At the third meeting with the Hospital Watch group of 2025, Melanie McColgan, Clyde Director for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), spoke at length about the impact of inappropriate presentations to the Vale of Leven Hospital (VoLH).
Alongside senior hospital staff, the importance of Right Care, Right Place was agreed upon by all in attendance. This message asks the community not to turn up at the Vale without an appointment, and to only attend with a referral.
Melanie said: “It was another positive and productive meeting with members of the Hospital Watch group at the VoLH.
“We continue to discuss the impact of people coming to the VoLH without an appointment. It puts additional pressure on our staff and services, who are currently supporting patients who have appointments and have followed the correct process.
“We continue to ask the public to help us ensure they get the right care in the right place. Instead of coming to the Vale, the community should contact their GP, pharmacy, dentist, optician, or call NHS 24 on 111.”
The meeting also discussed Power of Attorney (PoA), and the important role it plays in the discharge process. Around a third of all patients delayed in their discharge from hospital is due to not having a PoA organised. NHSGGC are asking the public to organise a PoA for welfare matters and this includes within the community.
To find out more about PoA and how to organise one for welfare matters, click here.
Melanie added: “We always value the Hospital Watch group’s support in helping us reiterate our messages to the public and are always happy to give them a full update about activity at the hospital.”
Jim Moohan, Chair of Hospital Watch group, said: “We have spoken about the excellent care and service being provided at the Vale of Leven Hospital today, and discussed the future of the hospital. These include plans for the Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy Service, and this ensures services for the community at the Vale.
“We’ve spoken again about the number of people attending the Vale inappropriately and without a referral. Doing this puts pressure on services at the hospital and can be dangerous, especially if you need urgent medical assistance.
“It is vitally important that the public continues to follow the pathway to the Vale of Leven Hospital. This is by contacting your GP, pharmacy, dentist, optician or NHS 24 on 111.”
