As thousands of students move to or return to Glasgow for university and college this month, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is encouraging students and parents to spend five minutes completing a simple health checklist before the start of the academic year.
While many students will be focused on packing, meeting new people and finding their way around campus, healthcare is often forgotten until something goes wrong.
NHSGGC is reminding students that a little preparation now can make a big difference if they become unwell later in the term.
Six things every student should do in September
1. Stock up on the basics
Simple things such as pain relief, cold remedies and tissues can make a big difference if you develop a common illness while living away from home.
Many common illnesses and injuries can be managed at home using self-care advice available through trusted resources like the NHS Inform website and the NHS 24 Online app.
2. Know where your nearest pharmacy is
Community pharmacies can help with a wide range of common illnesses and provide expert healthcare advice without the need for an appointment.
Knowing where your nearest pharmacy is before you need it can help you access the right support quickly.
3. Register with a GP
Students living in Greater Glasgow and Clyde should register with a local GP practice as soon as possible after moving into their accommodation. You can find your nearest Practice and details on how to register here: GP practice | NHS Inform
Many students wait until they are unwell before trying to register, which can add unnecessary stress at a time when they may already be feeling ill.
4. Save NHS 24 on 111 in your phone
If you need urgent medical advice when your GP practice or pharmacy is closed, NHS 24 is available by calling 111. This is also the route to access Virtual A&E.
Adding the number to your phone now means it will be there when you need it most.
5. Know when to use A&E
Accident and Emergency departments are for life- or limb-threatening illnesses and injuries.
Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the range of healthcare options available, including self-care, community pharmacies, GP services, NHS 24 and Virtual A&E, helping them get the right care in the right place, often more quickly.
6. Check if you’re eligible for the MenB vaccine
Students attending university for the first time this year are being encouraged to check whether they are eligible for the MenB vaccine.
Meningococcal disease, which can cause meningitis and septicaemia, is uncommon but can be very serious. Young people starting university, particularly those living in halls of residence or shared accommodation, can be at increased risk because of close contact with large numbers of people.
The MenB vaccine is available through NHS Scotland’s student vaccination programme for first-time undergraduate university entrants under the age of 25.
Eligible students can receive the MenB vaccine at a drop in clinic before or shortly after starting university. You can find out more here: General Vaccinations – NHSGGC.
Helping Students Make Informed Choices
Dr Claire Harrow, Deputy Medical Director for Acute Services at NHSGGC, said: “Starting university or college is an exciting milestone, and for many young people it’s also the first time they’re managing their own healthcare.
“Taking a few simple steps before the academic year begins can make a real difference when you become unwell. Stocking up on essentials, registering with a GP, knowing where your local pharmacy is, saving NHS 24’s number in your phone and understanding when to access different healthcare services can help you get the right care, in the right place.
“We’d particularly encourage first-time university students under the age of 25 to check whether they’re eligible for the MenB vaccine. Meningococcal disease is rare, but it can be very serious, and students living in halls of residence or shared accommodation can be at increased risk.
“Knowing where to turn when you need help will make it easier to access the most appropriate care and help ensure emergency departments remain available for those with life- or limb-threatening conditions.”
Fraser McJannett, Director of Primary Care and GP Out of Hours Services at NHSGGC, said: “Every year we see students accessing healthcare services for the first time after moving away from home, often without knowing what support is available to them locally.
“Many common illnesses and minor injuries can be treated at home using trusted resources or with advice from a community pharmacist, while NHS 24, GP services and a range of urgent care pathways are available when additional support is needed.
“Our advice is simple: don’t wait until you’re ill to think about healthcare. Take a few minutes to register with a GP, find your nearest pharmacy and save NHS 24’s number, 111, in your phone.
“A few minutes of preparation can make a real difference later in the year, helping students get the support they need quickly and focus on making the most of university or college life.”
Students and parents can find advice on accessing healthcare services, vaccinations, urgent care, dental services, pharmacies and more by visiting the NHSGGC student health hub here: nhsggc.scot/students.
