Medical Services

Fiona Keighren, University Nurse

Off campus
Our students are cared for by The Riverside Practice, Esk Medical Centre, Ladywell Way, Musselburgh EH21 6AB. To register with the Practice, please contact Student Services for more information.

On campus
The University Nurse, Fiona Keighren, also holds daily surgeries during term time at the Craighall Campus for matters such as:

• general nursing duties and health advice;
• repeat prescriptions;
• emergency contraception;
• family planning advice;
• cervical smears;
• pill checks;
• new medical checks for new patients;
• travel advice;
• blood tests;
• suture removal and
• vaccinations.

Opening Hours
Monday - Friday 8.30am - 12.30pm (term time only)

To make an appointment, please contact:
Medical Service on tel: 0131 474 0000

Medical emergencies outwith opening hours (6pm onwards)
Call NHS 24 directly by phoning: 08454 24 24 24 outwith 8.30am-6pm.

How can you help yourself?
May common aches and pains can be simply treated at home without the need to see a doctor. In particular -

Colds: There is no magic cure for the common cold. Go to bed and take plenty of fluids. If you have a headache or are feverish, take aspirin or paracetamol. Antibiotics will not help.

Sore Throats: Take aspirin gargles three times a day in the first instance. If symptoms do not improve in three days, see the doctor.

Sickness & Diarrhoea: Mostly caused by a viral infection. Simple over the counter remedies will help, such as Immodium tablets. Withdraw food for 24 hours and drink plenty of fluids. Introduce a bland diet gradually.

Meningitis: As a student you are at risk of meningococcal meningitis. Vaccination with the 'Men C' vaccine will protect you against Group C meningitis and septicaemia. You will still have the potential risk of contracting one of the other forms, in particular Group B. There is no vaccination for this at present. We encourage you to be familiar with the signs and symptoms and be a good neighbour by looking in on any friends who you know are not well. The vaccination is available from the QM Nurse.

Signs and Symptoms:

• violent headaches
• fever
• vomiting
• fitting
• neck stiffness/joint pains
• drowsiness or confusion/coma
• dislike of bright lights
• rash of red/purple spots or bruises (which does not disappear when pressed with a drinking glass)

If you suspect someone has meningitis:

1. DO NOT ATTEMPT DIAGNOSIS
2. CONTACT ONE OF THE EMERGENCE MEDICAL SERVICES:

• University Nurse, Tel: 0131 474 0000
• The Riverside Practice, Esk Medical Centre, Ladywell Way, Musselburgh 0131 665 2267
• Dial 999, if appropriate.

TELL UNIVERSITY SECURITY WHICH ACTION YOU HAVE TAKEN BY TELEPHONING 2222

Related Medical Links
All students are entitled to a free Meningitis C vaccine, if you have yet to be vaccinated please phone or call in to make an appointment. If you want any information call in or these external links may be of some use:

» Health Education Board for Scotland - MenC Vaccine
» Meningitis Research Foundation
» Meningitis Trust
» World Health Organisation - Meningitis

On a more general level, if you have any questions again drop in, or one of these student health sites may be of help:

» Student Health and Wellbeing
» Studentzone - Health