NHSGGC is carrying out validation of our waiting lists to ensure our patients continue to have the same treatment needs and that they can receive the most appropriate care in the correct place. The next phase of this work is the introduction of an automated process, with the assistance of our NetCall software.
Patients who have been referred to NHSGGC for a hospital-based outpatient appointment will automatically receive a text and/or email asking them to confirm whether they still require the appointment now, at a future date, or not at all.
Patients will only be contacted if they have been waiting for a specified number of weeks. This time period will differ across different clinical specialties and some patients may not receive a message.
The text/email will be from ‘NHS-NoReply’ and patients are asked to follow the instructions contained in the message. If you have any queries or concerns, please can contact our Referral Management Team using the following details:
If a patient tells us they no longer require an appointment, they will be removed from the waiting list and the referring GP will be notified of this.
Please support your NHS by looking out for the text message and if you receive one, respond as soon as possible. Thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a waiting list validation exercise?
The exercise will help us to support patients who have been waiting for their appointment to understand whether the needs of each individual remain the same as when the initial referral took place.
Why is NHSGGC undertaking this work?
In some cases, patients need to wait for a number of weeks for their appointment. This work is being carried out to ensure that everyone who is waiting for an outpatient appointment still needs one and to ensure that each patient’s personal treatment requirements remain the same as when referred.
How long after I am referred will I receive the text message?
The period of time will be different for every clinical specialty.
I have been referred for an outpatient appointment at hospital – will I be contacted?
You will receive an automated text message from NHS-NoReply asking you to click a link. This will take you to a webpage where you will be asked to confirm your preferences in relation to your appointment.
How will I be contacted?
You will be contacted directly by text message. The message will be sent from ‘NHS-NoReply’.
I have only just been referred, why do you need to know if I still need an appointment that has just been made?
Patients will not be contacted immediately. You will only be contacted when you have been waiting for a number of weeks.
Who will contact me?
You will receive an automated text message from ‘NHS-NoReply’.
What should I do when I receive the text message?
Please follow the instructions on the text message, which will ask you to click a link. This will direct you to a website where you will be asked some basic information and to confirm your intention to receive your outpatient appointment.
Who should I contact if I have any questions?
Please get in touch with our Referral Management Team using the following details:
Should I speak with my GP if I have any concerns?
If you have concerns about your personal health or referral needs, please speak with your GP. If you have concerns or questions about NHSGGC’s validation work or the text message you have received, please contact our referral management team.
What happens if I delete the text message by mistake?
Don’t worry, if this happens, please contact our Referral Management Team who will be able to help.
I forgot to respond to the text message and I’m worried that I’ve missed my appointment.
If you do not respond to the initial text message, you will receive two further follow-up messages. If a response is not received you will have a letter sent to your address. Please make sure to respond as soon as you are able.
If you do not respond to any of the text messages or letter, this may cause issues for your appointment.
I don’t have a mobile phone. What should I do?
If you do not have a mobile phone, or you haven’t provided your number, you will be contacted by email.
I don’t have a mobile phone or email address. How will I be contacted?
You will receive a letter to your home address with details of what to do.
I am a carer for a family member who have received a referral, will the text message come to me or my family member?
If you are recorded on the patient’s contact details as primary contact, the message will be sent to you. You are asked to respond on their behalf.
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.
NHSGGC Board policy on electric vehicle charging.
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
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.
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 road works 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.
A8 resurfacing in Port Glasgow and Greenock; 7th – 20th July 2025
Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, is undertaking essential resurfacing on the A8 in Port Glasgow and Greenock from Monday 7th July until Sunday 20th July 2025 between 20:00 and 06:00 each night. The work will be completed in three phases and will involve road closures and local diversions. More information is available from Amey.
Erskine Bridge northbound closure; 11th – 14th July 2025
Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, is undertaking essential resurfacing and joint replacements on the A898 Erskine Bridge northbound from 20:00 on Friday 11th July until 06:00 on Monday 14th July 2025 under a full weekend closure.
Road users are advised to plan their journey times, accordingly, seek alternative routes or follow the standard, agreed diversions, while the works are taking place. The southbound A898 Erskine Bridge will operate under a single lane closure. More information is available from Amey.
Scottish Gas Networks – Inverkip Road, Greenock
From 31st March 2025, for approximately 16 weeks, Scottish Gas Networks will be replacing pipes in and around Inverkip Road area of Greenock. To minimise disruption, they will be working in multiple streets at the same time. More information is available from Scottish Gas Networks.
Scottish Gas Networks – Cleveden Road, Glasgow
Scottish Gas Networks are upgrading the gas network in north west Glasgow. As part of these upgrades they will begin critical work from Monday 14 April 2025 in the Cleveden Road area of Glasgow. This phase of the project is scheduled to last approximately 12 weeks. This will involve road closures and diversions in the local area. This may impact travel to and from Gartnavel Hospitals, so please allow additional time for your journey. More information on the project is available from Scottish Gas Networks.
Glasgow City Council – Old Dumbarton Road / Yorkhill Street
Glasgow City Council will be carrying out work to upgrade the pedestrian crossing point on Old Dumbarton Road and Yorkhill Street, from Friday 13th June until Sunday 6th July 2025. Local diversions will be in place for the duration of the closure and these will be clearly signed. This may impact travel to and from West Glasgow ACH, so please allow additional time for your journey.
M8 junctions 23-25
Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, is undertaking essential site investigations on the M8 at the Berryknowes overbridge and Clyde Tunnel approach at Junction 25, as well as the Paisley Road West overbridge between Junctions 23 and 24 from Sunday 22nd June until Tuesday 22nd July 2025. This work will be carried out between 20:00 and 06:00, every Sunday to Thursday evening. This may impact travel to and from the Queen Elizabeth Unverisity Hospital. Please allow additional time for your journey. More information is available from Amey.
RAH to Vale of Leven shuttle bus service
A new, free transport link between the Vale of Leven Hospital and Royal Alexandra Hospital has been expanded in response to feedback from the public. The link, which replaces the underused service provided by a bus operator, will now be available to staff, patients and visitors. It will be more frequent than the previous service, and will be significantly more cost-effective for NHSGGC.
While the bus runs directly between the two hospitals, if a patient requires transport from another location, the Board’s transport policy can provide financial support, if appropriate, to help them attend an appointment. The timetable for the service is available here.
More information is also available at our news page.
First Glasgow service revisions – 15th June 2025
First Glasgow are making revisions to a number of services across their network from 15th June 2025, including services 8, 16, 77 and 90, which serve Queen Elizabeth University Hospitals and services 6/6a, which serve Gartnavel Hospitals. More information on the changes is available from First Glasgow.
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.
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, 8.00am to 6.00pm).
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.
- 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.
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:
Direct Booking Service
Who is it for?
This service is available to you if you have a medical condition or mobility need that requires ambulance transport to get you to your healthcare appointment. The service is available to take you to and from pre-arranged hospital appointments, or for your admission and discharge to hospital. Trained staff will assess your need when you call.
How does it work?
You can book ambulance transport directly via a specialist Scottish Ambulance Service contact centre in Glasgow, where you will be able to talk to specially trained staff and request ambulance transport to and from your healthcare appointment.
- The number to call is: 0300 123 1236
- Text Relay on 18001 03001231236 – for anyone hard of hearing
Calls are charged at local rates for mobiles and landlines.
Please call as soon as you are notified of your hospital or clinic appointment.
If you need support, your carer, friend, relative or GP can make the request on your behalf.
How do I cancel a booked journey?
To cancel your journey, please call the national cancellation number at any time on
0300 123 1236, and select option 2. Calls are charged at your provider’s local rate.
Who provides this service?
The Scottish Ambulance Service.
How can I find out more?
The Scottish Ambulance Service website will give you further information on who is eligible for the service, how the service works and other transport options.
