Students and public using dental health clinic

Register with the NHS

It's important to get registered to be able to access local health services

You need to be registered with a local doctor and dentist to access NHS health services when you're at uni.

It's important that you register with a doctor (also known as a General Practitioner or GP) at a GP Surgery and a dentist as soon as you arrive in Portsmouth. Don't wait until you're ill.

Health professionals at GP surgeries like the Practice Nurse can offer help in areas such as contraception, cervical smear tests and flu jabs, and a range of other physical and mental health conditions.

Getting help from the NHS

Health advice - NHS 111

Call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk for health advice. It's a free service that allows you to speak to NHS staff who can give you health advice or help find which service is best for you.

Illnesses and minor injuries

The Urgent Treatment Centre and Minor Injury Unit at St Mary's Hospital, east of the University campus can help with minor illnesses and injuries

They can offer treatment, advice and information for incidents like minor head and eye wounds, treating sprains, strains and breaks to arms, lower legs and feet. 

Calling an ambulance 

If you or someone else has a serious or life-threatening injury or condition on campus, call the Security Lodge for an ambulance on extension 3333 or +44 (0)23 9284 3333. You'll be asked:

  • The location, including the area or room in the building
  • The phone number you're calling from
  • What's happened?

The Security Lodge will call an ambulance and dispatch caretakers and security to assist and arrange access for the ambulance crew. They will call you back to confirm that the ambulance is on its way.

Life threatening emergencies

If you need urgent medical treatment for a life threatening emergency, the local hospital in Portsmouth is Queen Alexandra Hospital ("QA Hospital") in the north of the city.

The Emergency Department at QA Hospital treats those with life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, persistent or severe chest pain, breathing difficulties or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped. 

 

 

Register for a GP

  • Choose a surgery that's close to your home. If you live in University accommodation, ask at the reception of your Halls of Residence for your nearest doctors' surgery.
  • Contact a local surgery with your personal details and the name and address of your current doctor.
  • If you have an ongoing condition like asthma, diabetes or epilepsy, it's even more important to register with a local GP as soon as possible. Visit the GP for a health check (which is free to new patients), so they know who you are and what medication you're taking.
  • Make sure you don't leave your repeat prescriptions to the last minute.
  • If you change your term-time address, please contact your GP practice and let them know your new address. If they lose contact with you, you may no longer be registered with your GP.

Find a GP

If you live in Southsea, the nearest doctors' surgeries are:

If you live in Central Portsmouth, North Portsmouth, or Cosham, the nearest doctors' surgeries are:

 

 

Register with a dentist

It can be difficult to find a place at a dentist as they are in high demand - but you can search for nearby dentists on the NHS website. You should contact your dentist immediately if you need emergency treatment due to symptoms such as

  • Severe pain that cannot be controlled with pain relief
  • Swelling in the mouth or face (with or without pain)
  • Uncontrollable bleeding in the mouth
  • Any trauma to the mouth or teeth

If you don't have a regular dentist then contact NHS 111 by phoning 111. They can advise about emergency appointments close to you.

 

 

Protect yourself and others with vaccinations

It's important that you keep up with your recommended vaccinations, both for your protection and others. As a student you're at higher risk of infections because you'll be meeting and mixing with lots of new people, some of whom may unknowingly carry different bacteria. If you're uncertain about your protection, contact your GP.

More information for international students and healthcare is available on MyPort.

Covid-19

We encourage everyone to take up vaccination against Covid-19 provided by the NHS. This includes international students - anybody aged 16 or over in the UK is eligible for the Covid-19 vaccination for free, regardless of their nationality or immigration status. Book a Covid vaccination appointment through the NHS.

Meningitis

Some strains of meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) can be prevented with vaccinations. 

If you're coming to university for the first time and are under the age of 25, you should contact your GP to request the MenACWY vaccine as soon as possible. This is especially the case if you missed having it at school or before coming to the UK to study.

It's also important that everyone is aware of the signs and symptoms of both meningitis and septicaemia, including:

  • violent and severe headaches
  • high temperature/fever
  • vomiting
  • neck stiffness
  • dislike of bright lights
  • drowsiness/lethargy
  • joint pains
  • fits
  • a rash may appear

Get medical help immediately if you or your friends experience these symptoms - call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 in a medical emergency. For more information visit the NHS website.

 

 

Sexual health

If you're sexually active at uni, it's important to take care of your sexual health. Your sexual health can impact on your physical and mental wellbeing, but it's easy to stay safe if you know how.

We've got guidance on safe sexual relationships at uni, including advice on consent, STIs, contraception and local health services.

 

 

More health and wellbeing advice