. 

Access to Health Records (AHR) forms

Contact Details

Please return the relevant form to the address below.

You can also request a paper copy of either form from this address.

Health Records Legal Manager
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Admin Building Level 2
Gartnavel Royal Hospital,
1055 Great Western Road 
Glasgow G12 0XH

Call: 0141 211 3855
Email: ggc.legalaspectsnorth@nhs.scot

FAQs

Can you tell me about the Patients Rights Act?

Patients’ Rights & Responsibilities

The Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011 advises that once a patient has been diagnosed as requiring inpatient or day case treatment and has agreed to that treatment, that patient’s treatment must start within a maximum of 12 weeks of the treatment having been agreed.

 You need to know how it affects your hospital care in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde including:

The Act was passed by the Parliament in February 2011 and gained Royal Assent in March 2011. The Act aims to improve patients’ experiences of using health services and to support people to become more involved in their health and health care.

Further information and fact sheets on all aspects of the Act are available from NHS Inform.

You can also view the Scottish Government Charter of Patient Rights and Responsibilities (PDF).

Can I get a second opinion? 

You may request a second opinion by asking your healthcare professional and politely explaining your reasons. More advice on asking for second opinions is available from NHS 24

How can I complain?  Can someone help me complain?
You can complain at different levels and if you need independent advice or help to complain you can get it.  Please look at the complaints section of our site.

How can I access my medical records?
You can see your records and, if you choose, you can get a copy. There may be a charge, depending on when the record was last updated.  If you ask a member of NHS staff providing your care, they might show you your records, or suggest that you come back to do this. However, staff don’t have to show you your records unless you ask in writing. In certain circumstances you might be able to see the records of a family member.

You can:

  • Write to the practice manager at your GP surgery
  • Write to the records manager at the hospital or other NHS organisation which holds your records or where your treatment has been taking place. For NHSGGC follow this link
How the NHS handles your personal health information

You can download the following NHS Inform PDF leaflet to find out more.

Can I change my doctor (GP)?
Anyone can change their GP without giving a reason. If you have moved out of the area covered by your GP you can ask them if they are willing to continue visiting and treating you at your new address. They will have to let the local health board know that they are willing to do this.

When you have found another GP who will accept you as a patient, give your medical card to the surgery for registration. It is then sent to the health board, which will send you a new card. If you have lost your medical card the surgery will have a form which is sent instead.

If you want to change doctors because you have been removed from a GP’s list, the procedure is similar to changing through choice. However, if you can’t find a GP who will accept you, the local health board can allocate a GP in your area.

Please visit out “Find A…” search page to search for GPs in your area. 

Can I refuse medical treatment?You have the right to refuse medical treatment unless you have a notifiable disease or you have been detained for psychiatric reasons (usually called being sectioned).  A patient’s consent is needed for most medical matters, but simply going to see a doctor can be regarded as implied consent for an examination or treatment. If you are concerned about a specific type of treatment, the doctor is obliged to describe other forms of treatment that are available. Forcing treatment on a patient who has refused can be considered assault.

Refusing medical treatment for a child is different. If a parent refused treatment for a child, the doctor is obliged to treat the child if it is considered necessary.

You have a right to refuse or stop treatment at any time, even if this means you may die.  If you are concerned that you will be unable to make your wishes known at a later stage in an illness, it may be wise to tell the doctor at what stage you want to stop treatment.

Can I get an interpreter for my appointment?
If you need someone to interpret for you at a GP or hospital appointment please contact the clinic using the telephone number given in your appointment letter as soon as you receive it. Interpreters can be arranged for spoken languages, British Sign Language and Deafblind communication. For face to face interpreting please give as much notice as possible. In emergencies or at short notice a telephone service may be used. Interpreters are trained in clinical communication and bound by the same rules regarding patient confidentiality as other healthcare workers.

Can I get information in other languages?
To get health related information in other languages you should first ask the person caring for you or giving you the information who should be able to provide or arrange this.  Alternatively you can also visit the NHS 24 website translations page

How can I contact the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman?

You can contact the Ombudsman’s office by telephone on 0800 377 7330 or email ask@spso.org.uk.
  
The website address for the Ombudsman is www.scottishombudsman.org.uk. If you are looking for recent reports they are available under ‘Investigation Reports’ in the left hand vertical navigation bar. Please use the search facility on the Ombudsman’s website to search for individual reports.

I’ve lost my NHS details/doctor/dentist details, how can I find where I am registered?

Please call Practitioner Services on 0141 300 1300 who will be able to help you recover this information.

If we haven’t answered your questions

Alternative language versions

Your mealtime experience is important to us

If you would like to tell us anything about your meals, including your likes and dislike please speak to Nursing staff as soon as possible. The sooner we understand your needs then the sooner we can contact the catering team who will be happy to help.

We regularly ask for feedback about our meal service. From time to time we may ask you to complete a questionnaire. If you would prefer you can use the feedback form in the Information about Food and Health in Hospital leaflet which is available from Nursing staff.

If you require this information in an accessible format, such as large print or braille, or in a community language, please ask ward staff.

Help and assistance with eating

Nursing staff will check to see if you require help with eating and drinking. They will be happy to help you cut up food, open packets or may stay with you to help you eat and drink.

In some wards we have ward volunteers who can make your mealtime experience easier and more comfortable. They will make sure you have everything you need, from condiments to the right cutlery, and can even spend time socialising with you. 

At NHSGGC we’re committed to providing high quality food and drink as part of your hospital visit. We constantly work to improve the range and quality of the food and drink that you will be provided with.

Hospital mealtimes

Mealtimes are an important part of the daily routine and this means, as far as possible, non-essential activity is stopped during this time.

At home, people often eat in the presence of a family member and that should be no different in hospital. Your visitor is welcome to stay with you at mealtimes.

Breakfast

Breakfast times are approximately: 7.30am – 8.30am

You will be offered a continental breakfast with tea or coffee, cereal, bread, toast (where available) and rolls.

Lunch

Lunch times are approximately: 12.00pm – 1.00pm.

Your lunch consists of three courses:

  • To start: homemade soup or fruit juice
  • To follow: A choice of sandwiches, salad or filled baked potatoes or a hot meal with vegetables and potatoes.
  • For dessert: trifle, fresh fruit, yogurt, rice pudding, jelly and ice cream or cheese and biscuits.
Evening meal

Dinner is served from 5.00pm – 6.00pm approximately.

You will be offered a choice of hot meals with vegetables and potatoes or rice plus either a hot or cold dessert.

At each mealtime there will always be a meal option for vegetarians, a healthier option and choice for those who need more calories.

Snacks

As well as your meals we have a range of drinks and snacks available at all times. This includes tea, coffee, hot chocolate, squash, bread, cereal and biscuits.

Menus

We have a cafe style menu showing your choices for the full week. Menus are available either at your bedside or in dining rooms in some of our wards.

A range of alternative menus are also available, on request, for the following diets:

  • Gluten free
  • Food allergies
  • Low Fibre/Low residue
  • Low potassium/No added salt
  • Vegan
  • Kosher
  • Halal.

It is important that you try to eat and drink as normal if you can while you are in hospital. If you have special dietary requirements we are unaware of please speak to a member of ward staff.

Further information

I just take small meals
” I just take small meals but quite nice – something different every day, quite happy.”
Soup gets better every day
“Soup gets better every day. Pudding at teatime is super, thoroughly enjoyed the meal”
Always all right, nice and warm.
“Always all right, nice and warm. Good choice, not too repetitive. Like the soup – lovely, and some of the salads”
Big improvement
“Big improvement. Get what you ask for but sometimes can’t remember what was ordered yesterday”
Choice always good
“Choice always good. Is small portion wanted you get it and extras if want. Always enjoy the meals, enjoy the company”
Stewed apples lovely
“Stewed apples lovely, custard very powdery and not enough rice pudding. Great service to be served meals. Always offered seconds”
Very happy with meals
“Very happy with meals, been an in-patient two and half years”
Very happy with variety
“Very happy with variety, good service”
Very satisfied, been in a few weeks
“Very satisfied, been in a few weeks”
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Food and fluid mythbusters are part of the Food First campaign

The campaign focuses on the importance of food and drink in improving a patient’s recovery and how it can potentially lead to quicker discharge from hospital.

The information is aimed at staff, patients, visitors and family and highlights the role we can all play in patient recovery.