NHS 24 urges students to prioritise health

The advice, which is tailored specifically for students and is available on Scotland’s online health information service NHS inform, covers topics such as registering for primary care services, vaccinations, finding local NHS services, and mental health.

Dr Siama Latif is Associate Medical Director at NHS 24. She said,

“The transition to university life can be an exciting time, but it also comes with new challenges, including being responsible for managing your own health.

“NHS 24’s student health campaign promotes specific actions that students should take to ensure they stay as healthy as possible during their time at university, along with the knowledge on how to access health and care services should they need them.”

NHS 24’s health tips for students include:

1. Register with a local GP and dentist: If you’re moving away from home, it’s crucial to register with a local GP and dentist. This ensures you have access to medical care when you need it. Don’t wait until you’re ill to register, as this could delay your access to necessary care.
2. Check your vaccination status: Mixing with new people in university environments can increase the risk of infectious diseases, so make sure you’re up to date with all your vaccinations. You can check your vaccination status and arrange vaccination appointments by contacting your GP or your local NHS immunisation team.  
3. Find out where your nearest NHS services are: Ensure you are familiar of nearby NHS services, including emergency departments, minor injury units, pharmacies, and sexual health clinics. Knowing where to go can save valuable time in an emergency.
4. Reach out if you need mental health support: University life can be stressful, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Some colleges and universities have their own mental health services, and NHS inform has free guides and apps to help with issues such as low mood, anxiety, and stress. For urgent help with mental health, contact your GP practice in the first instance, or out of office hours contact NHS 24 on 111.

Dr Latif continues,

“If you need health advice while at university, it’s important to be aware that both NHS inform and the NHS 24 Online app are excellent places to access free and trusted health information. Both resources have handy symptom checkers that provide advice on how to safely manage minor illnesses and conditions, and they can also help with locating NHS services in your area.

“Starting university is a significant milestone, and we want to ensure that students are well-prepared to manage their health. By taking these simple steps, students can focus on their studies and enjoy their university experience with peace of mind.”

For more information on student health and how to access NHS services, visit nhsinform.scot/studenthealth.