New helpline launched to support Ukrainian nationals in Scotland

NHS National Services Scotland’s National Contact Centre has launched a helpline to provide support for people fleeing Ukraine who are coming to Scotland.

Commissioned by Scottish Government, the helpline will support people displaced by the war to travel safely to Scotland via the UK Government’s visa scheme.

However, the service will also provide invaluable information to local authorities, councils and other agencies in advance of people arriving in Scotland, which will be of real benefit to help them settle in more quickly.

Martin Morrison, Operations Director, NHS National Services Scotland said: “Our national contact centre is well placed to respond to this crisis. We are able to mobilise new services quickly and provide human connection during times of difficulty, as we have done throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Our team’s empathetic approach and first class service will hopefully make the lives of those who have been devastated by the war, just that little bit easier.”

This new helpline, which was operational in less than a week, went live at the end of March and lines are open seven days a week, 12 hours a day.