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Student Guidance to NHS Services
How The NHS Works
To access most NHS services you need to register with a GP (general practitioner). You do this by going into a surgery you would like to join and completing a few forms. You need to be in their catchment area for them to accept you. Most surgeries require photo ID; some require proof of address.
You can only be registered at one GP surgery at a time. If you go somewhere else and complete forms there you will be registered with them. If you go home (in the UK) during half terms and need to be seen by a local surgery you can register as a temporary patient; this means we will still be your GP but they can see you for the duration of your stay in their area.
If you need to see a specialist (for example a dermatologist) you need to see your GP first and they will refer you.
GP services are classed as primary care. This is free to everyone in the UK.
Hospital services are classed as secondary care. There may be a charge for these for oversees patients. The hospital should inform you if there is before starting any treatment.
Emergency care and treatment for infectious diseases are free for everyone.
What can you expect from your GP Surgery?
- All patients are seen by appointment
- Appointments can be made in person or by telephoning the surgery
- Appointments are available to book up to one week ahead, but if you require assistance on the same day you should speak to the receptionist who will advise you appropriately
- If you are on regular medication please make an appointment to see the doctor to organise your repeat prescription
Practice Nurse
- On-going contraception needs
- Monitoring of asthma, eczema or diabetes
- Monitoring of blood pressure or heart problems
- Advice on stopping smoking and obesity
- Travel vaccinations and immunisations
- Cervical Cytology (smears or swabs)
- Ear syringing
- Change of dressings
Contraception
- You can get the contraceptive pill from us
- You need to see the doctor 1st and then when you need more you can see the nurse
- We can fit implanons and coils
- For these you need to see one of our doctors 1st and she will discuss whether it is right for you
- When booking an appointment to discuss it please ensure you tell us that is why you need an appointment as you would need to see a certain doctor
Meningitis Vaccination
- There is a new meningitis vaccination available for students – Men ACWY
- You can book an appointment with the nurse to have this done
- Otherwise we will be inviting you, by letter, in to have this
- It is important that you have this so please come to this appointment
Pharmacy
- There are 2 ways of getting medications in the UK; being prescribed them and buying over the counter
- Prescribed medications are given via prescriptions which are given by the doctor or nurse
- Over the counter medications can be brought from a pharmacy without a prescription
- Prescriptions currently cost £9 per item
- This price usually changes every April
- There are cost helping schemes available for prescription charges
- Over the counter medication costs vary
- As well as dispensing medication chemists provide a variety of services including stop smoking advice, blood pressure checks, etc
- They can offer advice on minor ailments
- Chemists can provide the emergency morning after pill (most are free but some charge. For a list of free chemists please see the surgery leaflet we will give you at the end)
- Most chemists offer flu vaccines for a fee for those who are not entitled to it on the NHS
Dentists
- For dental care, including emergency help, you need to see a dentist. GPs cannot deal with dental problems
- There are 2 types of dentist, NHS and private. You have to pay for both but NHS dentists are usually cheaper. There is help available for costs
- There are a number of NHS dental practices in the city
- To find a NHS one please visit the NHS Choices website and search for ‘services near you’
- The 111 service can help you find an emergency dentist
Out of Hours and Emergencies
Enhanced Access
Mulberry Surgery
We are pleased to be able to offer some surgeries outside of the above hours for those who find it difficult to attend for routine problems due to their working hours etc. These are on Wednesday evenings from 6.30pm and Friday mornings from 7.30am. Please ask the receptionist if you would like more information.
Victor Street Surgery
We offer extended access from 7.30am on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Life Threatening
Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
- you or someone you know needs immediate help
- you have seriously harmed yourself – for example, by taking a drug overdose
A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a medical emergency.
Urgent But Not Life Threatening
Visit an urgent care centre if:
- You have an urgent medical issue requiring on the day attention
Non-urgent
Use NHS 111 if:
- You need help now, but it’s not an emergency
There will be someone to provide you with advice and to direct you to a clinician if it is necessary.