Staff & Recruitment

The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Occupational Health Service provides a wide range of services to staff including:

Pre-employment health screening.
Immunisations.
Self referral.
Management referral.
Counselling.
Staff Physiotherapy.
Advice for managers and employees.
Health surveillance.

What we do?

The Occupational Health Service will provide specialist advice to support your health and wellbeing in the workplace.
The service will proactively work to improve the health & wellbeing of the workforce with a key focus on Healthy Working Lives and supporting the wider NHS agenda of the improvement of health & wellbeing in the community.

We have Safe Effective Quality Occupational Health Service (SEQOHS) Accreditation.

Who are we?

The service is a multi-disciplinary team consisting of Specialist Occupational Health Nurses, Registered Nurses, Occupational Health Physicians, Physiotherapists, Counsellors, Psychologists and administration staff.

Service Manager: John Somerville
Lead Nurse: Helen Downie
Lead Physiotherapist: Richard Farquhar
Administration Manager: Lindsay Green
Nurse Team Leads: Gillian Gordon and Kevin Young
Mental Health Nurse Team Lead: Steven Reid
Consultant Clinical Psychologist: Paul McKenzie

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (NHSGGC) is a public organisation created in Scotland under section 1 of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (the 1978 Act). It is one of the organisations which form part of NHS Scotland (NHSS).
NHSGGC is the data controller of the personal data it processes for the purpose of the Data Protection Act 2018 along with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and is registered as a data controller with the Information Commissioner under Notification No Z8522787.

For advice or an appointment, please contact our hub:

Occupational Health
6th Floor
West Glasgow ACH
Dalnair Street
Glasgow, G3 8SJ

Call: 0141 201 0600

email: occhealth@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

Attend Anywhere Appointments

If you have an appointment already arranged via Attend Anywhere (Near Me) software, then you can access the virtual waiting area

We suggest using the link a few minutes before your appointment time. Please note that you must use Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or an Apple Safari internet browser.

Getting to West Glasgow ACH

Location of West Glasgow Ambulatory Care Hospital

Parking Facilities at the West Glasgow Ambulatory Care Hospital

Clinic Locations

Appointments will be available within the hub daily and on set days at the following locations:

Inverclyde Royal Hospital
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital

Disabled Access

NHSGGC is a double tick positive employer and our service is fully accessible to those with Disability. All of our clinics are carried out on NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde hospital sites and as such have disabled acces and toilet facilities if required. Our main hub at the West Glasgow ACH is on the 6th floor but lifts are available and many of our appointments can be carried out over the telephone or using Attend Anywhere video consultation if required.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding accessing our service, please contact us on 0141 201 0600 or email

The NHSGGC Biorepository is an invaluable resource for clinical research, providing access to a wide range of human tissue samples including surplus materials from diagnostic and surgical procedures. We can also provide access, with appropriate governance in place, to pathology archive specimens.

Through close collaboration with all clinical departments we source fully-consented surplus tissue and other materials in order to fulfil the need for these in studies requiring human tissue.

Each anonymised sample is associated with a limited set of clinical and demographic data held by the Biorepository. If necessary the scope of these data can be expanded upon through our close collaboration with the NHSGGC Safe Haven.

The Biorepository is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to ISO 20387:2018 standards. The scope of accredited services are listed within our UKAS schedule of accreditation.

As part of the NRS Biorepository network we provide streamlined access to anonymised samples and associated data Scotland-wide.

For Researchers

The NHSGGC Biorepository, as part of the NRS Biorepository Network, aims to provide researchers with efficient access to a wide range of high-quality and well-characterised tissue for use in research. You can download our latest user manual here (pdf).

We are independently accredited to oversee governance on collection, storage and release of biological materials obtained from informed, consenting patients for use in medical research.

A streamlined pathway supports researchers in obtaining tissue samples and discussing the design and costing of projects across a range of clinical specialties:

Autoimmune & Inflammation
Hepatology
Oral & Dental
Cancer
Mental Health Studies
Orthopaedics
Cardiovascular
Metabolic & Endocrine
Paediatrics
Dermatology
Microbiology
Regenerative Medicine
Diabetes
Musculoskeletal
Renal
Gastroenterology
Neurology
Reproductive Health
Haematology
Opthalmology
Respiratory

Please note that the Biorepository operates a cost recovery model for provision of tissue under our delegated Tissue Bank ethics. All applications are subject to a project set-up fee and additional costs are dependent upon level of activity required.

It is important that you contact us as soon as possible at the start of your research discussions to ensure that we can assist you with your requirements and deliver on time for your needs, and to ensure that appropriate costs are included in any funding applications.

Click here to access the application website or find our contact information below.

Complaints Procedure

We endeavour to provide a good service. Our complaints policy and procedure reflects NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s commitment to welcoming all forms of feedback, including complaints, and using them to improve services, to address complaints in a person-centred way and to respect the rights of patients, families and staff involved. It will support our staff to resolve complaints and to conduct thorough and fair investigations so that we can make compassionate, yet evidence-based decisions, on the facts of the case.

Should you have any comments, suggestions, cause for concern or complaints about the service you receive from the Biorepository, please contact the Biorepository Manager.

For Patients

Why do researchers need access to my surplus tissue?

First, it is important for you to know that when we talk about surplus tissue we mean anything that is left over from your routine medical care – no extra procedures are ever involved in obtaining ‘surplus tissue’.

Doctors and scientists need human tissue for medical research. Research is any activity that aims to discover new facts about a disease. It includes things like looking down a microscope and analysing proteins, DNA and other molecules in the tissue.

The tissue you donate may be used in all these aspects of research. In addition your tissue may be used in research with animals to model disease processes and in the creation of cell lines where your cells could be grown and cared for in a laboratory for multiple experiments possibly over months and years.

If samples are collected at different stages of a disease, it helps to understand how a disease or problem starts or develops. Researchers can try out different drugs and tests on the tissue. They may find new medicines or treatments. They may also find new ways of diagnosing a disease earlier.

It is important to highlight to you that any research that uses this tissue will conform to strict UK guidelines and regulations.

How can I get involved in research/clinical trials?

The research on your tissue will normally have nothing to do with your own care or treatment. However, if any information might be of use in your current care or treatment, the doctors looking after you may discuss with you how it could be used to guide your treatment. This may include inviting you to join a medical research trial of new treatments. You would be provided with full information of any new treatments and free to decide whether or not to take part.

How does the Biorepository get consent to use my tissue?

When you come into hospital or attend a clinic you will be asked if you agree to let your surplus tissue to be used for medical research. Your wishes will be recorded electronically. In some cases, this may involve surplus tissue taken earlier in your care.

Can I change my mind?

You can change your mind at any time. You don’t need to give a reason. However, if you change your mind after your operation, some of your tissue may already have been used for research.

How do I find more?

If you need more information you can ask your doctor or nurse, or find our contact information below.

Complaints Procedure

In the first instance please contact:

Email: Biorepository.Research@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Call: 0141 354 9490

Managers

Biorepository Manager: Clare Orange
Human Tissue Governance Manager: Fiona Graham

Address

NHSGGC Biorepository
Level 3, Laboratory Medicine Building
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
1345 Govan Road
Glasgow, G51 4TF

Useful Links

Visit Patient Experience and Public Involvement (PEPI)

Visit our Living Library

Give feedback on our Digital on Demand Strategy

Digital on Demand

Digital Engagement Hub

Living Library

Recruitment

WE HAVE MOVED HOME! This page is no longer updated, please visit the new Sharepoint Community Nursing Webpage.

To access the New Community Webpage simply CLICK HERE

PUP Policy Information Session

please click below to access the presentation

Click the icon to download the presentation to your laptop Download

News

React to Red

We have launched a new initiative for all of our District Nursing staff to React to RED. What this means is that if you see any of the following, you should report this immediately to your Nurse Team Leader (NTL):

Grade 1 Pressure Damage
Red / Discoloured skin (especially around boney prominences)
Moisture Damage (or concerns)
Any patients with vulnerable areas of skin you feel are of concern

What your NTL will then do is have a discussion with the DN Caseload holder, and take a look at current care plans and actions, and make suggestions on additional measures that should be put in place or considered.

The aim is to have a Multidisciplinary approach to patient care, reduce any unintentional patient harm, distress or stress.

Remember – preventing pressure ulcers is everyone’s business Let’s all work together to improve patient care!

Preventing and Managing Skin Damage Cause by Pressure and Moisture

New Presentations now available to our Pressure Ulcer Prevention awareness session

Introduction to PUP session

PUP Policy overview

Role of TVN – PUP

Role of Podiatry – PUP

Record Keeping – PUP/CNIS

Induction for Community Nurses – PUP

Datix – Reporter role PUP

Completing Red Day Review Tool

Important assessment information for first visits to a Community Patient

At first you must do the following:

SKIN CHECK – At first visit patients skin must be observed and assessment documented in notes.
Assessment – Nursing assessment to be completed including condition of skin and level of risk and Pain.
Waterlow – Must be completed on first visit and again as patient condition changes
SSKINS – To be commenced if Waterlow is 10 or above (Good Practice can be to do SSKINS for all patients with exception on once only visits.)You will need to be explicit in your skin checking instructions i.e. document who will be observing the skin and how often. Examples – the nurse will check at each visit, or weekly, or carers will check daily and report to DN.
Skin Care plan – commenced if nursing need identified. Clearly document planned wound care including frequency of planned visits. Patient Pressure Ulcer prevention leaflet –Verbal instructions as well as written instructions to be provided to patients at risk. This must be documented on the SSKINS (Good prevention to provide all patients with leaflet.)

Further Information

Pressure Ulcer Prevention Policy

TVN Partnership – Staffnet Link

Positively Podiatry Referral

Wound Care Formulary

Pressure Ulcer flowchart

Tissue Viability – Referral

Top ten Tools

Datix Red versus Orange Day

HIS Pressure Ulcer Standards

TVN Presentation – PU, Osteomyelitis and
infected Wounds

Resources for the management of infected chronic wounds

Pressure redistributing boots in the community guidance

Guidance for community staff reviewing skin care for patients
on DN caseloads

New Red Day Review Tool

Use link below to access the new Red Day Review Tool (RDRT).

New Red Day Review Tool

Annual Competency

Please access the Annual competency tool here. This tool must be completed with support form your line manager. Once completed supplied copy to your Nurse Team Leader as this must be retained. This should be completed every year to maintain your competency in Pressure ulcer Prevention

Pressure Ulcer and moisture Lesion Competency Assessment

To support your learning please use the TVN link below for their voiced over presentation.

TVN – Voiced over presentation Pressure Ulcer and Moisture Lesion annual competency

LearnPro Module – Pressure Ulcer Prevention

LearnPro Login

GGC:080 Prevention of Pressure Ulcers

2 modules

Understanding Pressure Ulcer

Prevention and Management of Pressure Ulcer

Podiatry Resources

The Medical Education Team is dedicated to supporting doctors in training to stay happy and healthy at work and at home. Within this section of the website you will find information relating to different services, clubs and external organisations that operate in and around our NHSGGC Hospital sites.

Concerns & Feedback

If you have a concern about Patient Safety:

Discuss immediately with supervising consultant
Datix
Discuss with educational supervisor
Discuss with clinical director/line manager
If you have health or personal circumstances which you feel affect your ability to perform your job and there is a potential effect on either your personal safety or patient safety then you must discuss this with your clinical or educational supervisor immediately or if they are not available another consultant within the unit. The Clinical Director responsible for the department will be informed as part of this process.

If you have concerns about your training:

Discuss with your clinical supervisor
Make an appointment to discuss with your educational supervisor
Make an appointment to meet with Foundation Programme Director or Training Programme Director
Discuss with your sector ADME (see the meet the team (link) page for details)

Useful links:

Additional NHSGGC Health and Wellbeing Resources

Staff Relaxation & Recuperation (R&R) Hubs	Space for staff to relax and recuperate away from their clinical work environments. The hubs are designed to offer Café space for eating & drinking and quiet space for reflection/relaxation. They are accessible 24/7 and are open to all members of staff.

Acute Psychology Staff Support Service (APSSS)	Designed for hospital-based staff wishing to access psychological first aid as a result of their challenging work circumstances. Offering 30 minutes individual sessions that can be arranged using ‘Attend Anywhere’ technology via the COVID-19 Acute Care Line. The service also offers group/team wellbeing & resilience sessions that can be booked via application form with General Manager support 0141 277 7623 Weekdays: Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm

COVID-19 Staff Support Line	Confidential Support line staffed by clinical psychologists and psychological therapists available for all staff The service offers emotional and psychological support developed to respond to the emotional needs that staff may have at this time. 0141 303 8968 Weekdays: Monday – Friday, 8am-6pm www.nhsggc.org.uk/covid19/staffsupport

Occupational Health Counselling Services	Listening ear service – Providing support for staff that have queries about their physical and mental health in relation to their fitness to work 0141 201 0600 Weekdays: Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm

Spiritual Care Service	Chaplaincy service now offer a 7 day telephone service for patients, relatives and staff 0141 887 9111 Weekdays: Monday – Friday, 9am – 10pm Most Chapels and Sanctuaries will remain open as normal and these spaces are available for everyone to use. Staff Listening Service is open to all staff and offer person centred, confidential, non-discriminatory sessions with a trained listener 0141 201 1100 Weekdays & Weekends 9am – 10pm

HR Connect	Staff Self Help: https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/working-with-us/hr-connect/self-help-for-staff/ Useful Guides: https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/working-with-us/hr-connect/staff-self-help-mh-quick-guides/ HR Support & Advice Unit: 0141 278 2700; hr.support@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)	Existing MBSR services are now available online, drop-in sessions are delivered by experienced mindfulness tutors using the Mindfulness Scotland Zoom account

BME Staff Network	The BME Network provide a safe, supportive and confidential forum for sharing experiences. BME Staff Network – NHSGGC If you would like to join our forum please contact: ggc.bmestaffnetwork@nhs.scot

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion	GGC information on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies, forums, data and further contact details. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – NHSGGC NHSGGC – Equalities in Health

What is Peer Support?

Peer Support is now available for all NHS and Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) staff across Greater Glasgow and Clyde as a way to support our colleagues. We know that when people feel supported and heard, this has a positive impact on their wellbeing and resilience. It can help to provide a space for someone to make sense of their recent experiences, which can give them a sense of control and help them feel capable of managing difficult situations. It is a supportive and flexible response, which acknowledges and understands that stress and experiencing struggles at times, is a normal part of life.

To find out more, download the What is Peer Supp ort? Information Leaflet for Staff – NHSGGC

A Peer Support Framework

A Peer Support Framework for all health and social care staff working in the NHSGGC Board area was approved by the Board Strategic Executive Group. On the basis of the principles, conceptual framework, structure and governance arrangements outlined in the framework, the development of a Peer Support Network (PSN) was commissioned and developed by the Board Mental Health and Wellbeing Group with funding from NHS Charities Together.

Aims of the Peer Support Network

To develop a Board-wide peer support service with clear pathways between the various levels of staff support interventions.
To implement a model of peer support available to every member of health and social care staff.
To embed within services dedicated peer support trainers to cascade knowledge and skills throughout services through establishing and supporting Wellbeing Champions in all teams.
To ensure that recognition of the benefits of peer support is at the heart of all health and social care operations.

Peer Support in the Workplace: The National Wellbeing Hub

Watch these eight short videos below of NHSGGC’s Principal Health Psychologist in Occupational Health, Heather Connolly, discussing her experiences of implementing a Peer Support programme across NHSGGC and the HSCPs.

Peer Support in the Workplace:
Putting Theory into Practice

The National
Wellbeing Hub

What does Peer Support look like?

Have a look at what a peer support conversation might look like:

Scenario 1: Yvonne opens up to Peer Supporter, Simon, about feeling overwhelmed by caring for her unwell mother-in-law while parenting her young children and working.

Scenario 2: John speaks to Peer Supporter, Liz, about how the end of his long term relationship with his partner has taken a negative toll of his mental wellbeing.

The Peer Support model contains a range of interventions and the intensity of the intervention determines the role and required level of training, beyond the foundation level for all staff to access.

The Models of Peer Support

Across NHSGGC and our HSCPs, our Peer Supporters have been trained via one of the following models, which form the conceptual basis and foundation of Peer Support:

1. The Psychological First Aid Model

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is concerned with reinforcing seven basic coping strategies by:

Caring for immediate needs
Protecting from risk
Comforting others
Supporting
Providing information on coping
Connecting others with social support
Educating about normal responses

Taking good care of yourself is at the centre of the PFA model.

To find out more about Psychological First Aid, watch Principal Health Psychologist, Heather Connolly’s ‘Let’s talk about… Psychological First Aid’ webinar:

Let’s talk about… Psychological First Aid (Staff Wellbeing Webinar)

2. The SAFER Model

Several Peer Supporters within medical have been trained via the SAFER model. This is a Peer Support tool used within Critical Incident Stress Management to help structure a 1:1 supportive episode with a peer. It is a specific model of PFA that helps direct the conversation with an individual in crisis or needing support.

SAFER stands for:

Stabilize (introduction; meet basic needs; mitigate acute stressors)
Acknowledge the crisis (event, reactions)
Facilitate understanding (normalization)
Encourage effective coping (mechanisms of action)
Recovery or Referral (facilitate access to continued care)

Citation: The SAFER-R Model, Psychological Crisis Intervention, George S. Everly, Jr., PhD, ABPP, CCISM, Jeffrey T. Mitchell, PhD, CCISM, 2017

It is important to note that neither models are counselling or therapy models nor substitutes for them but they are both designed to help support our peers. Whichever model you are trained through, you will be a fully trained Peer Supporter by the end of the session.

Peer Support: Levels of Support (1-3)

All three levels of support, knowledge and skills for Peer Support are built on the NHSGGC Staff Peer Support Competence Framework.

Level 1: Looking after Yourself and Others

This is a short online eLearning module and is available on digital platforms in health and social care and is designed to support all staff in Health and Social Care.

The module title is: Looking after Yourself and Others, which outlines:

Understand what a normal response to stress is
Understand the basic elements of Psychological First Aid
Wellbeing – Learn how to care for Ourselves
Peer Support – How to support our Colleagues

Links to digital platforms are:
NHS staff available on NHSGGC LearnPro, search ‘GGC 277’
HSCP staff link to local authority online learning platform (module is called: Introduction to Psychological Wellbeing and Peer Support).

Live Sessions

Alternatively, you can view this content via live online or face-to-face 45-minute sessions, which have received excellent feedback. Upcoming MS Teams online sessions are listed below and are available for all NHSGGC and HSCP to book and attend:

Please bring the Looking after Yourself and Others Worksheet to this session as you will be completing it during the webinar.

Date	Time	Join here
Friday 13^th December 2024	10:00-10:45	Book here
Thursday 9^th January 2025	10:00-10:45	Book here
Monday 20^th January 2025	11:00-11:45	Book here
Tuesday 4^th February 2025	13:00-13:45	Book here
Wednesday 26^th February 2025	14:00-14:45	Book here
Thursday 13th March 2025	15:00-15:45	Book here
Saturday 29^th March 2025	14:00-14:45	Book here
Friday 25^th April 2025	16:00-16:45	Book here
Monday 12^th May 2025	8:00-8:45	Book here
Tuesday 27^th May 2025	11:00-11:45	Book here
Wednesday 11^th June 2025	13:00-13:45	Book here
Thursday 26^th June 2025	14:00-14:45	Book here

Upcoming ‘Looking after Yourself and Others’ online sessions until June 2025

Feedback from staff has been very positive:

“It was a fantastic course”

“I felt the coping strategies were very helpful to know.”

“The module has lots of helpful information laid out in an easy to follow style.”

“This is pitched so well for people who have little or no prior training in Mental Health”

Level 2: Peer Support – Becoming a Peer Supporter

This is available now and provides a full one-day in-person training session for colleagues to become a Peer Supporter. This has been designed by and is delivered by the NHSGGC Peer Support Service. Peer Supporters will have enough experience to meet the needs of their team/peers, and that the role is appropriate to their grading and level of seniority within a team.

It is essential that staff being considered for Peer Supporter roles are supported by their immediate line manager and the senior manager for their service to ensure they have allocated time to provide this support.

Become a Peer Supporter

Upcoming Peer Support training courses are promoted on Core Brief, StaffNet and email distribution lists. To join our email distribution list, contact peer.support@ggc.scot.nhs.uk to ensure you receive upcoming training opportunities.

Upcoming Peer Support (Level 2) Training Dates

Training dates are now available for colleagues who wish to explore the role and requirements of a Peer Supporter and have the support of their line manager to implement peer support in their local team. This course is one full day face-to-face (9:30am-4:30pm).

Delegates should note the following prerequisites for completion before the training day:

Delegates to complete the online module ‘Looking after Yourself and Others’ (NHSGGC staff). The module is packed with essential hints and tips on how to look after your wellbeing and the wellbeing of others. It is available for staff directly employed by NHSGGC on Learnpro, module GCC 277 and for staff directly employed by the HSCPs social care staff, on their Local Authority learning platforms. or ‘Introduction to Psychological Wellbeing and Peer Support’ (Local Authority Staff)
Delegates to discuss with their line manager aims for Peer Support and staff wellbeing in their team and / or service. Post course, delegates will be asked to agree with their line manager an action plan to implement local Peer Support and identify the time and resources to do this.
It is important to consider your own wellbeing before thinking about supporting others. Please consider whether you are in the position to support your colleagues before you attend this training to become a Peer Supporter.

12/12/2024 – New Victoria ACH, Level 2, 16B, Book here
14/01/2025 – Stobhill ACH, Seminar Room 6, Book here
30/01/2025 – Gartnavel General Hospital, Lecture Theatre, Book here
12/02/2025 – New Victoria ACH, Level 2, 16A, Book here
27/02/2025 – Stobhill ACH, Seminar Room 6, Book here
11/03/2025 – New Victoria ACH, Level 2, 16A, Book here
26/03/2025 – Royal Alexandra Hospital, Classroom 3, Book here
10/04/2025 – Vale of Leven, Postgraduate Education Centre, Meeting Room 1, Book here
22/04/2025 – Stobhill ACH, Seminar Room 6, Book here
07/05/2025 – New Victoria ACH, Level 2, 16A, Book here
22/05/2025 – Gartnavel General Hospital, Lecture Theatre, Book here
12/06/2025 – Stobhill ACH, Seminar Room 6, Book here
24/06/2025 – New Victoria ACH, Level 2, 16A, Book here

Please note: this training is for staff directly employed by NHSGGC and/or one of the six HSCPs only.

Before you book, please also note the following:

Please only book yourself onto one training course (including only one waiting list). If you book yourself on to more than one, you will be removed from the attendance lists to ensure all colleagues have a fair and equal chance of attending this training.
Peer Support training is in extremely high demand with long waiting lists of colleagues wishing to become Peer Supporters. We kindly ask you to please cancel your space on this course if you can no long attend.
Your immediate line managers must approve your attendance on this training course. Please highlight to your manager that following your training, there is an ongoing expectation to dedicate approximately 1 hour a month to developing your skills as a Peer Supporter.
If line managers request more information on what Peer Support is and the evidence-based benefits on having a Peer Supporter in the team, please contact peer.support@ggc.scot.nhs.uk.

The Peer Support Journey

See the Peer Support Journey for more information on how to become a Peer Supporter or if you are interested in having a Peer Supporter in your team:

The Peer Support Journey

Who are the Peer Supporters?

Various staff across NHSGGC and Health and Social Care Partnerships are currently being trained to become Peer Supporters. Each Peer Supporter has completed training and has the knowledge and skills needed to offer peer support to their team and colleagues. So far, we have almost 500 trained Peer Supporters across NHSGGC and the HSCPs and this figure is growing rapidly.

Meet some of our Peer Supporters:

Donald Macphail and Katherine Malloch

Katherine (right) is an Education Co-ordinator, Senior Charge Nurse in Adult Theatres at the QEUH and is available to provide Peer Support to colleagues who would like to talk openly about their feelings and worries in a welcoming, non-judgemental and confidential space.

Donald (left) is a Controlled Drug Inspector based at Clarkston Court Clinic Glasgow South. He is able to provide Peer Support in person or virtually in a safe, confidential, non-judgemental environment in which staff may wish to share experiences. His endeavour is to support, listen and provide space for staff to make sense of their experiences.

Lisa Conway

Lisa is a Lead Medical Administrator based at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary and is available to provide Peer Support to members of staff who feel they need support. This is a supported non-judgmental conversation.

Keep an eye out for our Peer Supporters wearing identifiable lanyards and/or badges with the Peer Support logo.

Where are the Peer Supporters?

Each service may offer a different form of peer support to best meet the needs of their staff, area or department. You will be able to spot the peer supporters as they will be wearing their lanyards or badges.

In certain teams it would be desirable to have more than one Peer Supporter to ensure an appropriate mix of peer support available. At present, we have trained peer supporters in the following sites:

Glasgow Royal Infirmary
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
West Glasgow ACH (Yorkhill Hospital)
Stobhill Hospital
Gartnavel (General and Royal) Hospital
Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre
Royal Hospital for Children
Royal Alexandra Hospital
Kirkintilloch Health and Care Centre
Shettleston Health Centre
Renfrew Health and Social Work Centre
Pollokshaws Clinic
Pollok Health Centre
New Victoria Hospital
Mile End Mill
Lightburn Hospital
Leverndale Hospital
Inverclyde Royal Hospital
Greenock Health Centre
Govan Police Station
Esteem North
Eastwood Health and Care Centre
Eastbank Conference and Training Centre
Central Decontamination Unit
Aranthrue Centre (Renfrew)
And more….

We also have remote working Peer Supporters who can offer peer support while you work from home to best suit your needs.

Supporting information for Peer Supporter candidates:

NHSGGC Peer Support Competency Framework

Level 2 Peer Supporter Information Pack

Peer Support training feedback

“The training has changed the way I speak to patients and colleagues”
“I think the most important thing I realised was it is not a formal thing, it is about the way we communicate and actively listen”
“The session was well delivered and informative. Well done presenters”
“The trainers were fantastic. Totally enthusiastic and knowledgeable which they passed on with ease.”
“It was all relevant, thank you. Time well spent.”
“I am extremely satisfied with this training”

How to speak to a Peer Supporter

Find out who your team/ department Peer Supporter is and arrange a chat with them.

If you do not have a Peer Supporter in your team, do not know if you have one in your team or if you feel more comfortable speaking with a Peer Support outwith your team, please direct these requests peer.support@ggc.scot.nhs.uk and the Peer Support team will be able to help. If you yourself are interested in becoming a Peer Supporter then discuss with your manager and come along to one of our training days.

Is it confidential?

Yes, what you say will be confidential. However, if the Peer Supporter is worried about your or someone else’s safety they may seek support from other relevant service to best help you. This would be discussed with you first before any action is taken.

Level 3: Peer Support Hubs

As Peer Support continues to grow rapidly, the programme is shifting towards a hub-model. This is when the team deliver in-house training to staff from the same service/area to become Peer Supporters to support their colleagues locally and develop a critical mass of Peer Supporters across the service.

Hubs have a Hub Champion who coordinates Peer Support activity across the service and works with Peer Supporters to overcome implementation barriers.

There are several hubs across the organisation including:

The Specialist Children’s Services Hub
Critical Care (QEUH) Hub
The Spiritual Care (Chaplaincy) Hub
The LGBTQIA+ Peer Support Hub
Diagnostics and Imaging Hub

Several more hubs are currently in development.

If you would like to speak to a Peer Supporter within a particular hub, please contact peer.support@ggc.scot.nhs.uk and state the hub in the email’s subject line.

If you are interested in knowing more about hubs or are interested in setting up a Peer Support hub in your area, please contact peer.support@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

NHSGGC Peer Support Competency Framework

Support for Managers of Peer Supporters

For managers who have Peer Supporters in their teams, please see the Manager Briefing Information Sheet.

Peer Support Manager Briefing Information Sheet – NHSGGC

Contact details

To speak to a Peer Supporter, for general enquires to find out more about Peer Support or if you are interested in becoming a Peer Supporter, please email; peer.support@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

Royal Hospital for Children Colleagues

There is also a Peer Support Network of staff who work within critical care at The Royal Hospital for Children. More information can be found here: RHC Peer Support

For colleagues based at the Royal Hospital for Children interested in Peer Support, please direct all requests to: rhc.peersupport@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

Peer Support is one part of the wide range of Staff Support and Wellbeing services available in NHSGGC. Click below for more information:

More Staff Support and Wellbeing Services

Peer Supporters do not provide a crisis service

If you need immediate support with your mental health please contact a trusted member of your community such as your GP, call NHS 24 on ‘111’, dial ‘999’ or go to A&E. To talk to someone you can call Samaritans on ‘116 123’ (available 24 hours) or Breathing Space on ‘0800 83 85 87’ (available 6.00pm Friday to 6.00am Monday and 6.00pm – 2.00am on weekdays Monday -Thursday).

Helpful Resources to Support your Wellbeing:

NHSGGC’s Staff Support and Wellbeing Services

Website: Staff Support And Wellbeing – NHSGGC
Self-referrals: Self Referrals and Counselling – NHSGGC (0141 277 7623)

Adult Mental Health Services

Apps, Helplines & Websites

National Wellbeing Hub

NHS Inform

Get help with your mental health and wellbeing | NHS inform

Practitioner Health

Confidential mental health service – Regulated NHS & Care Staff in Scotland

Free Apps

Sleepio (for insomnia) – Sleepio – Big Health UK | Helping millions back to good mental health
Daylight (for anxiety) – Daylight – Big Health UK | Helping millions back to good mental health
NHSGGC Free Mindfulness Apps – Collection | Right Decisions (scot.nhs.uk)

Staff Wellbeing Webinars

Let’s talk about… Staff Wellbeing Webinars (on SharePoint, which is an internal site for staff only).

The Let’s talk about… Staff Wellbeing webinar series offers short, information sessions to NHSGGC and HSCP staff with focus on various topics which we know are important to personal health and wellbeing. They are delivered in a format that allows colleagues to take away top tips and share with others.

These sessions are delivered live on MS Teams at the end of each month. For members of staff who could not attend the live sessions or would like to rewatch any, they have been recorded and uploaded onto SharePoint.

Peer Support Resources

All Peer Support resources can be ordered directly from the Public Health Resources Directory (PHRD). If you have not ordered from this site before, you will need to create an account. Search ‘Peer Support Resources’ to find our available resources.

Peer Support Resources for all staff

Resources for Peer Supporters post-Level 2 training

What is Peer Support? Information Leaflet for Staff
Peer Support Network Poster (A3)
Peer Supporter in your Area Poster (A4) – for Peer Supporters only
Peer Supporter Lanyard – for Peer Supporters only
Peer Supporter Pin Badges – for Peer Supporters only
Peer Support logo Stickers
Experiencing Low Mood? Booklet
Feelings of Anxiety? Booklet
Trouble Sleeping? Booklet

NHSGGC Get Ready for Medicine Programme

What is the “Get Ready for Medicine” Programme?

The Get Ready for Medicine programme, developed in collaboration with the University of Glasgow Medical School, is a two-day programme that supports senior phase school pupils and adults applying for post-graduate or access programme entry schemes (eg SCOTGEM, SWAP) to apply to medical school. The intention is to deliver a meaningful programme of activity that will give participants more to speak about within their medical school application and at interview.

The programme is delivered by NHSGGC Consultants, Junior Doctors and University of Glasgow Medical Students in an NHSGGC Hospital.

Activities include:

Discussion workshops hosted by doctors, medical students and medical school staff:

On the application process for medicine
Life at medical school
Life as a doctor
Career pathways within medicine.

Hands on clinical skills workshops that include:

Giving experience of blood taking
Suturing (stitching)
Patient observations
Basic life support.

Can’t I just do a week’s work experience instead?

Medical work experience used to simply refer to “shadowing” doctors in the workplace – either in hospital or in a GP practice. It has now been recognised that far more important than “what you have done” is “what you have learned from it”.

Within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde all medical work experience now takes place as part of an organised programme.

Other Programmes

When can I apply for the Get Ready for Medicine Programme?

Get Ready for Medicine programmes will take place as follows:

August to September: Online evening lecture events & half day workshops for S6 pupils making applications in October

January to March: Online evening lecture events & half day work experience workshops for S5, gap year and access students and postgraduate applicants planning October applications

June to July: NHS GGC will support delivery of Medic Insight Glasgow Programme (please make sure you are following Medic Insight Glasgow social media platforms)

Sept 2024 Programme Applications now CLOSED

Get Ready for Medicine Work Experience Workshops.

This even open to anyone who is applying to medical school next October who hasn’t previously attended a GRfM workshop event.

We would also advise to make sure you have a look at the information below for the Reach Programme and Medic Insight Glasgow Programme. Also make sure are following Medic Insight Glasgow social media platforms ( ie Facebook) for the Medic Insight Glasgow Programme and some Guidance for aspiring doctors from current medical students. See more details below:

Please note that NHSGGC does not host “Shadowing” within a number of professions including Medicine. All requests for work experience, to source placements or support self found placements for Medicine will be re directed to the Get Ready for Medicine Programme.

Join our interest list for upcoming events

Other Resources

We would also advise to make sure you have a look at the information below for the Reach Programme and Medic Insight Glasgow Programme. Also make sure are following Medic Insight Glasgow social media platforms (i.e. Facebook) for the Medic Insight Glasgow Programme and some Guidance for aspiring doctors from current medical students. See more details below:

You can visit the Becoming a Doctor webpage and YouCanBeADoctor to view content that may help you gain insight and support your application to study medicine.

Other Programmes

Reach Programme

Reach is a national project funded by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) which aims to support eligible S4-S6 pupils in local state secondary schools. who are considering pursuing degrees or careers in law, medicine or veterinary medicine.

Pupils’ participation in the programme takes place over the three years of their senior phase (S4 to S6), and covers everything from introducing pupils to medicine in S4 to supporting their applications to University to study medicine in S6.

Scotland has five medical schools: Glasgow, Edinburgh, St Andrews, Dundee and Aberdeen and all five take part in Reach, specifically focused on widening access to medical degrees to students from Scotland’s poorest neighbourhoods.

The Reach programme will offer you encouragement, and impartial advice on medicine as a career, as well as give you guidance on school subject choices.

They will also help you with all aspects of the UCAS application process.

Visit the Widening Access to Medicine programme website

Medic Insight

Medic Insight is a programme that offers week-long or day events to fourth and fifth-year school students in Scotland who are interested in becoming doctors. The programme allows the opportunity for these students to sit in on consultations, go to theatre and provide access to a wide range of specialities and levels of clinicians in a hospital setting.

There are programmes in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee. If you would like more information or wish to apply, please visit the Medic Insight Facebook pages:

Medic Insight Edinburgh.Facebook Page

Medic Insight Glasgow Facebook page

Medic Insight Dundee Facebook Page

Work experience requirements when applying to study medicine

When applying to medical school the important thing is not so much what you have done for work experience but what you have learned from it and how that has given you a better understanding into the career.

That means that someone who has never been into a hospital but has read lots, spoken to healthcare staff and maybe done some volunteering or worked a part-time job dealing with the public, and who can talk about these things widely, may perform much better at application and interview than someone who has spent many days shadowing doctors but who cannot describe what this taught them about being a doctor, working in the NHS and looking after patients.

Read what the Medical Schools Council advise on the type of work experience needed to support your application to study Medicine.

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has launched a free online platform, Observe GP, designed to support aspiring medics in making informed career choices and in preparing their application for medical school.

The General Medical Council (GMC) also offer a number of online resources which will help you gain insight into role of a Doctor including a virtual reality Patient Journey in a GP Practice

Guidance on applying to medical school

Can I get work experience in a Hospital?

Rather than ad hoc work shadowing or work experience for medicine, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde delivers their Get Ready for Medicine Programme in collaboration with the University of Glasgow School of Medicine.

Join our interest list for upcoming events

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