NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has issued a student health checklist, which aims to provide new and returning students with useful hints and tips on key services within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and how to use them most effectively.
The guidance comes as the health board faces unprecedented demand on unscheduled care services, with an influx of new students expected to result in additional pressure on A&E services.
Students can now get help with finding their nearest pharmacy and learning about mental and sexual health services available to them.
The health board is also highlighting the virtual A&E service, which provides emergency care to patients through video and telephone. The service can be accessed via NHS24 by calling 111. However, students are still being urged to register with a local GP to ensure they have access to primary care when they need it.
Dr Kerri Neylon, Deputy Director for Primary Care across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said:
“Every year students are welcomed across NHSGGC from far and wide to study at our universities and colleges. While we want them to enjoy themselves as they settle in, we also need them to take note of some key health information. This is to keep them safe and to ensure they get the best experience if they do need to use the health service. It’s easy to forget that you need a local GP, and you need to know what our different services are on offer. It’s particularly important for anyone coming to study from outside the health board area within Scotland, or from further afield where they may be used to a different way of accessing health care.”
The full checklist and more information can be found at the Health Board’s new dedicated student health hub.
