20% discount on public transport ticket bundles and 4 weekly tickets for First Bus via Commuter Travel Club
Save up to 25% compared to buying your public transport season ticket on a weekly basis.
Discount on ScotRail season tickets now at approximately 40%.
New ticket option now available for Glasgow Tripper ticket. Travel on multiple bus companies with the one ticket.
SPT ZoneCard ticket now in Smartcard format.
Annual ticket options for First Bus, Glasgow Tripper, ScotRail and SPT ZoneCard. Deductions are taken directly from your weekly/monthly salary saving you the initial outlay.
Easy one off process each year.
No more waiting in a queue for that weekly ticket.
Application process
We have different annual public transport ticket loan schemes on offer for all substantive NHSGGC staff.
The application process for all tickets is quite similar. Please complete the appropriate application form and return it to ggc.travelpo@nhs.scot, or to the address provided on the form.
First Glasgow Mobile Annual Ticket
The First Bus Mobile Annual Ticket Scheme offers staff the opportunity to purchase an Annual Mobile Ticket from First Glasgow and repay through their weekly/monthly salary. M tickets are convenient and can be deactivated in event of loss or theft. First currently offer two mobile ticket types, City (£565) and Network (£665) depending on what area you travel to work from, click here for the First Glasgow Map. For application forms please click Cityor Network.
First Bus are withdrawing the annual City ticket from 30th March 2025. However, First Bus have confirmed our staff can continue to purchase City ticket for tickets starting from 28th April 2025. This will be the last option to purchase an annual City ticket. After this date, the Network ticket will be the only annual ticket available. This allows travel across the whole of the First Glasgow network.
The next scheduled start date for annual First Bus ticket applications is Monday28th April 2025. Travel Plan Office need to have received all completed applications no later than Monday 14th April 2025.
Mobile Ticket
Please provide provide name, email address and mobile number on the application submitted to Travel Plan Office
Download the First Bus app and register your details
Once approved, First Bus will add your ticket to your account in advance of the scheduled start date
The staff member can activate the ticket on a date that suits them
First Glasgow NHS staff discount – Commuter Travel Club. Discount now increased to 20%!
NHSGGC staff have always benefited from a 10% discount on First Glasgow 4 weekly season tickets, and ticket bundles, direct to their mobile, through the First Glasgow Commuter Travel Club. However, this has now been increased to provide a 20% reduction for NHSGGC staff.
NHSGGC staff can still apply for annual First Glasgow tickets, through salary deductions, as per the information above, but the Commuter Travel Club supplements this offer, for staff who may not wish to commit to an annual ticket.
This link also provides a helpful list of frequently asked questions, but if you require more information on this, please contact Travel Plan Office on ggc.travelpo@nhs.scot
Glasgow Tripper Ticket
Glasgow Tripper ticket is a season ticket that allows travel on First Glasgow, McGill’s, Stagecoach West, West Coast Motors and Whitelaws across a large geographical area. The ticket currently offers tickets bundles, weekly and 4 weekly options, but from Monday 22nd July 2024, NHSGGC staff were able to purchase an annual Glasgow Tripper ticket and repay the cost via salary deductions. Please visit Glasgow Tripper for more information on zones and validity.
The next scheduled start date for annual ticket applications is Monday 28th April 2025. Travel Plan Office need to have received all completed applications no later than Monday 14th April 2025.
ScotRail Annual Ticket – Discount increased on annual tickets!
The ScotRail Annual Ticket Scheme offers staff the opportunity to purchase an Annual Ticket from ScotRail and repay through their weekly/monthly salary. More information on ticket prices is available from ScotRail. Download an application form, which also has terms and conditions. If applying for the first time, please apply for your free Smartcard first. Once your Smartcard is active, ScotRail can upload your annual ticket to your Smartcard.
An extra discount is being applied to ScotRail season tickets for 12 months, meaning you will save over 40% on an annual peak-time commute compared to 260 “Anytime Day Return” tickets. Please visit ScotRail for more information.
Please contact ScotRail if your Smartcard is lost or stolen cards. ScotRail can issue a replacement ticket, but may apply an administration fee for this. More information is available from ScotRail.
ScotRailAnnual ticket refunds
ScotRail apply a £10 administration fee for all refunds processed. In general, an annual season tickets has no refund value after 10 1/2 months. More information on the refund process for season tickets is available from National Rail.
SPT ZoneCard
ZoneCard goes smart!
SPT revamped the pricing and zone configuration for ZoneCard from 24th June 2024. The changes are significant and have resulted in ZoneCard moving to a smartcard format and ticket prices being revised.
All current ZoneCard tickets issued will remain valid until their expiry date. More information on the new zones and pricing structure is available from SPT. Forms for the new tickets are available below. You will require a SPT Zonecard specific Smartcard to load your ticket. You can load your ZoneCard to a ScotRail, Subway, McGills, Stagecoach and NEC smartcard – but you still need to set up a ZoneCard account and register smartcard to your account. This is done via SPT.
Any member of staff wishing to submit their annual ZoneCard for refund should contact SPT at zonecard@spt.co.uk.
There are different application forms for every type of ZoneCard, so please ensure you submit the correct one.
If your smartcard is lost or stolen you should inform the card issuer and SPT at zonecard@spt.co.uk. The lost/stolen card can be remotely blocked and the remaining validity of your ticket loaded onto another smartcard. If you need to replace a lost/stolen ZoneCard smartcard a charge may apply. You will be responsible for your own travel costs while your enquiry is being processed.
Stagecoach NHS staff discount
Stagecoach offer a range of discounted season ticket options for NHSGGC staff via Staff Benefits. For more information, please visit Stagecoach.
Public Transport – Flexible ticket options
For staff who do not wish to opt for a public transport annual ticket, there are other options available.
A wide range of public transport season tickets are available from First Glasgow, McGill’s, ScotRail, SPT Subway, Stagecoach West & West Coast Motors. The majority of transport operators provide more ticket options and discounts via their apps. First Glasgow also offer NHSGGC staff 20% discount on 4 weekly ticket and ticket bundles via their Commuter Travel Club. For more information on the range of tickets offered, please click the appropriate link below.
Glasgow Tripper Ticket provides travel on First Glasgow, Glasgow Citybus, McGill’s, Stagecoach West and Whitelaws for one day, one week or for ticket bundles. Glasgow Tripper tickets are also available via the First Glasgow, McGill’s and West Coast Motors ticket apps.
Scottish Citylink service 902, which links Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow City Centre via Livingston, Airdrie and Coatbridge, provides 10 journey ticket options. For more information, please visit Scottish Citylink.
Latest news – Dr Bike and staff engagement events planned!
Forthcoming Events
We have received funding from Paths for All to allow us to host more “Dr Bike” and information events for staff. The information events cover all aspects of active and sustainable travel options for staff including Cycle to Work scheme, annual public transport season ticket options and journey planning.
We are restricted in the number of bikes that can be checked at Dr Bike events, so bike maintenance checks will be limited to a first come, first serve basis.
If you would like to be added to the circulation for the Bicycle Users Group, please email ggc.travelpo@nhs.scot
Latest News
We have been advised by Glasgow City Council, the northbound pedestrian / cycleway of the Clyde Tunnel, will be closed from Monday 31st March 2025 at 08:00 until 16:00 on Friday 4th April 2025 for essential maintenance.
All pedestrians and cyclists will need to use the southbound tunnel, which will remain open. For safety reasons, cyclists must dismount and walk their bicycle through the southbound tunnel.
Cycle support
There are lots of initiatives and events to support and encourage active and sustainable travel. Please click heading below for more information
There are a range of cycle storage facilities at our acute sites for staff to use. Bicycles should be secured using an approved lock. Any bicycles left over a period of time will be removed to ensure availability of these facilities for those who need them on a daily basis. Guidance on how to secure your bike is available from Police Scotland.
For more information on changing and showering facilities, please contact the relevant Site Facilities department. For more information on cycling to work, including Cyclescheme, please contact ggc.travelpo@nhs.scot
Gartnavel General/Royal Hospital
Secure cycle shelters are located at the main entrance to Gartnavel General (30 bikes) and adjacent to the Beatson (20 bikes)
Secure cycle shelter (10 bikes) at car park near Admin Building.
Cycle racks are also located outside J B Russell House and Gartnavel Royal
The key for the Beatson cycle shelter and Gartnavel General main entrance is available for a £5 refundable deposit. Contact the General Office, attached to the Cashiers Office in the admin corridor at Gartnavel General
Showers are available in the Administration building, JB Russell House and west end of West House for Gartnavel Royal and are located within staff changing areas. Please contact the respective site Facilities Management for more information.
Glasgow Royal Infirmary
Cycle racks for 50 bikes and clothing storage lockers are available internally at ground floor level within Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB) in the link corridor. The lockers require a £1 coin to operate (deposit)
There is also secure cycle storage at the entrances at Medical Block (50 bikes) and at New Lister Building (20 bikes), with cycle racks outside the entrance to New Lister Building, towards the rear of MacEwan Building and at the car park at A & E
There are also cycle pods outside New Lister Building, which are managed by the University
There are shower facilities available in Centre Block ground floor level near to security desk, key available from security. Showers are also available in male and female changing rooms outside wards 24 and 33 of Surgical Block. There are also female showers in the female changing rooms in QEB lower ground level.
Inverclyde Royal Hospital
A secure shelter for 10 bikes is located outside the main hospital entrance. Bicycle lockers are situated adjacent to the main hospital entrance area
There are staff changing and shower facilities available on Level ‘B’ (lower ground floor).
New Stobhill Hospital
Secure cycle storage is located at the main hospital at East & West entrances. Cycle racks are also located at these locations.
Secure cycle storage for 10 bikes at shelters at Skye House and Belmont Centre.
Showers are located within the staff changing area on the third floor of the main hospital.
New Victoria Hospital
There is a secure cycle shelter located at the main entrance to the hospital. There are cycle racks in the underground car park
There is also a Bike Repair stand at the secure cycle shelter at the main entrance
The code for the shelters is available from Facilities
Changing areas with shower and locker facilities are located within the secure staff changing area on the second floor of the hospital
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital & Royal Hospital for Children’s Campus
There are various secure cycle stores at the QEUH campus: Capacity is shown in brackets Maternity block (10), opposite A & E entrance (30) adjacent to the Office Block (100), rear of the CMB (60), Neurological Sciences (10), Lollipop Lane (10). The QEUH walking and cycling map shows the location of cycle parking across the campus and information on staff shower and changing facilities
There is also a Bike Repair stand at the “Yellow” bike shelter at car park 1, near the entrance to Children’s Hospital.
Royal Alexandra Hospital
A secure shelter is available at the main entrance to A & E and at the side of the Paediatric Building
There is also a cycle shelter situated at the top of the main patient and visitor car park
There are an additional cycle lockers situated between the main concourse and OT/Physio area (small external area)
Contact Cashiers Office at ground floor, near cafe, for access to the shelters. Simon Millar – Chair of BUG 0141 314 6609 (46609)2 can also provide support
Showers are available within staff changing areas within the Main Building, Theatres and Maternity.
Vale of Leven
A secure, enclosed cycle shed is situated across from the only bus stop on the site, which is positioned at the old entrance to the Maternity Unit
There is also a cycle rack under the covered area directly behind the bus stop where bikes can be secured safely for a short period of time only.(Not overnight)
Changing and shower facilities are available within the male and female changing rooms
To obtain a key for entry to the secure bike shed a small deposit is required which should be paid to the cashier at the main entrance who will issue the key.
West Glasgow ACH
Secure cycle parking is available at the main hospital entrances. There are also bike racks in these areas
Female staff changing area with shower and locker facilities are located on the ground floor within the Bute corridor.
Male changing and shower facilities are located on the 1st floor of the tower opposite the Staff Coffee Lounge.
Cycling and walking maps
NHSGGC have developed walking and cycling guides for our Acute Hospital Sites.
The maps provide information for staff, visitors and outpatients walking and cycling routes, public transport options and access points surrounding the site.
Please click on the links below to access and download a copy:
Additional repayment options of 18 and 24 months are now available, meaning even more people can become regular cyclists and afford higher-priced items like e-bikes and have the opportunity to explore cycling as an option for their commute. The maximum loan staff can apply for is £4,000.
Cycling is not only good for your health, it saves you time and money and is much better for the environment. 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.
1. It’s here to stay; the scheme is effective and will continue to run 2. You can now save on bikes up to the scheme limit of £4,000 3. You can now get any accessories and components you need to stay in saddle.
Benefits
Save money on the cost of a brand new bike and equipment, average saving is around 32%*
Get Fit by cycling to work.
Lose weight.
Reduce your individual carbon footprint.
Save money on your regular fuel bill.
No stress having to find a parking space.
Good scenic cycle routes away from the congested main roads.
Easy to use online scheme
Have a new bike and/or equipment within 14 days.
Scheme description and application process explained
The Cycle to Work scheme is a salary sacrifice scheme, this means that instead of making a ‘direct’ saving on the purchase you make the saving on your tax and NI contributions as the monthly deductions come off your gross wage (pre tax & NI.) For example – prior to this change if you wanted to get a £1,500 cycle to work package you would have requested a certificate for £1,000 and added £500 of your own funds. This would have resulted in a standard rate taxpayer saving £250 (inc. an ownership fee). Now, you would save £375 (inc. an ownership fee). Everything you need to stay in the saddle
Important information. Please read before applying
In line with other salary sacrifice schemes, pension contributions into the NHS pension scheme are deducted from your full salary before the deduction of the salary sacrifice. If you need any more information, please contact your Payroll Officer before applying
The deductions must not take you below the lower earnings limit
You must also be employed by NHSGGC for the period of the hire agreement (6, 12, 18 and 24 month hire options are available if staff are on a contracted post)
How to apply
Please visit Cyclescheme retailer you wish you shop with and get a quote for your desired bike package, alternatively if you know how much you want to spend just apply for that amount. The maximum limit for a loan is £4,000. This can be repaid over 6, 12, 18 or 24 months.
Visit the Cyclescheme website and enter the required details – you will also need to agree to and sign your online Salary Sacrifice Agreement as part of your online application. The code for NHSGGC is 6b370
Travel Plan Office will review your application and approve or decline it. This is based on verification from NHSGGC Payroll Team.
If approved you will receive an email from Cyclescheme to start the Sign & Collect process and at this point you will need to confirm which Cyclescheme retailer you are using.
You will then receive your Certificate number and Redemption Code by e mail. Take this in-store to your chosen retailer/or follow the online retailer process steps and redeem for your Cyclescheme package.
Whilst you are in store the retailer will redeem your certificate. They will then send you an SMS with a link to sign your Hire Agreement. Once completed you can head home with your new cycling gear.
Payments will be deducted from your weekly/monthly salary over 6, 12,18 or 24 months, usually beginning the month following application.
The only items you’re not allowed to save on are:
GPS ride trackers and navigational computers
Cameras (such as GoPros)
Car bike racks
Turbo trainers or rollers.
End of hire agreement.
At the end of the hire period (12 months), Cyclescheme will contact employees to discuss the three options available.
The most attractive option for employees and the one that NHSGGC would always recommend will be to pay a small, refundable deposit (3% if under £500 or 7% if £500+ of the certificate value) and continue to use the bicycle or safety equipment for an extended period of up to 36 months upon which time the bike and/or equipment will be transferred to you.
Hand back the bike and or equipment (not recommended)
Pay the HMRC set fair market value, 18% if under £500 and 25% if £500+ (again, not recommended) which would make the bike/equipment ‘yours’ after 12 months however this reduces drastically the savings made through the scheme
More information on the end of hire process is available from Cyclescheme.
Staff Parking Permit Application Process and Forms
Staff permits are allocated on the basis of frequency of need to use your personal vehicle to undertake NHS duties, and supply and demand at each site. You apply for a permit for your base site which allows you to park in the permit areas of other NHSGGC sites with managed car parking in place, you do not apply for each site you require to attend for work.
Not all sites use the same application, please see below or click on site to download the correct application;
Please only submit the above application forms after they have been verified by your GM and Director.
They can be e-mailed to ggc.permits@nhs.scot Please note, this e-mail address receives a very high number of enquires and as such a response may take some time.
Staff Non Permit Holders
A number of parking bays will also be set aside for non-permit holding staff at each of following sites.
Gartnavel Campus: Area adjacent to transport depot at Shelley Court
Glasgow Royal Infirmary: MSCP Level 4
Royal Alexandra Hospital: Various locations at front rear and side of the hospital building
QEUH: Surface Car Parks: P4, P5, P7
Stobhill: Adjacent to nursery
Victoria ACH: Entrance ‘A’
West Glasgow ACH: Lower car park.
These spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to review of effect on car park management arrangements at each site.
Car Share Permit Information
We encourage staff to car share where practical and possible. Car sharing can help you reduce your daily travel costs while helping to reduce CO2 emissions at the same time. You can take turns driving and you do not have to do it every day. It’s completely flexible.
Regular car-sharers save on average £80 a month – that’s nearly £1000 per year! They drastically reduce CO2 emission which helps towards a healthier and happier community.
Please note that car share permits are available on selected sites, West Glasgow ACH, QEUH, Gartnavel Hospitals Campus and RAH.
Reduce your individual carbon footprint.
Reduce stress, share the driving.
No need to change your insurance.
Car Share information and application form
Contact the travel plan office by email ggc.travelpo@nhs.scot or phone 0141 451 1646 or 0141 451 1647.
Complete the Application Form for each car share team member. This is an online process, via Staffnet, and the travel plan office will process your application and notify applicants within 10 to 14 working days *only available through intranet.
Car Share Permit holders must observe the following terms and conditions
Permit holders must observe the following terms and conditions.
Permits can only be used for car share journeys and must not be used for single occupancy journeys. If team members are on leave then the car share permit cannot be used.
Please ensure your car share team is still in place when you enter the car parks as attendants will be monitoring the car share permit spaces.
The permit is issued for use by members of the car share group only. It is not transferable and must not be used for single occupancy journeys.
The permit is only valid for the site the permit is issued for and cannot be used at any other site.
Misuse or breaches will result in the permit being withdrawn.
Notify the Travel Plan office at ggc.travelpo@nhs.scot if your team membership changes.
Please notify by return if you no longer require a car share permit.
Staff are encouraged to extend the membership of their car sharing teams and are encouraged to find additional matches for your commute.
For more information contact Travel Plan Office on 0141 451 1467 [61467] or email ggc.travelpo@nhs.scot
Concern regarding insurance for those officially car sharing
The Association of British Insurers is supportive of car sharing and have agreed that insurance cover will not be affected if passengers contribute towards your journey costs (including fuel, vehicle depreciation and associated vehicle running costs), as long as lifts are given in a vehicle seating eight passengers or less. The principle being that a profit is not made from private travel.
Over 300 insurance providers are members of the ABI, accounting for about 95% of the motor insurance market in the UK. Drivers with any concerns, however, should check with their own insurance company as terms and conditions may vary between insurance providers over time.
Pool cars are available for staff to access at a number of sites, with many of these electric vehicles. More information is available from Pool Cars under Managed Car Parking pages.
For more information on alternatives to driving and the boards sustainable and active travel schemes please look at the following link Travel Information for Staff – NHSGGC
The maximum number of NHSGGC staff that can be carried on each Shuttle Bus is limited to 4.
Local Bus Services
Stagecoach X19 operates at regular intervals between Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Queen Elizabeth University Hospitals (QEUH) via Govan and Glasgow City Centre.
First Glasgow 34 operates at regular intervals between Castlemilk, New Victoria, Shawlands – Cardonald and QEUH.
First Glasgow 77 operates at regular intervals to link Glasgow City Centre, Partick, West Glasgow ACH, QEUH, Braehead and Renfrew, with some journeys extending to Glasgow Airport.
McGills service 17 operates between Foxbar, RAH, Paisley, Cardonald and QEUH.
Dedicated Shuttle Bus Services
There are timetabled services between the below noted sites.
Glasgow Royal Infirmary to Gartnavel General Hospital
Glasgow Royal Infirmary to Stobhill ACH
Gartnavel General Hospital to QEUH
QEUH to Glasgow Royal Infirmary
QEUH to New Victoria ACH
RAH to Vale of Leven – more journeys have been added
Important Information
There is no advance booking of seats, availability is on a ‘first come first served’ basis. Shuttle Bus Service is only available for use by NHSGGC Staff or authorised persons. No patient travel is allowed. Timetables correct as of 16th June 2023.
Whilst every effort will be made to operate according to the above timetables, journey times may be affected by inclement weather and/or road traffic conditions.
Supervision provides a safe place for reflection for all AHPs, regardless of band or role (registered staff and health care support workers).
NHSGGC clinical supervision policy and supporting documents
NHSGGC is the largest health board in the UK. We provide healthcare to over 1.2 million people and employ around 38,000 staff, many of which are Allied Health Professionals (AHP’s).
NHSGGC AHP staff have a positive and integral role to play in the delivery of healthcare. NHSGGC are committed to nurturing the future generation of AHP’s through AHP student practice placements. Working in tandem with Higher Education (HE) and HEIs we support and facilitate pre-registration practice based learning and development.
NHSGGC offers client facilities and services in both acute and community settings, over a vast geographical area from Greenock to Glasgow and many places in between. If you are coming to NHSGGC for a placement you may be placed in one or many of the settings where we provide health care to service users.
You might feel a mixture of emotions about coming on placement, this is ok and perfectly normal.
You will find in the sections below, relevant and necessary pre-placement information including confidentiality to uniform policies, what to expect from the placement and what we expect from you. This, in turn can help to empower and create optimistic emotions which can positively impact on confidence and learning throughout your placement.
Profession specific information will be available soon.
Student Wellbeing
At this time, each Scottish HEI is providing a range of wellbeing support to which you can self-refer.
A Support for AHP Students poster has been created, detailing local resources which may support AHP students during the cost of living crisis.
Resources
AHP student and practice educator handbook
Provides a variety of resources and information for students and practice educators, including:
student use of electronic information systems.
code of conduct
policies
student car insurance
student feedback
students raising a concern
membership of PVG Scheme
fire safety for students
Templates for recording student information and reflection.
The handbook is updated quarterly to ensure it reflects current AHP information and resources. However, if you feel information needs to be updated or added, please contact, elspeth.lee4@nhs.scot.
AHP Student Feedback Questionnaire
To allow AHPs to improve and understand the student experience it is important for us to find out what went well and where we could improve the placement experience. It is also very valuable to share the different challenges that were experienced and how these were perhaps overcome. Although voluntary to complete, we would greatly appreciate your participation with the AHP Student Feedback Questionnaire. Your responses to questions are anonymous, unless you choose to add the placement area details.
The data from the survey will initially be shared with the AHP professional leads for dissemination through their service.
The link to the survey should be provided by your Practice educator who is working directly with you on placement within NHSGGC,
Since 2010, there have been AHP Practice Placement Agreements in place between each Scottish HEI that runs pre-registration programmes and each NHS Board. Previously known as Practice Placement Agreements (PPA). The AHP PPA’s are currently being refreshed (now to be called AHP Practice-based Learning Agreement ).
NHSGGC have AHP Practice-based Learning Agreements with Glasgow Caledonian University, Queen Margaret University, Robert Gordon University, University of Strathclyde and Edinburgh Napier University
What is new in the AHP Practice-based learning Agreement?
The revised agreement provides greater clarity and consistency in approach to governance arrangements for professions, Universities and Practice Education Providers. It consolidates current custom and practice that has evolved in relation to student Practice-based Learning since 2009.
The approach to refreshing the agreement has been to include agreed content written during the original signing, and subsequent developments that underpin the provision of AHP student Practice-based Learning e.g. HCPC Guidance on Conduct and Ethics for Students (2017), AHP placement cancellation guidance, provision of practice educator training etc. The refreshed content has an operational focus to address and balance the requirements of different stakeholders.
What has not changed?
The agreements clarify contemporary governance arrangements for Student Practice-based learning. The approach to refreshing the agreements has not included a review of the ongoing commitment to student ‘Practice Based Learning Weeks’ (placement weeks) per profession. This work is being progressed separately and will involve Scottish Government, AHP Directors, Practice Education Providers and professional bodies.
AHP Students from non-Scottish HEI’s
AHP students who are studying at non-Scottish HEI’s often have placements within NHSGGC, however as there are no practice-based learning agreements with these institutions, governance arrangements regarding issues such as PVG, immunisations etc must be discussed with the HEI and student prior to the student coming on placement.
HCPC regulatory body
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is the regulating body for health, psychological and social work professionals. They protect and set standards around education and training which includes continuing professional development (CPD).
NHS Education for Scotland (NES) funded AHP practice education programme to support high quality placement opportunities. The site offers support on pre placement orientation and induction material, Practice Educator CPD and support and an overview of AHP Practice based learning partnership agreements.
NHSGGC is proud to provide a large numbers of practice-based learning experiences for Allied Health Professions (AHP) students, contributing to the future AHP workforce. This could not be done without the commitment and enthusiasm from the AHP Practice Educators to provide quality practice-based learning. AHP Practice Educators play an essential role in the development of new AHPs. Working with the higher and further education institution they support students with the development of their knowledge and skills. To ensure AHP Practice Educators are supported in their role there is both national and local work ongoing. This website will be one of the ways to provide AHP Practice Educators with information and resources. The information and resources on this page come from a range of sources- NHSGGC AHP Practice Educators, Higher and Further Education Institutions, NHS Education Scotland(NES) AHP Practice Education and the NHS GGC AHP Practice-based learning Quality Group
The AHP Practice Placement Quality Group members and the AHP practice education team are working hard to support AHP Practice-based Learning. NHSGGC AHP Practice-based Learning Newsletter (June 2024) has been developed by a sub group of the NHSGGC AHP Practice Placement Quality group in order to celebrate successes, highlight key resources and provide updates around practice-based learning. Previous editions of the newsletter can be accessed below.
The AHP Practice Education Team have recently run AHP Peer Assisted Learning and Digital Workshops to support AHPs who are considering peer assisted learning and digital placements. We hope to run further workshops in the future. To register interest please email please email ggc.gjnh@nhs.scot
The Practice Educators website is spilt into different pages. To access each page please click on the relevant section.
AHP Practice-based Learning National Resources
The AHP Practice-Based Learning (PrBL) national site is funded by the AHP Practice Education Programme. It contains resources to support PrBL. This includes links to the ‘How to’ workshops, information on models of placement delivery, digital knowledge and skills and practice educator preparation.
Additionally the site provides an explanation of the national groups supporting AHP PrBL and Scotland wide initiatives to support PrBL.
Scottish HEIs provide a range of wellbeing support to which students can self-refer. Students can also access NES wellbeing resources. Practice Educators can also signpost students to both wellbeing resources within the HEIs.
A Support for AHP Students poster has been created, detailing local resources which may support AHP students during the cost of living crisis.
It provides information for students and practice educators on:
student use of electronic information systems.
code of conduct
policies
student car insurance
student feedback
students raising a concern
students accessing electronic information systems
membership of PVG Scheme
fire safety for students
Templates for recording student information and reflection.
It is updated bi-annually to ensure it reflects current AHP information and resources.
If you feel information requires updated or could be added to please contact elspeth.lee4@nhs.scot
AHP Student Feedback Questionnaire
The recovery of AHP practice placements within NHSGGC has recommenced following the pause of placements due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In many cases NHSGGC AHPs are providing placements differently or with some changes due to COVID-19 therefore we greatly value feedback from AHP students. This feedback allows AHPs to improve and understand the student experience by asking what went well, where we could improve the placement experience, what challenges were experienced and how these were perhaps overcome. Feedback is obtained by way of a questionnaire, although participation is voluntary, the information gathered is very valuable in informing future placements. This questionnaire is anonymous unless you choose to add the placement area details.
The data from the questionnaire will initially be shared with the AHP professional leads for dissemination through their service.
The link to the AHP Student Feedback questionnaire should be provided to each AHP student by the Practice educator who is working directly with the student on placement within NHSGGC.
The link can be provided:
within an email
on student induction paperwork
in student information folders
in written form as a URL
Guidance on cancellation of AHP practice placements
Cancellation guidance is to be used when cancelling a practice placement within the health board to ensure other options have been considered. The cancellation guidance is supported within the health board by the AHP Practice Placement Quality group.
AHP practice based learning agreements
Since 2010, there have been AHP Practice Placement Agreements in place between each Scottish HEI that runs pre-registration programmes and each NHS Board. Previously known as Practice Placement Agreements (PPA). The AHP PPA’s are currently being refreshed (now to be called AHP Practice-based Learning Agreement ).
NHSGGC have AHP Practice-based Learning Agreements with Glasgow Caledonian University, Queen Margaret University, Robert Gordon University, University of Strathclyde and Edinburgh Napier University.
What is new in the AHP Practice-based learning Agreement?
The revised agreement provides greater clarity and consistency in approach to governance arrangements for professions, universities and Practice Education Providers. It consolidates current custom and practice that has evolved in relation to student Practice-based Learning since 2009.
The approach to refreshing the agreement has been to include agreed content written during the original signing, and subsequent developments that underpin the provision of AHP student Practice-based Learning e.g. HCPC Guidance on Conduct and Ethics for Students (2017), AHP placement cancellation guidance, provision of practice educator training etc. The refreshed content has an operational focus to address and balance the requirements of different stakeholders.
What has not changed?
The agreements clarify contemporary governance arrangements for Student Practice-based learning. The approach to refreshing the agreements has not included a review of the ongoing commitment to student ‘PrBL Weeks’ (placement weeks) per profession. This work is being progressed separately and will involve Scottish Government, AHP Directors, Practice Education Providers, professional bodies.
AHP Students from non -Scottish HEI’s
AHP students who are studying at non-Scottish HEI’s often have placements within NHSGGC however as there are no practice-based learning agreements with these institutions, governance arrangements regarding issues such as PVG, immunisations etc must be discussed with the HEI and student prior to the student coming on placement.
AHP Practice-based Learning Quality Group
The AHP practice placement quality group provides an inter-professional health board wide approach to improving the quality of AHP student education and increasing the capacity to provide learning opportunities for preregistration students.
The group will support a positive learning environment through enhancing the student experience informed by AHPs within the board, NHS Scotland, Quality Standards for Practice Placement (QSPP) and student evaluation.
The AHP practice placement quality group will enable communication, information sharing and facilitate collaborative engagement between the board and higher/further education institutions about AHP student education.
It guides both current and future projects and allows sharing of good practice across professions.
Membership of Group
The grouphas representatives from AHP professions within NHSGGC.
AHP practice educator preparation is provided by all five of the Scottish higher education institutions (HEIs) who provide pre registration AHP courses: Glasgow Caledonian University and Strathclyde (jointly), Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh Napier university and Robert Gordon University. The NHSGGC Practice Placement Quality Group have agreed that AHPs should refresh their practice educator training every five years.
If an AHP attends a course from one of the HEI’s, this provides them with the information and knowledge to supervise students from all HEI’s i.e. an AHP does not need to attend all four HEI’s practice educator training courses to supervise students from the other HEIs. However AHPs need to ensure they are familiar with the paperwork and requirements for each course.
The SWAY will be added to as further resources for practice educator preparation become available and can be accessed via the same link.
AHP Practice Education survey results
Thank you to those of you who took the time to complete the National AHP Practice Education Survey 2022, it is much appreciated and helps to support and guide future development of student practice education in Scotland.
The Quality Improvement Network for AHPs in NHSGGC (AHPQIN) had over 500 members.
At the start of 2024 we decided to scale up and spread to transition to a GGC-wide network for all members of staff from all areas and professions. This process is still taking place and will shape what the network looks like in future and what it offers.
AHPs retain a specific channel within the network on MS teams to ensure we can still share information specific to AHPs.
If you would like to join the network simply click on the link below and ask to join the team.
Here are some projects completed by AHPs during the NHSGGC AHP Quality Improvement Program as well as other sources.
Hopefully they may inspire you to carry out your own QI project.
If you have already carried out a QI project and would like to share this please use one of the templates below and send this to nikki.munro@ggc.scot.nhs.uk to be uploaded to this site.
Below are some presentations from the 2021 cohort of the AHP Quality Improvement Program to help you choose the best way to share your Improvement Journey with Others.
