Tag: NHSGGC

Health Literacy Month: It’s Okay to Ask

NHSGGC offers advice on getting the best out of healthcare

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has listed its top tips to help patients get the most out of their healthcare this Health Literacy Month.

This October, NHSGGC is supporting Health Literacy Month by sharing practical tips from NHS Inform’s It’s Okay to Ask campaign.

Health Literacy is about making sure people can access, understand and follow health advice – and feel confident enough to ask questions when they don’t.

More than one in four adults in Scotland experience daily challenges due to their lack of literacy skills, which can impact their ability to access and receive healthcare information and support. Others are unsure of where to look, are digitally excluded, or simply lack confidence in discussing their healthcare.

It’s Okay to Ask encourages patients to ask:

What are the Benefits of my treatment?
What are the Risks of my treatment?
Any Alternative treatments I can try?
What if I do Nothing?

Using the BRAN structure can help patients become more involved and able to make better decisions about their own care and treatment.

Patients are also able to access Health and Wellbeing Hubs in their local library, where trained library staff can help patients find reliable and trusted health information and guidance, including support from third sector organisations.

Dr Emilia Crighton, Director of Public Health at NHSGGC, said: “Empowering patients to be more in charge of their care and more involved in the decisions about their support and treatment is one of the Board’s priorities.

“Our staff are trained in ways to support patient understanding but we also want patients to be part of the conversation, and knowing the right questions to ask is a large part of that.

“Using the BRAN questions can help, while our website, NHS Inform, and your local Council library can also guide you to finding the right information in the right way for you.”

Patients across Greater Glasgow and Clyde can access:

  • www.nhsggc.scot for information on local health services
  • Council-run libraries in their community for help finding trusted health care information and advice
  • The Near Me video consulting service, supporting attendance at appointments digitally via local libraries
  • The Realistic Medicine app which can support patients in making decisions about their healthcare.

Dr Malcolm Watson, Consultant Anaesthetist and Clinical Lead for Realistic Medicine at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in secondary care, said: “Health literacy is part of the work to move patients from being a passive recipient of care to being active participants in their care.

“We don’t want people to just sit there and think ‘Doctor knows best,’ we want them to ask questions and be engaged.

“We encourage patients to ask the BRAN questions, and we want healthcare advocates to encourage patients to ask these questions. Once you know the BRAN about any health and care intervention, you really know all you need to know.”

For more information, visit: https://www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/its-ok-to-ask/

Self-care 24/7 – the simple things you can do to help yourself, and the NHS

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is urging people to mark International Self-Care Day by thinking carefully about how they can take care of their own health and wellbeing.

Self-care is anything we do to keep ourselves mentally, emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually healthy. It could be something as simple as taking a walk, eating healthily or spending time with friends.

International Self-Care Day is observed every year on the 24th of July to underscore the role of self-care as a “24/7” consideration in preventing illness, managing chronic conditions, improving mental health, and helping to support the NHS.

Beatrix Von Wissmann, Consultant in Public Health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Self-care is one of the simplest and most effective ways people can help themselves while also supporting the NHS.

“We often view self-care as a ‘luxury’ and it’s usually the first thing to go when our life or work gets busy, demanding and challenging. However, if we don’t practice and prioritise self-care, we risk our well-being and invite burnout.

“Being active, having a healthy diet and planning ahead are all small steps that can make a huge difference.”

Here are a few simple ways to take care of yourself, and support the NHS: 

  • Get active: Do what works for you. A gentle walk, wheel or some exercise can get you out in nature and fresh air, simple steps that are proven to lift your spirits and boost your physical health.
     
  • Eat a balanced diet: Healthy eating is essential for maintaining overall wellbeing. You can find advice here.
     
  • Find support: Our dedicated mental health app can help you recognise and manage triggers, be aware of your symptoms, and discover tips for managing your mental health and wellbeing, including sleep, breathing exercises, eating healthy food or starting a new routine.
     
  • Quit smoking: You can get support to stop smoking through the Quit Your Way service.
     
  • Get the right help when you need it: Getting the right help, from the right place, at the right time is one of the best things we can all do to look after ourselves and to help ease the pressure on the NHS. By doing this, people help us to prioritise care for the most urgent and life-threatening cases, while also being more convenient and simpler for you. Every community pharmacy in Scotland provides the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service, which offers advice, support and treatment for a range of minor ailments from coughs and colds to earache and heartburn. Anyone can walk in and be seen by a qualified member of the pharmacy team, with no appointment necessary.
     
  • Get ready: Here are some common treatments and can be useful to have to hand to treat minor symptoms. If you are unsure about symptoms or have concerns or questions about taking any treatment, please speak to your local community pharmacist:
    • Painkillers – paracetamol and ibuprofen tablets for headaches, pain or fever.
    • Antiseptic cream – to help clean minor cuts and abrasions.
    • Plasters and bandages – having a small selection to hand will help with a range of cuts and scrapes.
    • Antihistamines – to treat mild allergic reactions and hay fever.
    • Practice good hand hygiene to stop the spread of infection.


Choosing self-care where appropriate helps to support a sustainable NHS for everyone. For further information about prioritising self-care, you can download more tips here.

For urgent conditions which are not life-threatening, we would ask people to contact NHS 24 on 111. They will ensure you are referred to the most appropriate service for your condition, which could include a Minor Injuries Unit or our Virtual A&E.

Help is also available in the community, with GPs, pharmacies, dentists and opticians providing a range of services. Accessing the right care is as easy as ABC:

  • Ask yourself: Do I need to go out? For information on keeping yourself well and treating minor illnesses and injuries from home, go to NHS Inform or download the NHS24 app.
  • Be aware: There is help right on your doorstep. Your local GP, pharmacy, dentist, or optician offer a range of services.
  • Call 111: If it’s urgent, or you’re not sure, call NHS24 on 111. They’ll make sure you get the help you need.

Please remember, if you think your condition or injury is very urgent or life-threatening, you should call 999 or go to A&E immediately.

For more information on accessing the care you need, please go to: 

Right Care, Right Place – NHSGGC

NHSGGC issues top tips for staying safe and healthy as colder weather arrives

With the summer over and autumn well and truly upon us, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is asking people to prepare for staying safe in the cold weather.

Cold weather and icy conditions can bring with them a range of risks, but by following a few simple steps people can protect themselves from slips, trips and cold-related health issues.

And to help with its seasonal campaign, NHSGGC has created a new character – someone who’s more used to the worst of the winter weather than most – to get the message across in a fun, easy-to-understand way.

Petey Penguin was the brainchild of Laura Halcrow, Falls Prevention Lead at NHSGGC, and was inspired by a particularly cold snap last winter. She said: “Last winter, on the coldest day of the year, our Falls Team shared advice on how to get about on icy pavements by Walking Like a Penguin.

“The stories we shared really caught the public imagination – in fact, our team even ended up appearing on the TV news – and people all over the west of Scotland were soon Walking Like a Penguin to help prevent slips and trips.

“With the cold weather about to return, we thought what better way to help the public this winter than to capitalise on our success – and just like that Petey was born.”

Throughout the winter, Petey Penguin will feature regularly in social media messages, giving people advice and information on a range of seasonal issues such as:
 

  • Appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions.
  • Keeping fit, active and warm.
  • Preparing your home for winter.
  • Making sure walking aids and other mobility equipment are fit for the cold weather.
  • Medication advice.

And, of course …

  • Walking like a penguin!

 
Laura Halcrow said: “The safety and wellbeing of our communities is a top priority for us, and while slips, falls and other seasonal problems are a major issue as winter approaches, there is plenty we can do to help prevent the cold weather resulting in a visit to hospital.

“That’s why we have produced advice on simple actions that you can take to keep yourself or a loved one strong, steady and safe this winter and beyond.”

Dr Emilia Crighton, Director of Public Health at NHSGGC, also reminded people that, in the majority of cases involving slips and trips, going to A&E may not be appropriate.

She said: “A&E is there to help the sickest people and treat the most urgent emergencies, and we would always advise anyone who thinks their condition or injury is very urgent or life-threatening to call 999 or go to A&E immediately.

“However, most falls and trips do not require treatment at A&E – and in fact you might be asked to seek help elsewhere if you arrive at A&E inappropriately.

“If assessment is required, our Minor Injuries Units are often best placed to carry that out, so we would urge anyone who has suffered a fall to call NHS24 on 111. They will be able to give you the advice you need, including directing you to a Minor Injuries Unit if required.”
 
As winter approaches, NHSGGC is urging members of the public to familiarise themselves with the most appropriate places to access care – often from the comfort of your own home or right on your doorstep.  

In fact, they are reminding people that accessing the right care is as easy as ABC:
 
Ask yourself: Do I need to go out? For information on keeping yourself well and treating minor illnesses and injuries from home, go to NHS Inform or download the NHS24 app.
Be aware: There is help on your doorstep. Your local GP, pharmacy, dentist or optician offer a range of services. Pharmacies provide these services without the need for an appointment.
Call 111: If it’s urgent, or you’re not sure, call NHS24 on 111. They’ll make sure you get the help you need.
 
Unless it’s an emergency, please think ABC before going to A&E.
 
For more about staying safe this winter, go to NHS inform
 
For more information on the best ways to access care, go to the NHSGGC website

NHSGGC marks Mental Health Awareness Week with relaunch of MyApp: My Mental Health

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is marking Mental Health Awareness Week by encouraging people to download its supported self-management resources.

My App: My Mental Health was created by NHSGGC to offer resources which support people to manage their mental health and wellbeing. 

It is contained within the NHS Scotland Health Improvement Scotland Right Decisions: Health and Care app, which can be downloaded for free through the App Store on Apple and Android devices, or accessed via the website: 

https://rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk/myapp-my-mental-health/

It provides self-management resources, information and advice on mental health concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, eating disorders and self-harm, and highlights organisations offering further support.

There are also sections specifically developed for children and young people, and for carers. 

NHSGGC is encouraging people to get the app as it uses Mental Health Awareness Week to highlight the resources available. 

One in six adults in the UK has a mental health condition, with mixed anxiety and depression being the most common. 

The app includes a library of information on mental health symptoms, and allows people to develop coping strategies and ways to manage their conditions. 
Consultant Psychiatrist Nagore Penades, clinical lead for mental health at the NHSGGC-hosted West of Scotland Innovation Hub, encouraged people to download the app. She said: “Mental health and wellbeing are important to all of us, much as our physical health and we know that they can change quickly throughout our lives.

“We would like people to be more knowledgeable and support them in understanding their mental health by offering direct access to reliable self-management resources.

“Having this app on your phone means you have a vital resource available whenever you or someone you know might need it. 

“We also know that many people turn to online resources to help with their mental health and wellbeing, but finding reliable, trustworthy up to date advice can be difficult online. 

“This app provides a way for people who are experiencing difficulties to take a first step in dealing with them. 

“All the resources available through the app have been reviewed by a multidisciplinary group of senior mental health practitioners in NHSGGC, so users can be assured that the advice being offered is evidence-based and appropriate.

“And, as we mark Mental Health Awareness Week, we would encourage everyone to download and take a look at the app to see how it could help them.”

To access the app, follow these steps: 

= Download the Right Decisions: Health & Care app
= Select Public/Patient optionSelect My App: My Mental Health and add it to your toolkits 
= You can now access the resources directly under My Toolkits 

The resources can also be accessed here: https://rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk/myapp-my-mental-health/

Born during Spanish Flu pandemic – now vaccinated against COVID-19

A 101 year old born during the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic has received her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination. Emily Lawson, from Kirkintilloch, was one of the first in line as part of the rollout of the vaccination programme to vaccinate people over the age of 80 in the community.
 
Mrs Lawson, born in 1919 as the pandemic spread across the globe, was found at one month old lying next to her mother who had caught the deadly strain of influenza and was too ill to look after her new baby.
 
Now, more than a century later and living through another pandemic, she has been vaccinated by Samantha Wheadon, a Practice Nurse from Turret Medical Centre in Kirkintilloch. 
 
When asked how she felt about receiving the vaccine she took it in her stride, commenting: “it was normal, just another vaccine”.
 
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) currently has more than 450 vaccinators working across hospital and community settings to deliver COVID-19 vaccinations in a swift and safe manner. Currently the health board is vaccinating around 20,000 people every week and in February, this number is expected to rise to 80,000.
 
GPs are leading on the vaccination roll-out for their patients aged 80 years and over, and are scheduling appointments locally once they receive supplies of the vaccine.
 
Dr Linda De Caestecker, Director for Public Health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “We have had a very high uptake of the vaccine so far with thousands of eligible staff and care home residents vaccinated already and it’s fantastic to see the community rollout begin. 
 
“Our teams are working extremely hard to get as many people possible vaccinated as quickly as possible during this time.
 
“However, the rollout does not mean we can let our guard down. Our hospitals are extremely busy with COVID-19 admissions and our staff are working tirelessly to look after both COVID and non-COVID patients.  
 
“We would urge everyone to continue following the rules to help minimise the spread of the virus.” 


 The FACTS guidance:

  • Face coverings in enclosed spaces, 
  • Avoid crowded places, 
  • Clean your hands regularly, 
  • Two metre distancing 
  • Self-isolate and book a test if you have symptoms.