Your health

What is the Virtual Hospital?

The Virtual Hospital (sometimes called a “Virtual Ward” or “Hospital at Home”) provides:

• Ongoing monitoring by a clinical team (sometimes daily)
• Advice and support when you need it
• Access to specialist input if your condition changes.

You will remain under the care of a hospital team, even though you are at home.

Further Information

Why would I be admitted to a Virtual Hospital?

You may be discharged from hospital but admitted to the Virtual Hospital because your condition:

• Requires ongoing monitoring or treatment
• Can be safely managed at home
• Does not require you to stay in hospital.

This approach allows you to recover in a more comfortable setting while still receiving high-quality care. It also allows us to free up hospital beds for patients who need them.

Contact Information

• If you have a non-urgent concern: Contact the Virtual Hospital between 8.00am and 10.00pm, 7 days a week by calling 0800 652 1425. Your enquiry will be passed to a member of the clinical team for advice.
• If you think it’s urgent but not life-threatening: Call NHS 24 on 111.
• If you think your condition is life threatening: Go straight to your nearest A&E or call 999.

What is the Virtual Hospital?

The Virtual Hospital (sometimes called a “Virtual Ward” or “Hospital at Home”) provides:

• Ongoing monitoring by a clinical team (sometimes daily)
• Advice and support when you need it
• Access to specialist input if your condition changes.

You will remain under the care of a hospital team, even though you are at home.

Why would I be admitted to a Virtual Hospital?

You may be discharged from hospital but admitted to the Virtual Hospital because your condition:

• Requires ongoing monitoring or treatment
• Can be safely managed at home
• Does not require you to stay in hospital.

This approach allows you to recover in a more comfortable setting while still receiving high-quality care. It also allows us to free up hospital beds for patients who need them.

How will my condition be monitored?

Depending on your needs, we may ask you to:

• Check and record your observations (e.g. your temperature, pulse, oxygen levels)
• Report symptoms or any concerns
• Take medications as prescribed.

We will discuss everything with you before you are discharge from the ward.

Is this safe?

Yes. This option is only offered when your team feels it is safe for you to go home with the right advice and support. If you are unsure, please talk to us before you leave. We want you to feel confident before leaving the hospital.

Who will look after me?

Your care team will be made up by a number of people depending on your specific needs, but may include:

• Nurses
• Doctors
• Advanced Practitioners
• Allied health professionals (e.g. physiotherapy, pharmacy)
• Administrative support staff.

What if I need special equipment?

If you need equipment such as:

• Blood pressure monitor
• Pulse oximeter to measure your oxygen levels
• Thermometer to take your temperature.

We will provide them and explain how to use them safely.

Will my test/scan be delayed because I went home?

No. Your test is still prioritised and arranged as part of your hospital care.

Do I need to contact my GP?

No. This is organised through hospital services. Once complete, your GP will receive a copy of the results.

What will happen if I miss my appointment?

The team will contact you and discuss next steps.

Read more on the pathways that affect you.

Current resources available to download

Patient Journey Materials for Print

• Patient Journey Poster
• Patient Journey Flyer
• Patient Journey Roller Banner

Important information for patients

GP practices across NHSGGC are in the process of moving to a new GP IT system. This change is part of a wider programme to support a major computer upgrade that will see all practices across Scotland using the same GP IT system.

What does this mean for patients?

For most patients, there will be little or no long term change to how you access GP services. However, during the changeover period, there will likely be a difference in the services offered, and a reduced availability of appointments at your Practice, for approximately 10 days.

These may include:

• Reduced appointment availability on specific days. Please only contact the practice if you require urgent medical assistance on the day
• Changes to online services (such as appointment booking or ordering repeat prescriptions)
• Delays in processing non‑urgent requests or paperwork

The Practice may continue to experience some challenges during the subsequent 2 to 3 months as it adjusts to operating services using the new system.

Your GP practice team will do everything they can to minimise disruption and continue to provide safe care.

When will I know if my GP Practice is undergoing this change?

GP Practices will look to contact all patients in advance with as much notice as possible. This page will also list the impacted GP Practices below.

If you have not been contacted or informed of any impact, this change has already happened or will happen in the future.

What does this mean for GP Practice Clinical & Administration teams?

This change represents a significant shift for clinical and administrative teams, who are adapting to new systems and processes while continuing to provide frontline care. Implementing a large‑scale change of this nature takes time, and staff are managing additional complexity as the new arrangements are introduced. We appreciate patients’ understanding during this period of transition.

What is not changing?

• You will remain registered with your GP practice.
• Urgent care will continue to be available as normal.
• Your medical records will be transferred securely.
• Routine appointments will be available again to book in the coming weeks.

What can patients do to help?

• Contact your practice directly if you have urgent health concerns.
• Continue to attend appointments as scheduled unless you are advised otherwise.
• If you are due to order a prescription during this time, please submit your request early.
• Use online services only as advised by your practice during this period.
• Please be patient and understanding if there are short delays.

Thank you for your patience while this important work is carried out to improve GP IT systems for the future.

Timetable of impacted practices

Primary Care is the front door to healthcare in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, providing essential, first‑contact services to more than 1.3 million people across the region.

From GPs and community pharmacies to dental and optometry services, Primary Care plays a vital role in prevention, early intervention, and supporting people to access the right care, in the right place.

Our Primary Care Strategy outlines how we will continue to strengthen these services, improve access, reduce inequalities, and work collaboratively with partners and communities.

Primary Care Strategy

• View the full Primary Care Strategy 2024–2029 here. You can also access the Executive Summary and Easy to Read versions.

These publications have been produced in line with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Accessible Information Guidelines. It is available in a range of formats and languages. Please contact us with your request. 

If you would like a copy in another spoken language, please call 0141 201 4874 using our telephone interpreting service.

Primary Care Services

Read more about what Primary Care services can do for you and how to access them.

Faces of Primary Care

These professionals are part of your Primary Care team. To help you feel confident in seeking the right help, we’ve highlighted some of our NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Primary Care roles.  

Click on each one below to learn more about their roles, how they can assist you, and how you can reach them. 

Remember, it’s also important to utilise the resources available to you when you have a health concern. Before contacting any healthcare professional, consider using online resources, as your symptoms might be manageable at home. Helpful tools include symptom finder on NHS Inform and the NHS 24 app.

Latest Primary Care News

Find out the latest news and updates around Primary Care services and the Primary Care Strategy.

If you’re unwell and have a minor injury or illness, there are different options available for treatment and advice rather than going straight to A&E. These options could involve advice from home, or treatment which is often closer to you. This could also save you time, as waits at A&E can be long for conditions that aren’t life‑threatening.

A&E is there for serious or life‑threatening emergencies. If you think it may be an emergency, call 999 or go straight to A&E. If you’re unsure, you can get urgent advice at any time by calling NHS 24 on 111.

Below are some common conditions and the steps you can take

Injuries

Finger and hand injuries (cuts and suspected fractures)

Most finger injuries involving minor cuts can be treated at home by cleaning and dressing the wound.

If you have or suspect a broken finger bone, and there isn’t an open wound, treat at home by taping or bandaging the finger so it cannot move and attend your nearest Minor Injuries Unit (MIU).

Seek A&E treatment if the injury is more serious – for example, if bones are displaced, bones are visible in a wound, or there is a deep wound with heavy bleeding.

Ankle, wrist and forearm injuries (sprains, strains and suspected fractures)

Most common ankle, wrist and forearm injuries can be managed at home with rest, ice, compression and elevation.

If you are unable to walk, or there is severe swelling or deformity, attend your nearest Minor Injuries Unit (MIU).

Seek A&E treatment if the injury is more serious – for example, if bones are displaced, bones are visible in a wound, or there is a deep wound with heavy bleeding.

Lower back pain

Most back strains and sprains can be managed at home with pain relief and gentle movement, and may benefit from physiotherapy.

New severe back pain without injury, loss of power in the legs, or difficulty passing urine may be serious. You should seek urgent medical advice from NHS 24 on 111 or call 999 in an emergency.

Head injury

Minor bumps to the head or small wounds often do not require treatment and can be treated at home. Clean any wounds and apply ice to reduce swelling, if required.

For deeper scalp wounds, attend your nearest Minor Injuries Unit (MIU).

Seek urgent medical advice from NHS 24 on 111 or call 999 if you anyone has had a head injury and:

• Lost consciousness
• Are aged 65 or over
• Have persistent headache or vomiting
• Become confused or have a seizure
• Are taking blood‑thinning medication.

Illnesses

Coughs, colds and sore throats (viral infections)

Most viral infections, such as coughs, colds and sore throats, can be managed at home with rest and over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol.

See a local pharmacist or your GP if symptoms are more severe, persistent or worsening.

If you can’t take fluids, have breathing difficulties, or are unable to get out of bed, seek urgent medical advice from NHS 24 on 111 or call 999 in an emergency.

Stomach upset (diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting)

Most stomach upsets are viral and can be managed at home with rest and fluids.

See a local pharmacist or your GP if symptoms are more severe, persistent or worsening. You should contact your GP if you have other medical conditions such as HIV, diabetes, liver disease, Parkinson’s disease or if you have had a transplant.

If you are unable to keep fluids down, are vomiting blood, collapse, or have severe abdominal pain, seek urgent medical advice from NHS 24 on 111 or call 999 in an emergency.

Urinary symptoms (possible urine infection / UTI)

Minor symptoms of a urine infection, such as stinging when passing urine, can usually be dealt with by your local pharmacy in the first instance or by contacting your GP.

If symptoms are more severe, or you develop high fever, shivering, confusion or mottled skin, seek urgent medical advice from NHS 24 on 111 or call 999 in an emergency.

Eye problems

Many common eye problems, such as sore, red or sticky eyes, mild eye infections, or minor vision problems, can be assessed by high‑street opticians, who can advise on treatment or refer you on if needed.

If there is sudden loss of vision, severe eye pain, or an eye injury, seek medical advice from NHS 24 on 111 or call 999 in an emergency.

If you’re still unsure

If you’re not sure what to do, call NHS 24 on 111 for advice and help to get the right care for your needs.

On this page we are happy to share a selection of examples of Quality in Action, which is what quality looks and feels like within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. These examples will continue to grow as ‘Quality Everyone Everywhere‘ is implemented through 2024-2029.

Share Your Stories of Quality in Action

If you are a staff member we would love to hear about projects you’ve been involved in which showcase Quality. Please complete this short form – https://forms.office.com/e/gAfCSJt4MD. You can also complete this on someone else’s behalf if you have seen or witnessed a great example of Quality.

If you are a member of the public and have experienced an example of Quality you would like to tell us about, please get in touch. You can do this my emailing: ggc.qualitystrategy@nhs.scot.

Real Life Examples of Quality in Action

The Equality & Human Rights Team offers a range of training opportunities for staff members.

In addition to our scheduled training courses, we make every effort to respond to specific requests from staff groups. In order to ensure that we have sufficient information to do this, please consider the following before completing the request form.

Purpose of Training

It is important to be clear about what you wish to achieve with your training request, such as policy compliance, service improvement or staff development. Please ensure training is:

  • Approved via relevant NHSGGC management structures

  • Documented in line with governance standards

  • Linked to Staff PDPs and eKSF updates

Please note that training should not replace relevant HR practice and procedure.  If there are concerns about conduct or live investigations outstanding, this is a matter for the Human Resources Department. For further information, go to the HR Connect Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpage.

Training Content

You will be asked to specify the topics, competencies or behaviours to be covered in your training.  For example: EQIA Lead Reviewer Training; Human Library; Equality Act overview; Communication Support; BSL Act; Anti-racism Plan.

For further information about our current equalities work, legislation and resources, please go to NHSGGC – Equalities in Health

Location & Registration

It is the requester’s responsibility to provide a suitable venue for training to be delivered. Please ensure availability of equipment and facilities for the agreed training delivery, such as a projector for PowerPoint or breakout space as required. Please note it is also the requester’s responsibility to manage course registration.

Evaluation

Course evaluation should be in place,such aspre/post assessments, feedback forms, observation or peer review.

Submit request

To submit a training request, please complete the online form. A member of the Equality & Human Rights Team will be in touch to discuss your request.

We want to ensure that all our patients have access to the right care in the right place at the right time. This means making sure that everyone understands the range of services available in order to decide what best meets their needs.

Many patients with protected characteristics can experience barriers to receiving the care they need. These include a lack of accessible information explaining the emergency care system, difficulties understanding and working their way through the appointments system and problems managing online or telephone support.

A&E departments are often the only service people are aware of that they can walk into to get help when they are worried and in pain. This means that they are often in the wrong place to get the proper care for their ailment. It is therefore vital to provide accessible information and routes to care for those who don’t know the system.

Working with protected characteristic groups

We are liaising with our emergency departments and charities to create opportunities to engage directly with protected characteristic groups. We will work with them to –

• Create accessible resources that describe routes into our services and the alternatives to emergency care
• Capture people’s experiences of accessing the right care in the right place to use as case studies
• Help us support our emergency services to meet the needs of people with protected characteristics