As a student in London you should never forget that your study can only be a successful and happy experience when you take care of the health of your body, mind and soul. In this section, we will cover some basic information about how and where to get medical help during your stay in London.
Students in Supervised Accommodation:
If you are unwell in the morning, evening or overnight, talk to your residential Supervisor.
Students in Unsupervised Accommodation:
If you are over 18 and in unsupervised accommodation, phone the Academy in person to let us know that you are unwell. You must call in every day that you are unwell.
Seeing a Doctor
In order to get access to NHS services, you should register with a Doctor (General Practitioner, GP). Registering does not cost anything but is extremely important. You will be given detailed information about the registration with a GP on your first day at JCA. You should register with a GP closest to where you live and so we stress that you register as soon as you find your long-term accommodation and do not wait until you feel ill.
GPs are doctors who are trained and experienced in diagnosing a wide range of health problems including: advice on health issues vaccinations examinations and treatment prescriptions for medicines referrals to other health and social services.
To register, you will need to visit the doctor’s Receptionist during consulting hours, taking a letter from the Academy as a proof that you are a student. You should ask to be add-ed to the list of the NHS patients. Most doctors’ surgeries have female as well as male doctors, and if you prefer you can ask to be put on a female/male doctor’s list. If you only want to be seen by a female doctor, you need to say so whenever making an appointment.
You may be offered a routine health check (height, weight, blood pressure and pulse check) then register. Doctors’ Surgeries are open Monday - Friday 8:30 - 18:00 only. When you register with a new Doctor the Receptionist will give you a form to fill in, then your NHS medical card will be issued and send to your home address.
Once registered, you are able to make medical appointments at this surgery. Most illness-es and other problems can be treated by the GP, but if you need to see a specialist, the GP will refer you to an appropriate hospital department. If your condition is non-urgent, you can expect to see a doctor within two working days or a health professional such as a nurse within one working day. Most GPs also run an “on-call” service, so that you can contact a doctor 24 hours a day. Your GP will give you details when you register.
Once registered, you are able to make medical appointments at this surgery. Most illnesses and other problems can be treated by the GP, but if you need to see a specialist, the GP will refer you to an appropriate hospital department. If your condition is non-urgent, you can expect to see a doctor within two working days or a health professional such as a nurse within one working day. Most GPs also run an “on-call” service, so that you can contact a doctor 24 hours a day. Your GP will give you details when you register. To find the nearest General Practitioner to your accommodation please check the website of NHS England.
Out of Hours Medical Treatment
After hours or at weekends please see your residential Supervisor if you feel ill. If you are in unsupervised accommodation call the emergency number and speak to the Duty Officer. Call the NHS on 111 and a doctor will call you back, advise you and if required, arrange to see you.
Hospitals
If your GP refers you to a hospital for treatment, you will usually be given an appointment to see a specialist doctor. Depending on the medical problem, you may be treated as an in-patient (where you are admitted to a ward and stay there overnight or longer) or as an out-patient (where you visit the hospital during the day for an appointment). If you think you need to see a specialist, you should approach your GP first and ask her or him to refer you.
To find the nearest Hospital to your accommodation please check the website of NHS England.
Emergencies
For serious problems which cannot wait until the next working day, you will be taken to Accident & Emergency. For an ambulance call 999. If you need an immediate medical assistance (for example, because of an accident), dial 999. The call is free. An operator will ask you “which emergency service do you require Fire, Police or Ambulance”. Be ready to tell the emergency services what has happened and where you are. If someone is injured and needs to go to the hospital ambulance staff will arrive and take the person to an Accident and Emergency department, and in some cases both police and the Fire Service will also attend an accident.
Pharmacies
Pharmacists (sometimes called Chemists) are experts in medicines and how they work. They dispense your prescriptions, provide a range of services related to specific health issues and can offer advice on healthy living and minor ailments.
Counselling
If you have a personal problem or any worries or concerns, whether college related or not, and you do not want to discuss it with your Personal Tutor or a member of the Welfare team, we can suggest several independent listeners. Samaritans provide confidential support to any person in emotional distress
08457 909090
Keeping Healthy and Safe
In order to stay healthy, you need to find a good balance between work, leisure, exercise and rest. You need to:
• eat healthily,
• learn to handle stress and worry,
• make sensible decisions about alcohol, cigarettes and other drugs,
• keep yourself safe,
• communicate with your tutors,
• value and respect yourself and others,
• build healthy relationships with your friends.
