This section has information on help available to improve your digital skills and confidence
Supporting staff to be digitally literate is a high priority for NHSGGC. The new NHSGGC digital strategy Digital on Demand (2023-2028) acknowledges that staff need to be digitally literate and have the skills and confidence to be able to use technology to its fullest extent.
Measure your digital skills with the SCVO Essential Digital Skills framework (please look at the AHP -Digital Health website to see how they have done this)
Why get online?
Being online can help with:
Managing your health and being able to share experiences with people facing similar challenges
Accessing social networks online for support, guidance and friendship
Access to trusted information
Saving money on household bills and services by comparing different providers
Finding out what benefits/financial assistance you may be entitled to
Applying for and managing benefit
Attending virtual healthcare appointments
Where to get Digital Support
What sort of support is available?
The organisations listed provide support to develop skills and confidence in using digital devices, as well as directing you to places where a digital device can be accessed if you do not have one.
This includes support to:
Stay safe on line
Improve your skills and confidence
Access your local library for digital support and devices
Manage and apply for Benefits
Link in with Near Me video appointments
Use other online health and social care platforms, e.g. NHS Inform
Digital access can benefit other aspects of your life e.g. online shopping, banking and staying in touch with friends and/or family.
Libraries are places in communities to find trusted health and wellbeing information. The opening hours for libraries can be found on your Local Authority website.
The Alliance ( the national third sector intermediary for health and social care) produced this guide to support people to develop their skills, knowledge and confidence in using digital tools to support Health and Wellbeing.
Talking about trust in digital health
The Mhor Collective have produced a video to help you understand trust and safety when using a digital health website.
Find out more about the Mhor Collective and the human rights approach to digital health:
With the cost of living hitting hard, many people are looking at ways to save money.
Social tariffs are cheaper broadband packages that are affordable to people on low incomes.
If you are claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits, you may be able to get cheaper broadband.
If your provider offers this it is free to switch and the price won’t go up mid contract.
The Office of Communications has a page dedicated to social tariffs which include pricing examples, with social tariffs starting from £12 per month with a line rental included.
Click the link below to see if your provider offers a social tariff and how to apply for this.
There are 3 aspects that help the Good Things Foundation to deliver this:
National Device Bank– This is delivered through community partners and provides a refurbished device alongside mobile internet access. More information can be found here:National Device Bank – Good Things Foundation
National Data Bank – This is provides free mobile data, texts and calls to people in need via the Good Things Foundation network of local community partners, in partnership with Virgin Media 02, Vodafone and Three. This is like a ‘food bank’ but for internet connectivity data. More information ca be found here: National Databank – Good Things Foundation
Network – This is made up of thousands of community partners across the UK. They help people gain the support and skills they need to change their lives and overcome social challenges. More information can be found here: Our network – Good Things Foundation
Near me – Video Consultation Service
Many of us used video calling on our phones, tablets and laptops during the Covid-19 pandemic to keep in touch with friends and relatives. You can now also attend some health care appointments in the same way.
Near me is a video consulting service that enables you to attend some health care appointments from the comfort and convenience of home or other suitable location. The technology is safe and secure and is being used by many of our services. Near me is for pre-arranged appointments and your health care professional will provide you with the relevant information if a video consultation is offered.
Why use Near Me?
There are many benefits to video consultations including:
· No travelling time, parking worries or public transport issues
· No fares required for travelling
· Being in your own home is more relaxing than a clinic environment
· Less time out of your day
· Easier to have a family member or carer attend with you
· Reduced exposure to inclement weather
· Reduced exposure to infectious diseases
How do I use Near Me?
To use Near Me you will need a reliable internet connection; broadband or 3G/4G, and a suitable device for making video calls such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer with webcam and speaker
Please use a WiFi connection for your call whenever possible. We want to make you aware that a 20 minute consultation will use approximately 230MB of mobile data. If you are on a limited mobile data plan this may cause you to exceed your permitted usage allowance.
The service is best accessed using the Google Chrome web browser on a PC or Safari on Mac (webcam required), or on an Android or Apple smartphone. You can find more information on the Near me website including how to make a test call.
What services can I access?
Many of our hospital and outpatient services are now using Near Me. Your GP services will also be able to offer you a Near Me appointment.
Your health care professional or clinician will advise you when your appointment is being arranged.
What if I don’t have a digital device and/or broadband and can’t access Near Me at home?
There are some Libraries across the Board area where a private room is available for Near Me. This will be rolling out further this year and an updated list of available Libraries can be found here.
Patients in and around Johnstone can now book a ‘Near Me’ space for virtual video consultation at Johnstone Library by phoning 0300 300 1188.
Near Me is used across NHSGGC and Johnstone Library provides a safe alternative to home and can support people at risk of digital exclusion. Patients have access to a private and confidential space with Library staff available to support patients with digital literacy needs.
Johnstone Library provides a venue for ‘Near Me’ which allows patients to access the help they need without having to travel a significant distance from home.
What our staff and service users have said about Near Me
Our Podiatry service has been using Near me and has produced an evaluation of the experiences of patients and staff summarised in this infographic (pdf)
It is now an offence for anyone to smoke within 15 metres of an NHS hospital building. The law applies to everyone, including staff, patients and visitors to our NHS hospital sites.
FAQs
What areas are covered by the new smokefree NHS hospital grounds legislation?
The new law applies to all NHS hospital buildings in Scotland and includes all awnings, canopies, or other overhanging structures connected to an NHS hospital building (even if they extend further than 15 metres from a hospital building).
What happens if someone is smoking within 15 metres of an NHS hospital building?
Anyone found smoking within the 15 metre perimeter should be asked to stop smoking right away or they could receive:
A fixed penalty notice of £50 (reduced to £30 if paid within 15 days)
£1,000 fine if taken to court.
Where you feel safe to do so, please remind anyone smoking within the perimeter of the new no-smoking law.
“Excuse me, I am not sure if you are aware but the Scottish Government have introduced a new no smoking law making it an offence to smoke within 15 metres of an NHS hospital building. Can I ask that you extinguish your cigarette or leave the grounds. Thank You”.
*If you have a ‘No Smoking – Please move away from this area business card’ available please offer this.
Why has this legislation been brought in?
NHS Boards have had voluntary smokefree grounds policies in place since 2015, however there have been significant issues around compliance with people continuing to smoke on hospital grounds, in some instances congregating near entrance doorways and windows creating a nuisance and hazard for others.
Setting a 15 metre perimeter around buildings focusses on the areas with the highest traffic of people entering and leaving the hospital and where there is a risk of smoke entering the hospital buildings as a result of people smoking. Furthermore, it protects patients, visitors and staff from the exposure of second-hand smoke.
Can e-cigarettes be used on NHSGGC grounds?
E-cigarettes can be used on NHSGGC grounds by patients, visitors and staff. However, they are not permitted within NHS buildings or at building entrances and exits.
How can I support the legislation?
By politely reminding smokers of the legislation and asking them to go off the grounds if they wish to smoke.
Please remind smokers of our policy and smokefree message when carrying out your duties on the wards or in the grounds.
Offer all smokers nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to help them manage their cravings during their stay in hospital. This should initially be offered at point of admission and revisited at regular intervals during the patients stay.
If they wish to stop smoking they should be referred to the Quit Your Way Hospital Service (refer through TrakCare). Alternatively, if you are a member of staff who smokes you are required to go off site to have a cigarette. If you smoke within the grounds you could be subject to disciplinary action.
Is it my job to ask someone not to smoke within the 15 meter no smoking perimeter?
Yes, within our current Smokefree Policy, we ask that all staff be ambassadors in promoting our smokefree grounds message. The new legislation does not change this. As an employee of NHSGGC we are required to support all NHSGGC policies and procedures, and follow required government legislation. Patients and visitors can also be influenced by our own behaviour and may smoke if they see staff smoking in areas they should not.
Many patients or visitors may not have the information or ability to communicate their feelings about others smoking around them therefore it is our role to ensure visitors to our sites are free from tobacco smoke.
What if I ask someone not to smoke and they become angry?
Your safety is paramount, if someone does not respond well to your request please walk away.
However remember to be sensitive about why they may be visiting our premises and if they become angry it is important not to take their reactions personally.
What happens if a patient asks to be taken outside to smoke?
Knowingly permitting someone to smoke within the 15 metre no smoking perimeter outside of a hospital building could make NHSGGC liable to a fixed penalty or a fine. If an NHS staff member assists a patient to smoke (physically taking a patient outside to smoke) within the 15 metre no smoking perimeter, they may be subject to fixed penalty notice as it is illegal to ‘knowingly permit’ someone to smoke within the prohibited areas.
Staff should strongly advise patients not to leave the ward to smoke. If a patient still insists on leaving against the advice of staff, then they should be reminded that they are responsible for anything that may occurs as a result of their action and this should be documented in the patients’ notes/EMIS.
Our smokefree policy is clear that smoking is not allowed on hospital grounds. Patients can be offered Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to help with any withdrawal discomfort that they may experience during their hospital stay. Alternatively, they can visit Quit Your Way or call our team on 0800 916 8858 to find out more about Quit Your Way.
I work in mental health, does this apply to me and my patients?
Since 2015 mental health sites have been brought into alignment with all other NHSGGC sites in terms of our Smokefree Policy. In practice, this means that mental health staff and patients cannot smoke within our grounds and premises. However, there is an exemption from enforcement within fixed boundary areas until 5th September, 2023.
What do I do if someone is smoking inside a building?
Ask them to extinguish their cigarette immediately, advise them of the risk of fire, legislation etc. and report it to your line manager who will complete a DATIX form.
Is going smokefree an infringement on people’s right to smoke?
No, the legislation is not banning people from smoking, but to support compliance with NHS smoke free grounds policies, does prohibit the use of tobacco within 15 metres of an NHS hospital building.
What help is available to help me stop smoking?
All NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde employees can access stop smoking support and free stop smoking medications via the Quit Your Way staff service. You can refer yourself to this service by emailing smokefree.staff@ggc.scot.nhs.uk. Alternatively, you can access support in your local area by calling 0800 84 84 84 or visiting quityourway.scot.
What do I do if someone wants to make a complaint?
Complainants should be directed to the NHSGGC Complaints Team:
It is now an offence for anyone to smoke within 15 metres of an NHS hospital building. This applies to everyone, including staff, patients and visitors to our hospital sites.
The new law applies to all NHS hospital buildings in Scotland and includes all awnings, canopies, or other overhanging structures connected to an NHS hospital building (even if they extend further than 15 metres from an NHS hospital building).
This short video explains the new legislation.
FAQs For Patients and Visitors
Why has this legislation been brought in?
NHS Boards have had voluntary smoke-free grounds policies in place since 2015, however there has been significant issues around compliance with people continuing to smoke on hospital grounds, in some instances congregating near entrance doorways and windows creating a hazard for others.
The introduction of a legally enforceable smoke-free perimeter is designed to support existing voluntary smoke-free grounds policies by making it socially unacceptable to smoke within a health-promoting environment.
Why can’t I smoke within 15 metres of an NHS hospital building?
Our hospitals are used by many people who are particularly vulnerable to the harms and irritations caused by second-hand smoke. Keeping all areas around hospitals free from health-harming hazards benefits everyone.
What happens if I smoke within 15 metres of an NHS hospital building?
If you are found smoking within the 15 metre perimeter you will be asked to stop smoking right away or you could receive:
A fixed penalty notice of £50 (reduced to £30 if paid within 15 days)
£1,000 fine if taken to court.
Is this legislation an infringement on people’s right to smoke?
No, the legislation is not banning people from smoking, but to support compliance with NHS smoke free grounds policies prohibits smoking within 15 metres of a hospital building.
Can e-cigarettes be used on NHSGGC grounds?
E-cigarettes can be used on NHSGGC grounds by patients, visitors and staff. However, they are not permitted within our buildings or at building entrances and exits.
What help is available to help me stop smoking if I am a patient?
Coming into hospital presents many patients with an ideal opportunity to stop smoking. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is committed to providing practical help, support and advice to patients who wish to take advantage of this opportunity.
You can ask ward staff for Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to help with any withdrawal discomfort that you may experience during your hospital stay, as you will be unable to smoke.
If you are ready to stop smoking, you can ask a member of staff to refer you to the Quit Your Way hospital stop smoking service. A trained stop smoking advisor will contact you to guide and support you through your quit attempt –including organising NRT, if you feel that this will help you.
On discharge, you will go home with a supply of NRT along with information on how to continue to access your product through your local community pharmacy. Ongoing telephone support is provided by the Quit Your Way stop smoking service.
What help is available to help me stop smoking if I am not a patient?
Our free and friendly local Quit Your Way stop smoking services can hugely increase your chances of having a successful quit attempt and staying stopped for good. We have various support services available to help you stop smoking including Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). To find out more, visit Quit Your Way or call our team on 0800 916 8858 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm).
There are a number of benefits of a pre-noon discharge.
For patients being discharged:
You don’t need to wait around any longer than necessary
It’s better for your health – particularity if you are older
You can make use of our discharge lounges (where available) while you wait
You get home to a more comfortable environment.
For other patients:
The earlier we can free up a bed, the quicker we can treat new patients. Each early discharge means four more patients will benefit
An Acute Medical Unit (AMU) patient can be moved up to the ward for specialist care
An A&E patient can move into our AMUs for a rapid medical assessment
An ambulance patient waiting in an ambulance can be transferred to the A&E for appropriate emergency care
An ambulance is freed up to respond to another patient in the community, faster.
What do I need to do?
Ask your nurse when you’re expected date of discharge is.
Get your ducks in a row
When you know your date of discharge, you should try to make sure arrangements are in place to get you home from hospital before noon on the day if possible.
Is someone coming to collect you? Do they know they can collect you early on?
Do they know you could be in the discharge lounge and how to get there?
Do you have appropriate clothing?
Do you have access to your home?
Have you got the basics back home?
If you have any questions about your day of discharge, either as a patient or as a carer, you should always speak to someone on the ward in the first instance.
You can access ward contact numbers across our hospitals here.
Information on our discharge lounges
NHSGGC currently has discharge lounges available at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Royal Alexandra Hospital.
These areas provide a safe and comfortable space for patients ready to go home. Fully staffed and made easily accessible so patients can be picked up by carers or organised transport, you can contact the discharge lounges below:
Your ward team will make suitable arrangements for pickup from the ward or one of our socialisation spaces.
The Scottish Women’s Health Plan
The Women’s Health Plan (2021-2024) reinforces the actions to be taken to improve women’s health and address inequalities. These include raising awareness around women’s health, improving access to health care and reducing inequalities in health for girls and women, both for sex-specific conditions and in general health.
The Plan is part of wider work being undertaken across the Scottish Government to improve women’s health, particularly with regards to mesh, maternal health, and screening services.
Women’s health is not just a women’s issue. When women and girls are supported to lead healthy lives and fulfil their potential, the whole of society benefits.
An Interim Progress Update 2023 has been published which provides some key highlights that have taken place since the publication of the Scottish Women’s Health Plan.
Why do we need a Women’s Health Plan?
Women face particular health inequalities and disadvantages because they are women.
Women are 51% of the population but are under-represented in medical research and have poorer outcomes for a range of health issues, not just reproductive health.
Women’s health is also affected by social factors. For example, women are more likely to experience poverty and be affected by gender-based violence.
The Women’s Health Plan has identified 6 priority areas requiring action across a women’s life course:
Menstrual health
Menopause
Endometriosis
Contraception and Abortion
Cardiac disease
Reduction in inequalities in health outcomes
What’s happening in NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde?
Dr Emilia Crighton, Acting Director of Public Health is the strategic lead for the Women’s Health Plan in NHSGGC. Louise Carroll, based in the Equality and Human Rights Team, is leading the co-ordination and implementation of the Plan.
A huge amount of work is taking place across NHSGGC which links to the vision and actions of the Women’s Health Plan.
Activities associated with the implementation of the Plan in NHSGGC, including a staff engagement event, are planned for early 2023.
If you would like further information on the Plan or wish to highlight women’s health programmes or projects, please contact:
To support the Women’s Health Plan, NHS Inform have a dedicated Women’s Health Platform containing a wide a range of information on health topics affecting women. These include resources on menstrual health and the menopause.
Thank you for visiting our Pride Pledge page.
Over 9,200 of our staff have made the pledge and are wearing the badge with pride!
The NHS Scotland Pride Badge promotes inclusion for LGBTQ+ people and makes a statement that there’s no place for discrimination in NHS Scotland.
An NHS staff member who wears the badge is pledging to –
be aware of and responsive to issues faced by LGBTQ+ people accessing care
be a friendly, listening ally who staff and service users can safely approach
use inclusive language and respect identity
Please note that all badges have now been distributed and the campaign has now ended. Support information and contacts are available below. You can also contact us at equality@ggc.scot.nhs.uk for further information on NHSGGC’s work in this area and access to additional resources.
Local support
Some people may be having a particularly tough time and may disclose to you that they have experienced hate crime on the grounds of their LGBTQ+ identity. It’s important that you know there are supports in place for people to report this type of crime and that it can be reported easily. More information on reporting a hate crime is available from the Police Scotland website.
You may be approached by colleagues who discloses they are experiencing discrimination in the workplace from colleagues or service users and would like support to deal with it. Our HR Department is on stand-by to support any employee who feels they are being victimised or bullied because of their identity. More information is available on the HR Support and Advice Unit page.
NHSGGC has supported the development of Staff Forums representing the voice of our BME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ staff. Please support the Forum membership by signposting anyone interested in joining. More information is available on our Staff Forums page.
Translated versions of any NHSGGC resource or information relating to individual clinical care can be obtained by asking a member of staff. General health information in other languages is available from NHS Inform.
Staff can request information in alternative languages and formats via the Clear to All web page.
Shqip (Albanian)
Për versione të përkthyera të ndonjë burimi të “NHSGGC” apo informacioni lidhur me kujdesin klinik individual mund t’i drejtoheni një anëtari të stafit. Informacione të përgjithshme shëndetësore në gjuhë të tjera ofrohen nga “NHS Inform”.
يمكن الحصول على نسخ مترجمة من أي من موارد NHSGGC أو المعلومات المتعلقة بالرعاية السريرية الفردية عن طريق طلبها من أحد الموظفين. كما تتوفر المعلومات الصحية العامة بلغات أخرى لدى NHS Inform.
Български (Bulgarian)
Преведените варианти на ресурси на NHSGGC или информация относно индивидуален план за клинични грижи могат да бъдат получени чрез допитване до персонала. Общата здравна информация на други езици се предлага на NHS Inform.
Přeložené verze jakéhokoli zdroje nebo informací NHSGGC souvisejících s individuální klinickou péčí lze získat dotazem člena personálu. Všeobecné zdravotní informace v jiných jazycích jsou k dispozici na NHS Inform.
برای ساخت (Farsi)
نسخه های ترجمه شده هر منبع NHSGGC یا اطلاعات مربوط به مراقبت های بالینی فردی را میتوان با پرسش از یکی از کارکنان به دست آورد. اطلاعات عمومی سلامت به زبان های دیگر از NHS Inform در دسترس است.
Français (French)
Des versions traduites de toutes les ressources ou informations du NHSGGC relatives aux soins cliniques individualisés peuvent être obtenues le demandant à un membre du personnel. Des informations générales sur la santé sont disponibles dans d’autres langues auprès de NHS Inform.
Ελληνικά (Greek)
Μπορείτε να λάβετε μεταφρασμένες εκδόσεις οποιουδήποτε μέσου του NHSGGC ή πληροφοριών που σχετίζονται με την ατομική κλινική φροντίδα ρωτώντας ένα μέλος του προσωπικού. Γενικές πληροφορίες για την υγεία σε άλλες γλώσσες είναι διαθέσιμες στο NHS Inform.
हिंदी (Hindi)
किसी भी NHSGGC संसाधन के अनुवादित संस्करणों या व्यक्तिगत नैदानिक देखभाल से संबंधित जानकारी स्टाफ के किसी सदस्य से पूछ कर प्राप्त की जा सकती है। अन्य भाषाओं में सामान्य स्वास्थ्य जानकारी NHS Inform से उपलब्ध है।
Maygar (Hungarian)
Bármely egyéni klinikai ellátással kapcsolatos NHSGGC forrás és információ lefordított változata kérésre beszerezhető a személyzet bármely tagjától. Általános egészségügyi információ egyéb idegen nyelveken az “NHS Inform” honlapon érhető el.
Italiano (Italian)
È possibile ottenere la versione tradotta di qualsivoglia risorsa o informazione del sistema sanitario di Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) in merito all’assistenza clinica individuale facendone richiesta ad un membro del personale. Informazioni sanitarie di natura generale in altre lingue sono disponibili su NHS Inform.
NHSGGC resursu tulkotās versijas un informāciju, kas attiecas uz individuālo klīnisko aprūpi, var saņemt, pajautājot personālam. Vispārīga veselības informācija citās valodās ir pieejama no NHS Inform.
Lingala
Okoki kosenga na mosali moko balolenge ya bankasa misusu babongoli euti bisika ndenge na ndenge to bansango ya NHSGGC etali lisalisi lya bato na bakliniki. Makambo mingi matali kolongono ya nzoto na bankota basusu ekoki kozwama na NHS Inform.
Aby otrzymać przetłumaczone wersje zasobów informacyjnych i ulotek na temat indywidualnych usług klinicznych oferowanych przez służbę zdrowia NHSGGC, należy zwrócić się do pracownika służby zdrowia. Strona NHS Inform oferuje ogólne informacje na temat zdrowia w różnych językach.
Português (Portuguese)
É possível obter versões traduzidas de qualquer recurso ou informação do NHSGGC relacionados com os cuidados clínicos individuais, ao solicitá-lo diretamente a um funcionário. Pode consultar informação de natureza geral sobre a saúde em outras línguas em NHS Inform.
Dacǎ doriţi traduceri ale oricǎrui material aparţinând NHSGGC, sau anumitor clinici, cereţi personalului medical. Informaţii medicale generale ȋn alte limbi, sunt disponibile pe site-ul NHS Inform.
Русский (Russian)
Если вам нужны переведенные источники информации от NHSGGC или данные, имеющие отношение к определённому медицинскому уходу, то попросите их у сотрудника персонала. Общая информация на различных языках представлена на вебсайте NHS Inform.
Slovensky (Slovakian)
Materiály NHSGGC alebo informácie týkajúce sa individuálnej klinickej starostlivosti v iných jazykoch sú na požiadanie dostupné u personálu. Všeobecné zdravotné informácie v iných jazykoch sú k dispozícii na stránke NHS Inform.
Soomaali (Somali)
Nuskhadaha turjuman ee qoraallada ama macluumaadka NHSGGC ee la xiriira daryeelka caafimaadeed ee shakhsiyeed waxaa la heli karaa marka la weydiiyo xubin shaqaalaha ka mid ah. Macluumaadka caafimaadka guud ee ku qoran luqadaha kale waxaa laga heli karaa halkan NHS Inform.
Español (Spanish)
Puede obtener versiones traducidas de todos los recursos e información de NHSGGC relacionados con la atención de las consultas individuales si lo solicita a un miembro del personal sanitario. Hay información sanitaria general disponible en otros idiomas en NHS Inform.
Kiswahili (Swahili)
Matoleo yaliyotafsiriwa ya nyenmakala zozote za NHSGGC au maelezo yanayohusiana na uangalizi wa tiba ya mtu binafsi yanaweza kupatikana kwa kuuliza mfanyikazimmojawapo Taarifa za jumla za huduma za afya katika lugha zingine zinapatikana kwenye NHS Inform.
தமிழ் (Tamil)
ஏதேனும் என்எச்எஸ்ஜிஜிசி [NHSGGC] ஆதாரவளத்தின் மொழி பெயர்க்கப்பட்ட வடிவங்கள் அல்லது தனிப்பட்ட மருத்துவக் கவனிப்பு தொடர்பான தகவல்கள் போன்றவற்றை, ஊழியர் ஒருவரிடம் கேட்டுக் கொள்வதன் மூலம் பெற்றுக் கொள்ளலாம். பொதுவான ஆரோக்கியத் தகவல்கள் பிற மொழிகளில் NHS Informல் கிடைக்கின்றன.
Herhangi bir NHSGGC kaynağının tercüme adilmiş versiyonları veya kişisel klinik bakımla ilgili bilgilere sağlık personeline sorarak ulaşabilirsiniz. Diğer dillerde genel sağlık bilgileri NHS Inform’dan edinilebilir.
اردو (Urdu)
کسی بھی NHSGGC وسائل کے ترجمہ شدہ ورژن یا انفرادی طبی دیکھ بھال سے متعلق معلومات عملے کے کسی رکن سے پوچھ کر حاصل کی جا سکتی ہیں۔ دیگر زبانوں میں صحت کی عمومی معلومات NHS Inform سے دستیاب ہیں۔
Українська (Ukrainian)
Будь-які перекладені ресурси NHSGGC і дані стосовно індивідуальної клінічної допомоги можна отримати, звернувшись до співробітника. Загальна інформація щодо здоров’я різними мовами представлена на сайті NHS Inform.
tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
Có thể có được bản dịch của bất kỳ tài liệu hoặc thông tin nào của NHSGGC (NHS vùng Greater Glasgow and Clyde) liên quan đến chăm sóc lâm sàng cá nhân bằng cách hỏi nhân viên. Thông tin chung về y tế bằng các ngôn ngữ khác sẵn có tại NHS Inform.
Yorùbá (Yoruba)
Ẹ̀yà àkọsílẹ̀ NHSGGC yòówù tàbí àwọn àlàyé tó níí ṣe pẹ̀lú ètò ìtọ́jú olúkúlùkú ní ilè-ìwòsàn ni a lè rí nipa bíbèèrè lọ́wọ́ òṣìṣẹ́ ilé-iṣẹ́ wa kan. Àwọn àlàyé nipa ìlera lápapọ̀ ní àwọn èdè mìíràn wà ní NHS Inform.
You can download pdf copies of the Control it plus information booklet and Session Information leaflet. These resources are also available in other community languages.
1 in 5 people in the UK identify as having a visible difference – a mark, scar or condition that affects their appearance. Yet more than half feel they are ignored by organisations. It’s time for people with a visible difference to be seen and heard. That’s why we are proud to have signed up to Changing Faces’ #PledgeToBeSeen campaign, committing to represent more people with a visible difference in our publications and campaign.
“I’m proud that an organisation as significant as NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has agreed to back Changing Faces’ Pledge To Be Seen campaign. When you stop and think about it, you hardly ever see someone with a visible difference in adverts or marketing campaigns, and all too often, if visible differences are represented in popular culture, it isn’t in a positive way, with the “disfigured villain” trope still very common.” Kaylin McLaughlin, local campaigner for Changing Faces
What is ‘Visible Difference’?
Changing Faces describe visible difference as a scar, mark or condition on your face or body that makes you look different.
This can be something you are born with or it could happen later. Anyone can be affected by a visible difference, at any point in their life.
Examples include –
A condition that changes the shape, size, feel or look of the face or body, or how it functions, such as vitiligo, psoriasis or alopecia.
A part of the face or body that is different, such as a birthmark, cleft lip or having fewer fingers on one hand.
Scars, burns or changes to the face or body from an accident, an act of violence or self-harm. These can also occur because of an illness, treatment or operation.
The impact of a visible difference varies from person to person. Some people are proud of their visible difference and live fulfilling lives. Others find it emotionally challenging and feel that it limits what they can do.
Staff Learning & Resources
Online learning sessions offer a great opportunity to increase our understanding of the issues around visible difference and better support our patients and colleagues.
Representatives of Changing Faces can share what it’s like to live with a visible difference, talk about language, when and how to ask about difference, and how we can increase positive representation of visible difference.
If you would like more information on learning sessions for your team or staff group, please contact martin.patterson@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Changing Faces also offers information specifically for health staff working with patients who have a visible difference.
“Providing fair and equitable healthcare for all is at the heart of NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde and we are acutely aware of how important it is to accurately represent our diverse community in all our materials and campaigns.
Our ongoing commitment to building a fairer workplace for everyone means creating an environment where diversity is valued – better equipping us to appropriately support our patient community.
This pledge reinforces our resolve to ensure that anyone with a visible difference feels both seen and heard by our organisation.” Dr Emilia Crighton, Interim Director of Public Health, NHSGGC
Support
Many people with a visible difference have social anxiety, depression and low confidence.
Changing Faces offer a range of free, specialist wellbeing services, including:
Support is also available for any staff member experiencing issues in the workplace. Contact the HR Support & Advice Unit on 0141 278 2700
Get Involved
If you have experience of the issues highlighted in the campaign and would like to get involved, please contact the Equality & Human Rights Team at equality@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
“Having NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde commit to being a Pledge To Be Seen organisation is a huge step forward for our mission in Scotland. Being partnered with the UK’s largest NHS health provider will ensure many more people learn about what life is like with a visible difference, and how they can make the world a more accepting place.” Heather Blake, Chief Executive, Changing Faces
“I have worked with many service users who have visible differences and am only too aware of the negative response that people may have to deal with in various aspects of their life. More and better representation across society is crucial to creating acceptance. It is also important that every one of us can be reassured by seeing ourselves represented by organisations we rely on for our health and wellbeing, such as NHSGGC.” Dr Rebecca Crawford, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, NHSGGC
