Person Centred Virtual Visiting (video calls) helps people to maintain contact with their relatives/friends, when in-person visits are not possible. People can see and talk to those who matter to them using NHS Near Me / Attend Anywhere. You can access this on mobile phones, laptops or computers. All wards have iPads available if you do not have, or are unable to use, your own device.
Person Centred Virtual Visiting was rolled out during the COVID-19 pandemic, and helped people maintain contact when in-person visiting was restricted. It has had a positive impact and continues to play a role to help people remain connected. For more information, please read our PCVV Report.
Supporting Communication Needs
NHSGGC is committed to supporting those who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or who do not speak English. NHSGGC supports communication needs through:
- Telephone Interpreting Service – Please visit the Interpreting Service web page for more information.
- British Sign Language (BSL) Online Interpreting Service – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please visit the BSL Online web page for more information.
- Dictation App – The Dictation App installed on hospital iPads, can be used to transcribe speech into readable text. This is helpful when lip-reading is not possible due to the use of face masks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I arrange a ‘virtual visit’ (video call) using the NHSGGC iPads?
If you are a patient, please speak to ward staff to arrange a virtual visit using the NHSGGC iPads.
If you are a family member/friend, please contact the ward to arrange a virtual visit. Ward and Department telephone numbers can be found on the NHSGGC website. You will need to provide the ward staff with following details:
- Your family member/friend’s full name
- Your phone number or email address
You will need to ensure your device has a webcam and microphone. Most devices already have this built in.
For further information and guidance on how to arrange virtual visits, please read the Near Me guide.
What happens if my family member/friend does not have a mobile phone or tablet, or needs help to make a ‘virtual visit’?
All of our inpatient wards have a least one iPad for those who wish to make ‘virtual visits’ (video calls) with their relatives and friends during their stay in hospital. If your family member/friend does not have a mobile phone or tablet of their own, or they are unfamiliar/unable to use these devices to set up calls independently, they are welcome to use a hospital iPad. Ward staff will always try to facilitate these calls where possible.
Can I request a ‘virtual visit’ (video call) for a specific time of day?
Where possible, ward staff will try to arrange virtual visits at a time that suits you and your family member/friend. However, we cannot guarantee an exact day/time. We are sorry for any distress this may cause. Staff will always try to facilitate these calls, however, we ask for your understanding at times when this is not possible.
Is it possible to record the call?
For the majority of situations in our wards, it will not be appropriate for you to record the call. No one is permitted to make unauthorized pictures, video or audio recordings in healthcare settings, that feature service users, visitors or staff, without their consent. If you are unsure, please speak with ward staff for advice.
Can the hospital iPad or my own device be used to speak to a healthcare chaplain?
Healthcare chaplains are available to offer support and a listening service Monday to Thursday, 9.00am – 5.00pm and at weekends from Friday to Sunday, 9.00am – 10.00pm. If you wish to speak with someone confidentially, please ask a member of ward staff to contact switchboard and ask for the on-call chaplain.
What if I am looking for information or a progress update on the care of my family member/friend?
To obtain an update on the progress and plan of care for your family member/friend, you should contact the ward directly and ask to speak to the nurse or doctor looking after them.
You can find telephone numbers for all wards and departments on the NHSGGC website.
What additional information can I access on the NHSGGC iPads?
Infection Prevention and Control Patient Information Leaflets are available to staff and patients on the NHSGGC iPads. Click on the Infection Prevention and Control icon on the home screen to access this information.
Some of the Patient Information Leaflets are available in other languages, but if there is a specific language that would suit you, please let a member of staff know.
Providing Feedback
If you wish to provide feedback or share your experience of virtual visiting, please share your story on Care Opinion.
Person Centred Virtual Visiting Information for Staff
Additional Information
The following documents provide help and guidance to ensure you are familiar with supporting patients and their relatives/friends to receive ‘virtual visit’ (video calls) and how to do this safely and efficiently at all times.