External access to NHS Scotland video conferencing
We can offer secure video links in to most NHS Scotland video conference (VC) systems for members of the public be they patients, council colleagues or interviewees. These links can be accessed through OSX, Windows, iOS or Android either through common web browsers or apps.
The process is very simple for you and your external participant. You request a link for a specific date, time, video conference unit or bridge. We create a one-time use link and email it to you, along with links to end-user guides, to send to your participant.
What you need to think about beforehand
We need to ensure your device has auto-answer disabled and we must ensure it can accept encrypted calls. For this reason you must ensure the system is on and attached to your network before making a request and stays networked whilst your request is processed. If we can’t verify these setting we cannot create a link to you. N.B. The screen does not have to remain on, only the VC unit itself.
You should complete a risk assessment before you request a link to a particular VC unit (although we don’t need to see it you should document it). The public will be able to dial into your VC unit therefore you must consider where the unit you wish to be dialled is located. For instance, if you are running late for the appointment, could the incoming call be taken by a passing colleague? If they do so what could the external participant see or overhear? You must ensure your colleagues are aware the device could receive such calls for whatever time period the link is live for.
Please make yourself familiar with the type of VC unit you intend using. There are a number of generic guides on this site which may be of help. Please also make yourself familiar with video conferencing etiquette such as camera framing. Following a few simple guidelines will make the most of your call.