Information for Students

Your Pharmacist can help with many common ailments. There is no need to make an appointment. 

Speak to your pharmacist first for advice on:

• Allergies
• Cold sores
• Constipation
• Coughs & colds
• Diarrhoea
• Mouth ulcers
• Pain
• Sore throats
• Teething
• Upset tummies.

Pharmacy First is available from all community pharmacies in NHSGGC and allows patients to access FREE advice and/or treatment for: Impetigo (for those over two years of age) and uncomplicated urinary tract infection (for adult women aged 16-65).

When to use Pharmacy First

If you are a woman aged 16-65 with any of the following symptoms:

• Burning or stinging sensation on passing urine
• Need to pass urine frequently
• Need to pass urine urgently.

If you are concerned you or your child may have Impetigo and show any of the following symptoms:

• Minor skin infection on one area of the body
• Red sores that pop easily and leave a yellow crust
• Fluid-filled blisters
• Itchy rash.

Your pharmacist will ask you about your symptoms in order to give you the right advice. You should be aware there are some exclusions which can prevent your pharmacist from treating you and you may need to be referred to your GP.

You must be registered with a GP practice in Scotland and should normally expect to attend the pharmacy to allow the pharmacist to assess your symptoms before deciding on whether to offer advice, treatment on the NHS or to refer you to another clinician.

Your GP provides: 

• Advice, information and prescriptions for any medicines you may need 
• Routine monitoring and management of ongoing health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease 
• Most contraceptive services, maternity services and immunisations 
• Screening such as smears and child health 

•  Information on appropriate mental health and wellbeing services and referral when appropriate

1. Use Scotland’s service directory to find your nearest practice 

2. Fill out and submit an application form to the GP practice Form

3. Your registration will be confirmed by the GP practice.  

All overseas students studying within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are entitled to healthcare, including help from a GP.

You can find out more information at the NHS Inform website or call the NHS Informs helpline on 0800 22 44 88.  

If you’re GP is closed and you think you need to see a doctor and it can’t wait until your practice has reopened, you can access the GP out of hours service by calling NHS24 on 111.

When you need help you should first contact your GP. Your GP can refer you to your local Community Mental Health Service. If you need support when your GP surgery is closed, call NHS 24 on 111. 

You can also call Samaritans for help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call them on 116 123 (freephone) or email: jo@samaritans.org 

Breathing Space offers a confidential phone line for anyone in Scotland feeling low, anxious or depressed. You can call free on 0800 83 85 87. 

• Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing for people with symptoms 

• Assessment for people who have recently been exposed to an STI 
• Testing for people who may be at higher risk of STI or HIV 
• PrEP services 
• Contraception 
• Abortion services 

• Young people’s clinics 
• Vasectomy 
• Archway 
• Free Condoms. 

During opening hours Sandyford provides specialist emergency sexual health services for: 

Rape and Sexual Assault that occurred in the last 7 days – Archway Service 0141 211 8175 

Exposure to HIV/ PEP access 

Emergency Contraception 0141 211 8130 

Abortion Services 0141 211 8620. 

You do not need an appointment to access PEP. It is available from Sandyford Central, Monday to Thursday 8.30 am – 7.00pm and Friday 8.40am – 4.00pm 

• Routine check ups and any care required 
• Advise on how to keep your mouth healthy 
• Dental hygiene including scale and polish 

• Treatments such as fillings, crowns, tooth removal and root canal treatment 
• Braces 
• Wisdom tooth removal 
• Bridges and dentures (false teeth) 
• Emergency care if required. 

1. Use Scotland’s service directory to find your nearest practice here. 

2. Visit the website or practice website to find out joining options.  

3. Submit necessary paperwork as outlined by the practice.