Giving patients information they need in a clear, appropriate format is one of the key roles of the Graphic Design & Print Team. We maintain and supply over 1000 patient information leaflets across the service. We support health improvement campaigns and well-being initiatives including exhibition/display designs, brochures, posters, branding, and promotional ideas, and offer a bespoke solution to every situation.
Supporting the Organisation
We provide signage and wayfinding, design and print forms, ensuring that through quality of design, all standards are adhered to – governance, branding, and accessibility.
Supporting Staff
NHSGGC relies on its staff to deliver the best quality healthcare, and we help you deliver that care. You’ll receive the best advice on how to deliver essential information in the most appropriate and cost-effective way.
Supporting the Environment
Despite a commitment to paper-light practices, there is still a huge volume of print undertaken within GGC. We have the biggest in-house NHS print facility in Scotland, to match our print on demand requirement. We provide a robust professional print-buying service ensuring best value for money and quality assurance, using the Government Procurement Tender (Quick Quote) and PECOS systems.
Medical Illustration Services provide a professional and clinical photography, video and graphic design service to healthcare professionals within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and to external organisations and private clients. We promote best practice for clinical care and documentation, and support teaching and research. Our staff are qualified healthcare scientists, who work to the highest standards with the latest technology available.
The continued learning opportunities of our AHP workforce is of vital importance, in consolidating the services we deliver today, and ensuring our teams are enabled to deliver the services and roles we aspire to in the future.
The NHSGGC AHP Learning and Development Strategic Framework has been designed to support all AHP staff in NHSGGC to access educational opportunities. This being at all levels of practice across the career framework, from Health Care Support Worker to Advanced and Consultant level of practice.
The framework highlights that all staff will have equal access to ongoing learning, training and development within their role. Recognising that AHP capabilities are required of all staff across the four pillars of practice. These being clinical practice, facilitation of learning, leadership and evidence, research and development (including service improvement).
Professional and Service Leads developed the framework following an AHP staff communication exercise. The framework is underpinned by the four pillars of practice and it is aligned to local and national policy drivers. The framework is accessible, easy to understand and key in supporting AHPs to take ownership of their learning and development. It is a live resource to support meaningful role and career conversations.
Welcome to NHSGGC Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor Portal. This portal has been designed to provide information and support for those who supervise and assess learners in our practice learning environments.
NHSGGC Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor Portal – Feedback and Suggestions
If you would like to make a suggestion or provide the Practice Education Team with feedback as to how we could improve the PS/PA Portal, please email: ggc.practiceeducation@nhs.scot
This section provides practice supervision / assessment related documents and resources for all those involved in the supervision and assessment of student nurses and midwives within NHSGGC. If you can’t find what you are looking for here, our FAQs might help.
Enjoy our audio podcasts at a time that suits you. We offer a series of 5 podcasts giving information on the new NMC standards and a variety of topics to support your CPD in the practice supervisor or practice assessor role.
Communication and relationship management skills – Examples from practice
This resource has been developed to assist you in your role as practice supervisors and practice assessors to support students to achieve Annexe A: Communication and relationship management skills.
Can’t find an answer to your question. Our FAQs might be able to help.
Roles in student assessment
Does a student need both PS/PA?
Yes, The roles of mentor, sign-off mentor, practice teacher and teacher have been withdrawn, and three new roles introduced to undertake the supervision and assessment of students; the practice supervisor, practice assessor and academic assessor.
Can I be a PS and/or PA to two students at once?
You cannot be the PS and PA for the same student – each student must have two different people assigned – one as PS and another as PA – this cannot be the same person. However, you may carry out both roles at the same time for different students, for example, you may be the PS for one student whilst also being the PA for another student. You may also be the PS or PA for two different students at the same time.
How much time do I need to spend with my student before signing them off?
There is no set time a student needs to spend with their PS/PA. However, we would recommend that students work alongside their assigned PS/PA as much as possible for continuity.
The Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor are responsible for gathering feedback from other staff in their area that have worked alongside their assigned student to deliver a fair and objective assessment.
How do I access student feedback?
Student feedback for Practice Learning Environments is submitted via “QMPLE”. Each area has an assigned member of staff (e.g. charge nurse, SCN or Educator) who will have access to view feedback submitted by students. All feedback via QMPLE is anonymous and is released after review from both Practice Education Facilitator and the link lecturer for the area. Practice Education would encourage PS/PAs to obtain individual feedback in their role from students (if they are willing to do so) which can then be used for their revalidation and to help improve upon their practice.
Student documentation and assessment
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What does a student Practice Assessment Document (PAD) look like?
Also, this interactive PAD resource will provide you with information and guidance on how to complete the different sections of the Practice Assessment Document. From recommended timelines for each stage of the student journey, who completes the different sections, to clear and simple examples of evidence needed for each platform.
Who can sign what in the PAD?
Orientation and intial meeting – PA or PS (to be completed within first 48 hours)
Learning Development Plan – PA or PA
Record of signatories – PA and PS (individual records for each role)
Interim review – PA or PS
Service user/carer feedback – PA or PS (one required per PART)
Proficiencies – PA or PS
Skills and procedures – PA or PS
Final assessment – PA only
Attendance record – PA or PS (complete after each week)
End of part confirmation – PA only (discussion between PA and AA to agree on student progression)
How do I complete an interim assessment?
The interim assessment is usually completed mid-way through the placement. It is recommended that a date is set for the interim assessment during the first 48 hours of placement.
The interim assessment can be completed by either the Practice Supervisor (PS) or Practice Assessor (PA). It may be that the PS completes the interim assessment to allow the PA to complete an objective final assessment at the end of the placement, but this is not essential.
If there are concerns surrounding a student’s performance the interim assessment can be completed early or alternatively, you may wish to complete several interim assessments throughout the placement to reflect and document the student’s progress.
The NMC agreed the new standards for student supervision and assessment in 2018. They have structured the standards into 7 platforms – the interim and final assessments are structured around these 7 platforms and, additionally, any progress made within Annexes A and B. Further information on the standards can be found here: NMC Standards for Supervision and Assessment
It can be helpful to look at the language used within the proficiencies (blue pages of the PAD) relating to each platform as an aid to structure your feedback.
The interim assessment is also a good opportunity to ask the student if they have any feedback that they would like to provide regarding their placement.
If any issues are raised during the interim assessment (or at any point throughout the placement) please contact your PEF/CHEF. You can find their details here: Who is my PEF/CHEF?
How do I grade my student?
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), University of Glasgow (UoG), Open University (OU), and University of West of Scotland (UWS) all utilise different grading for their students.
UWS: Pass or Fail
OU: Pass or Fail
UoG: Graded A-H using a specific grading rubric per PART
GCU: Graded A-F using a specific grading rubric per PART. Each platform is graded individually and then an overall grade is calculated using a percentage,
My Colleague and I disagree on a student’s performance, what should we do?
If there is a disagreement between a Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor, Practice Education would advise having a discussion around the differences between each other’s observations. It would also be useful to look back at previous assessments (if appropriate) to look for common themes.
We would also advise reviewing the grading rubric for the specific learning stage of the student using the participation in care framework.
Another tip would be to ask other staff who have worked alongside the student. What are their observations? Are there any differences? For further information or advice, reach out to the PEF/CHEF for your area. Who is my PEF/CHEF?
Our Student’s PA is on annual leave for the student’s last week, who signs them off?
The student should be assigned another Practice Assessor as soon as possible.
The new Practice Assessor should gather feedback from the original Practice Assessor if appropriate and from Practice Supervisors/ other staff in the area in order to complete a fair and objective assessment.
My student has forgotten their PAD on multiple occasions, what can I do?
Students are expected to bring their PAD with them on their first day of placement
and if they do not bring it on the first day then must bring it on their second day. If they then do not bring it you can send them home to retrieve it as it is there responsibility to make it available to their PS/PA throughout the placement.
The student should bring the full document with no pages/sections missing. If the student is continually forgetting to bring their PAD despite being prompted to do so then contact your PEF/CHEF for further advice and support.
I have some concerns regarding my student’s performance, what should I do?
Both the student and Practice Supervisor/ Assessor have access to a Practice Learning Support Protocol which details the steps to follow should there be any concerns. It is important to highlight these concerns as soon as possible. A copy of this can also be found in the student PAD.
How do I complete a Learning Development Support Plan?
You may have a student who requires some additional support to achieve a specific learning outcome/proficiency for example, time keeping, assessment skills, improving communication. In this situation it may be helpful to create a Learning Development Support Plan (LDSP) to support and guide the student to meet the outcomes required.
These sample Learning Development Support Plans will to help you to write an effective plan to support students to progress in their practice learning environment. There is also an example LDSP within the PAD.
You will also find an example Learning Development Support Plan within the PAD and further examples are available through this link:
If you are implementing a LDSP you may wish to contact your PEF/CHEF for support and guidance.
Attendance and Rostering
My student has said they have a part-time job and cannot work certain shifts, how should this be approached?
All students are made aware of the Working Time Directive prior to undertaking their placement. By law, the Maximum weekly working hours state they can only work a maximum of 48 hours per week (on average) which includes placement hours.
How many hours does a student get credited with per shift? Are breaks included?
Students should be credited with full shift hours, including breaks. For example, 7am-7.30pm shifts would be credited as 12.5 hours.
9am-5pm shifts would be credited as 8 hours.
**Reduced working week does not apply to student nurses
My student is requesting specific/ adjusted hours. How can we accommodate this?
Students are made aware that they have a requirement to be flexible to accommodate their placement hours. However, this is not always possible.
Practice Education would advise that any adjustments (within reason) are made at the area’s discretion. Students should NOT be credited with any hours they have not worked.
My student has an organised study day at university, are they credited hours for this?
Credited study days are usually highlighted within the original placement allocation email which is sent out to the student link for your area. This may be your SCN/ CN or Educator. However, sometimes study days can be arranged following these emails and the university may advise students to make their placement aware. Some of these are credited and some are not. If you are unsure, reach out to your local PEF/CHEF who will be able to find out for you.
My student has an appointment during shift time, what is the policy for this?
There is not a specific policy in relation to allowing time for appointments. However, it is encouraged by both Practice Education and Educational Institutions that students inform their PLE manager of any scheduled appointments at their earliest convenience so accommodations such as shift changes can be made.
My student hasn’t turned up for their shift or called in sick, what do I do?
All students must adhere to the NHS GGC/ local absence reporting policy. This is explained to them prior to placement and detailed within their student documentation. They also have a duty to report any absences to the university. The way of doing this differs between universities but this information is readily available within the guidance pages of the students Practice Assessment Document.
The PEF/ CHEF for your area will be able to contact the student’s PT if there are any concerns regarding absence.
Reasonable Adjustments
My student has disclosed a disability/learning need, how do I approach this?
Firstly, it is at the student’s discretion whether they disclose any additional learning needs or disabilities. This can sometimes make our roles as Practice Supervisors and Assessors a bit more challenging but there are resources available to support you. Students can often have a Reasonable Adjustment Plan or a “RAP” in place from the university. Should the student wish to share this with their PS/PA it should remain confidential and should be accommodated where possible.
Your local PEF/ CHEF will be on hand to support you with this.
Can my student take part in venepuncture and cannulation/ IV medication?
Yes, they can, however, this depends on the stage of training the student is at and whether they have had the relevant theory within University. It is important to note that when this theory is delivery may differ between different fields of nursing which is detailed in the skills statement linked below. When undertaking these skills student nurses and midwives must do so under the direct supervision of a registered healthcare professional who is competent in the skill.
Responsibility ultimately lies with the administrator of the drug unless a student nurse is involved. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the registered practitioner.
Other common questions
How does my student get an ID badge?
All students should have photographic ID in the form of their student card from their university.
Swipe cards for student nurses are only available for students on placement at QEUH/ RHC at this time. This does not apply to other sites within NHSGGC.
Students about to commence their first placement within QEUH/ RHC will receive an email from university advising how to obtain a swipe card. However, they can also contact their PLE’s local PEF who can pass on a form to obtain a swipe card. They need to complete and print this form and take it to the sites facilities open sessions which are held between 9am-10am
Learning Development Support Planning
Learning Development Support Plans are used to support students to meet specific objectives, particularly if they face challenges in achieving the level of knowledge and/or skills required by their educational programme or if there are concerns regarding their professional practice. These sample plans can be used to help you to write an effective Learning Development Support Plan to support students to progress in their practice learning environment.
This resource will supplement practice supervision / assessment in the workplace for student nurses and midwives. Additionally, it is practice supervisor and practice assessor facing and provides information and guidance on Pharmacology.
PAD Terminology for Practice Supervisors and Assessors
If you’re unsure about the terms used in the PAD when it comes to student assessment, we’ve created a helpful guide just for you. the PAD Terminology for Practice Supervisors and Practice Assessors explains key terms (called level outcomes) and gives examples to help you understand what’s expected of your student by the end of their placement.
These flowcharts illustrate guidance for student nurses and midwives, as well as PS / PAs, on dealing with concerns, although not care concerns, we come across in Practice Learning Environments.
Raising concerns in practice – a national approach for nursing and midwifery students, non-NHS practice learning experience providers and higher education institutions in Scotland.
‘Speaking up’ – National Whistleblowing Guidance for Nursing and Midwifery Students in Scotland
This guidance details the process for raising a concern and intends for nursing and midwifery students in Scotland to use it while undertaking PLEs during their pre-registration nursing and midwifery programmes.
This 10 minute narrated presentation on Strengthening Student Nurse and Midwife Practice will help practice supervisors and practice assessors to develop increased insight and awareness around supporting student nurses and midwives with additional competency requirements (NHS Scotland log in required).
The West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre (WoSSVC) is a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited medical laboratory No. 9319. A full list of accredited tests can be found on our schedule of accreditation.
Please note users will be informed if an assay/result lies outside the laboratory’s scope of accreditation.
WoSSVC islocated at Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI) and is part of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC).
Clinical advice and urgent testing: email west.ssvc2@nhs.scot during opening times or phone: 0141 242 9656 (internal 29656). Please note during busy times it is easier to email and a member of the clinical team will respond.
To add on tests please email west.ssvc2@nhs.scot with clinical details and tests required. The email is monitored during laboratory opening hours (we aim to reply to your email within 1 hour, however, at busy times this may not be possible).
Results are available on clinical portal, SCI Store, TrakCare and GPICE for NHSGGC patients if a patient’s CHI has been provided on the request form.
For out of hours clinical advice call the Switchboard on 0141 211 1000 (1000 internal) and ask for the on-call virologist.
Leadership is an integral component of all Allied Health Professional (AHP) and AHP Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) roles across the whole career pathway.
Whatever your role or level of practice, there is information and resources available to support your leadership development.
Offers a range of leadership development programmes, opportunities and support for health, social care and social work leaders to help you make a difference.
We are a nurse led team. Our service provides the insertion of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC lines), Midline Catheters, Non-tunnelled Central Venous Catheters and the insertion and removal of Tunnelled Central Venous Catheters (TCVCs). We also provide advice and support on the care and maintenance of vascular access devices.
Nicola Wyllie – Senior Charge Nurse
Maren Hunter – Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist
David McGrath – Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist
If your clinical area requires training on the care and maintenance of vascular access devices – please identify a device champion(s) and VAS will provide them with a workshop and simulated practice sign off. VAS can then assist with care and maintenance sessions for staff whose competency can then be assessed by the device champion.
Prior to training please ensure staff have completed learnpro modules –
GGC: 002 Health and Safety, an introduction
GGC: 007 Standard Infection Control Precautions
NES: Prevention and Management of Occupational Exposure (within SIPCEP)
GGC: 329 Vascular Access Devices
For queries regarding support and training on the care and maintenance of vascular access devices please email -ggc.nurseled.piccandhickteam@nhs.scot
When accessing any vascular access device you must always use ANTT®
Always wash hands effectively
Never contaminate key parts/key areas
Touch non-key parts with confidence
Take appropriate infection control precautions
The key principle to preventing infection is to maintain the asepsis of key parts/sites.
Key parts – any part of the device which will come into direct contact with the patients bloodstream.
Key sites – insertion and exit sites
The key parts can be protected by the use of micro fields such as syringe wrappers.
There is no need for the use of sterile dressing packs or sterile gloves, unless you are performing a dressing change when it is impossible to apply the new dressings without touching them and sterile gloves are required.
Advice and Links – Vascular Access Device Care & Maintenance
Dressing changes for all central venous vascular access devices must be done weekly (unless visibly contaminated). The dressing, stabilisation device (if PICC line), CHG impregnated foam dressing and needle-free device must all be changed weekly using an adapted ANTT®. Please see page 17 of the NHSGGC ANTT® Clinical Guideline for step by step guidance.
When accessing a vascular access device to flush, aspirate or change the needle-free device you must always ‘scrub the hub’ for 30 seconds. Whilst scrubbing the hub you should concentrate on the flat connective surface but also scrub around the side using wipes that contain Chlorhexidine 2% and Alcohol 70%.
Preventing catheter blockages
Flush immediately after use, use an ANTT® and scrub the hub for 30 seconds before accessing the device.
When flushing a vascular access device, routinely use Nacl 0.9% in a 10ml luer lock syringe and a brisk ‘push/pause’ technique. This creates a turbulent pulsatile flow which clears the lumen of debris. Ensure that you finish the flush by clamping on positive pressure (whilst you are administering the last push) to prevent blood re-entering the device and thus maintaining patency. Flush before, between and immediately after each use.
Routinely move clamp on PICC and Midline to prevent damage.
Difficultly aspirating catheter
Valsalva Manoeuvre – ask the patient to take a deep breath, hold and attempt to force out air through closed mouth.
Change needle-free device using ANTT
Check the clamp on PICC line, move clamp and massage lumen underneath if crushed. Check to see if the dressing has kinked the catheter near the insertion site.
Please do not remove a blocked PICC until you have spoken to a member of the Vascular Access Team as it may be salvageable.
Quick Guide To Vascular Access Devices
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)
Suitable for the duration of therapy.
No preparation required, no exclusion criteria (although patient must be able to position arm to enable insertion).
Suitable for all IV medications and short term parenteral nutrition (PN)
CT compatible and Non CT compatible depending on the device.
Tunnelled Central Venous Catheter (TCVC)
Suitable for the duration of therapy.
Not all patients are suitable to attend the Nurse led service as we have an exclusion criteria – (please see referrals section).
The TCVCs we insert are cuffed so they require to be removed by an appropriately trained individual under local anaesthetic.
Midline Catheters
4F 12cm Smart Midline peripheral catheter – last up to 29 days. CT Compatible. Please be aware – blood sampling from midline catheters may result in device failure.
Vascular access referrals
We encourage early referral for a suitable vascular access device to improve patient experience, preserve vessel health and effectively facilitate IV therapy.
Please be aware that this is an extremely busy elective service, covering multiple sites within NHSGGC. We will endeavour to facilitate all referrals as soon as possible. We are not an emergency service, however we will expedite urgent cases if we are able to do so. To discuss referrals please email us on the group email address above.
The Vascular Access Service work Mon-Fri 08:30 – 16:30 and some weekends staff permitting.
Please note : Vascular access is a nurse led service, not all patients are suitable for referral.
Catheter Peripheral Central Venous Catheter (PICC) / Midline Catheter
There is no restrictive exclusion criteria for PICC or midline catheter insertion.
Cuffed Tunnelled Central Venous Catheter (TCVC)
APTT ratio must be equal to or lower than 1.6
PT no higher than 16
Platelets must be above 40 (if platelets between 30-40 VAS will consider placing a catheter with platelets running following discussion with medical staff)
Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) must be omitted 24 hours prior to procedure if it is a treatment dose, 12 hours for a prophylactic dose.
Patient is able to lie flat
Patients not suitable for Nurse led service
Known venous stenosis, SVC obstruction or central venous stent in situ
Significant mediastinal disease
Recent myocardial infarction (within 2 days)
Pacemaker in situ
Current pneumothorax
If patient has these symptoms please refer to interventional radiology service.
Patient Referral to the Vascular Access Service
All patient referrals are made via TrakCare.
Please follow the process below:
Input the patients community health index (CHI) into trak
Click on Episode Tree
Select current episode
Click on ‘New Request’
Under Imaging:
For PICC line insertion : Input ‘IPICCI’ into item box
For TCVC insertion input ‘ITCVCI’
For TCVC removal ‘ITCVCX’
For TCVC exchange ‘ITCVCG
For Haemo-dialysis insertion ‘ ITUNDI’
For insertion of TCVC – all patients must have a recent Coagulation (Coag) and Full Blood Count (FBC) (within 2 weeks provided they have received no treatment)
Consent / AWI for Vascular Access Service
Patients will be consented by a vascular access nurse.
All patients must have capacity to consent ( i.e. not given a sedative pre-procedure unless already consented by a member of the vascular access team).
If the patient has impaired capacity, they must have a separate Adults with Incapacity (AWI) form specifically for the procedure completed before being transferred to the department.
Are you a newly qualified nurse, midwife or allied health professional (AHP)?
The Practice Education team are providing access to two Clinical Supervision sessions in your first year of practice, although these may be provided locally for some disciplines. Through attending the sessions, newly qualified practitioners (NQPs) will have opportunity to explore the effects of your work, by recognising how you are impacted by this, you can then focus on solutions for your learning and development and maintain or build your resilience levels.
Clinical Supervision supports you to reflect, and develop your clinical practice, whilst embedding staff wellbeing and wellness into the working environment, promoting and establishing positive working cultures,leading to improved patient outcomes.
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