By Bill Heaney
As the 2025 academic year approaches, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is reminding new and returning students to register with a local GP, dentist, and optician to ensure they have access to essential healthcare while living in the area.
Freshers’ Week is the perfect time for students to get informed about local health services, including Virtual A&E, which allows patients to receive emergency care advice from home by calling NHS24 on 111.
The NHSGGC student health campaign continues to support those who may be living away from their usual healthcare providers or settling into a new environment.
The message is clear: registering with a GP, dentist, and optician is vital for accessing timely medical advice and treatment for non-urgent conditions, helping students stay focused on their studies.
Fraser McJannet, NHSGGC Director for Primary Care, said: “It’s essential that students are registered with local Primary Care services, such as a GP, dentist, and optician, so they can access the care they need, when they need it. Our practices offer a wide range of services to support with ongoing health concerns.
“We want students to feel confident about where to turn for help, so they can concentrate on their education without added stress.”
With a significant number of students in Glasgow coming from overseas, NHSGGC is committed to supporting all students in maintaining their health and wellbeing throughout their time at university or college.
To make things easier, NHSGGC has developed a dedicated student hub and a student checklist to guide students through the process of registering with a GP and accessing local services.
Dr Claire Harrow, Deputy Medical Director, said: “It’s important that students understand the right pathways for their healthcare needs. A&E should be reserved for life-threatening emergencies.
“Our campaign aims to ensure students are getting the right care, in the right place. This means trying to get better at home, accessing local Primary Care services when needed, or calling NHS 24 on 111 if things become more serious.”
To learn more and access the student hub, visit: www.nhsggc.scot/students.