It’s very important to get registered with a Doctor as soon as you can, so that you are able to get an appointment if/when you need it.
If you’re studying in the UK for over 6 months, you should be eligible to register with a Doctor. You will need:
- Passport/National ID card/VISA/BRP
- Proof of address or university confirmation letter
If you are coming from Europe, you’ll need an GHIC card.
LIVING ON CAMPUS
If you’re living in university accomodation, you can complete this online registration form to register with the health centre on campus.
LIVING OFF CAMPUS
If you live off campus, you’ll need to register with your local GP. You can find your closest here.
PRESCRIPTIONS
If you’re prescribed one-off or regular medication, ask the Doctor to send your prescription the Hythe Pharmacy. They will deliver it to SU Reception (Square 3) ready for you to collect.
SU Reception can also order over the counter items so there's no need to leave campus.
The NHS APP
This is a great app to download where you can book appointments, order repeat prescriptions and much more.
HOW DOES THE UK MEDICAL SYSTEM WORK?
If you become unwell, follow the below steps
-
Self-care – is there something you can do at home to recover? Can you use over-the-counter medication?
- Pharmacy – visit a pharmacy to get advice on common illnesses and medication
- Contact your GP Surgery to book an appointment
- Your GP will talk through your symptoms and may examine you.
- If you need to see a specialist, your GP will refer you to a hospital department.
If you need immediate medical assistance (an accident or medical emergency) and can’t get yourself to hospital, call 999 and ask for an ambulance. You will need to give a brief description and your location. If you're well enough to travel, you should make your own way to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department at a hospital.
There are no fees for A&E services (as long as you are not admitted as an in-patient and do not access follow-up treatment), and you do not have to have paid the immigration health surcharge to use them.
WHAT CAN I DO IF I’M NOT REGISTERED?
If you are not registered you may be referred to a local Walk In Centre for treatment. This isn’t an ideal option as the wait times can be very long.