New students reminded to register with local GP

Students from Sefton who are getting ready to move away for university or college are being asked by local health commissioners to add registering with a GP to their checklist of things to do. Jan Leonard, Director of Place at NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “There’s a lot to remember when you move away from home to study. It’s easy to forget to register with a new GP when you arrive at uni or college but it’s really important to do so early on, rather than leaving it until you need medical advice. “By registering with a local GP, you can receive emergency care and easily access health services.” You can choose to register with any local GP. The health centre attached to your college or university is likely to be the most convenient, and the doctors working there will be experienced in the health needs of students. Jan added: “We understand that students are really busy. The free NHS App is a great resource which makes getting medical advice more convenient. The app gives you access to a range of NHS services including prescription ordering, appointment booking, symptom checking and more. “You should also take advantage of all the services available at your local pharmacy. If the option is available, you can speak to a pharmacist in a private consultation room to get advice on self-care treatments?and?advice on your medication.” To find your local pharmacy visit https://beta.nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy/ Getting ill during the holidays: If you become unwell when you’re at home or away from university, you can still contact your nearest GP practice to ask for treatment. You can receive treatment for 14 days. Register with a dentist: Dental problems can’t be dealt with by doctors, so it is also really important that students register with a dentist. You can find a dentist online: www.nhs.uk/Service-Search Not all treatment is free, even under the NHS. However, you may be able to apply for help with dental costs online. For details, visit: www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/help-with-health-costs/get-help-with-dental-costs/ Check your vaccinations: There are a series of vaccinations that are available to students. The Men ACWY vaccine protects against four different causes of meningitis and septicaemia. It is available to all 17- and 18-year-olds in school, and first-time university students up to the age of 25. For more information on getting medical care as a student, visit the NHS website.