Student Healthcare at QMU

We strongly advise that all students should register with a local Medical Practice.

Primary health care under the National Health Service (NHS) is available to all students. You should register with a Medical Practice as soon as possible after arriving at QMU.

If you are from another area of the UK, please bring your NHS Medical Card with you to University.

If you are from the European Economic Area [EEA} or Switzerland, please bring your European Health Insurance Card [EHIC} with you to University.

Living on campus or locally around Musselburgh

Student Services works in partnership with the Riverside Medical Practice in Musselburgh, and the QMU Students’ Union, to provide healthcare for our students who live on campus or locally in the Musselburgh area.

You can access the Riverside Medical Practice website at: www.theriversidepractice.co.uk

If you do not wish to register with our partner Riverside Medical Practice, there are two other Medical Practices in Musselburgh:

The Eskbridge Medical Centre at: www.eskbridgemedicalcentre.co.uk

The West Esk Medical Group At: www.west-wing.co.uk

Living in Edinburgh

If you will be living in Edinburgh city whilst studying at QMU, you can find a medical practice near you by going onto the NHS24 website at:

http://www.nhs24.com/content/default.asp?page=s11 then enter your Postcode and in the ‘Choose service’ drop-down box, pick GPSurgeries. It will then show you the Medical Practices (GP surgeries) in your area. You can contact one of these Practices to make an appointment to register with them.

When you go to register the Medical Practice staff will ask you for some documents, this will include a letter from QMU which confirms that you are a student here and are on a course of study. The letter should say when your course starts and how long it lasts. As well as this letter you will need your EHIC card (if you are European) or if you are from another country outside of the EEA, then you must take your Visa as well as the letter from QMU.

International/Overseas Students

International/overseas students who are studying a full-time course are covered by the NHS in the UK for all routine and emergency treatment. In Scotland this includes students who are studying for less than six months.

NHS cover for students

As an overseas student, you can find out what healthcare is available to you at:

http://www.nhs24.com/content/mediaassets/doc/coming%20to%20Scotland%20to%20study.pdf

or

http://www.hris.org.uk/patient-information/information-about-health-rights/health-care-for-overseas-visitors/health-care-for-people-coming-to-scotland-to-study/

Another useful leaflet is “A quick guide to Help with Health Costs”:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/348140/0115959.pdf

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?
Many 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.

Colds and Flu: http://www.pagb.co.uk

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.

Travel Clinic/Vaccinations: http://www.eihc.org

Dental Services: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/publications/2011/01/25085008/1

Occupational Health is based at the Astley Ainslie Hospital, 133 Grange Loan, Edinburgh
EH9 2HL, Tel: 0131 537 9369.

Hep B Injection - Please speak to your Programme Leader re up-to-date information.

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.

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 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES:

• 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 -

» Meningitis Research Foundation
http://www.healthscotland.com/topics/immunisation/meningitis.aspx

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