NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde urges returning students to prioritise healthcare

NHSGGC is encouraging students to prioritise their healthcare now that new and existing students have returned to university and college and the new semester has begun

As part of the health board’s winter ABC Campaign, students play a key role in preventing services from becoming overwhelmed, by ensuring they have access to the appropriate care for their needs.

NHSGGC is committed to providing students with appropriate resources required to make informed decisions based on their health care requirements.

A student health checklist has been shared to help prepare students for the semester ahead, ensuring they have the appropriate understanding of where to go if they require any treatment. The checklist provides valuable information on essential services including mental health and sexual health, and how these can be accessed in the easiest way.

Students are also encouraged to explore the dedicated Student Hub web page that provides details around nearby pharmacies and GP surgeries available to them.

Each semester, the Greater Glasgow area welcomes students from around the world and NHSGGC is committed to ensuring that our accident and emergency departments and general practices do not become overwhelmed this winter period.

Dr Kerri Neylon, Deputy Director for Primary Care across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Winter is notoriously a busy time for the NHS and we are keen to support all our health services and staff by ensuring students have access to the most appropriate care pathways available to them.

“With an influx of students from around the globe each semester, it is vital that we guide students towards comprehensive health care resources to reduce pressure on our services, in particular accident and emergency departments and general practices (GPs).

“Our virtual A&E service provides emergency care from the comfort of your own home, protecting patients as well as preventing long waits within our hospitals. This can be accessed by phoning NHS24 on 111.

“It is essential that students register with a local GP practice who they can reach out to if they need non-emergency care. In addition all our Community Pharmacies provide a huge amount of health advice and are able to dispense medications and treat certain conditions such as urinary tract infections.

“We want to welcome students returning from the festive break, or from abroad, and ensure they have the best resources available to them in the event they need to utilise NHSGGC services. By providing clarity around this, we hope students can enjoy a stress free semester and enjoy an important stage in their lives.”