Call for students in Scotland to think about health services
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Students are being urged to find out where to get the right health advice locally – especially if they have moved away from home.
NHS 24’s student health campaign provides details on where to access services such as GPs, dentists, pharmacies, out of hours and urgent care in Scotland. Information on subjects such as immunisations, mental health support and Scotland’s Service Directory are also included.
Students are preparing to start or resume their studies at college or university this month and NHS 24 wants to highlight the importance of knowing where to get the right health advice in their new area.
Representatives from NHS 24 are also visiting numerous colleges and universities throughout Scotland through a programme of ‘health roadshows’.
Michelle Sinclair, engagement manager for NHS 24 , said: "It’s been a tough couple of years for everyone during the Covid-19 pandemic, and students have made adjustments by switching to online learning at various times during the past two academic years.
"Attending various freshers and welcome events in person has been really brilliant to promote NHS 24’s 111 service and the health information available on NHS inform. It really makes the difference to be able to provide advice face to face about students' health requirements, and we get asked a huge variety of questions on a lot of different subjects."
Dr Laura Ryan, a GP and NHS 24’s medical director said: "It’s an exciting time for students and their families while they prepare to say goodbye to their loved ones to start their studies. Health information can quickly slide to the bottom of the ‘to do’ list when you are making plans to move to a different part of the country, but it’s really important you know when and where to access the service you need if you have a health concern.
"If you've moved away from your local area to go to college or university, you must register with a new local GP practice. This also includes students who have moved from elsewhere in Scotland, elsewhere in the UK, and abroad. You should also register with a local dentist.
"NHS inform has lots of information on how to access services in your area. By being prepared and following the advice in our student health campaign, this will avoid delays in accessing the care you need, should you require it."
