Going To A&E?
There are many rumours that fly around George's regarding what happens if you go to A&E. Whether the reason for attending is related to alcohol or not, the following apply:
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If you are a patient, your attendance will be confidential. No one will tell the university anything, even if you happen to be intoxicated.
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You will be treated the same as any other patient; neither better (including being treated quicker) nor worse just because you are a George's student.
The Students' Union and the A&E department have agreed and produced a document to outline the above points in more detail. Please click here for the Students in Emergency Department protocol.
Registering with a GP and Dentist
It’s a good idea to do this as soon as possible! You don’t know when you might need an urgent appointment, and having all this in place before you do makes everything much easier.
When registering, you will need to bring a proof of address with you (which you may be able to obtain from the Student Life Centre).
Prescription Charges:
Sadly, as a student over 19 years of age, you are no longer entitled to automatic free prescriptions, sight tests, dental checks etc. However the NHS low income scheme may be able to help if your annual income is £8,000 or less. To find out whether this scheme can help you pick up an HC1 form from the SU office, your doctor, dentist or optician. The information you supply will then be assessed and if you are eligible you will receive either an HC2 certificate for full help or an HC3 certificate for partial help.
If you have already paid for something you may be able to claim a refund using the refund claim form HC5.
Opticians:
Again, don’t neglect your eyes (they are quite useful, after all), get them checked if you have any concerns about your eyesight. You can get free eye tests and vouchers for lenses with an HC1 form if you have a low income.
Staff/Student Occupational Health Service:
The Occupational Health Service has 2 locations:
- Occupational Health 1: Next to the Rob Lowe
- Occupational Health 2: Opposite Knightsbridge Wing
The service is available by appointment from 8.30am - 2.30pm Monday to Friday, or 2.30pm - 5pm for emergencies only. You can call them on 020 8725 1661.
Occupational health deal with health issues you may encounter while studying or undertaking clinical work. If you have a medical problem that might affect your studies then Occupational Health may be able to help, by making sure you get the best treatment and by notifying Registry and writing letters explaining your situation.
Staff from the Occupational Health Service also give students occupational health checks on registration. They can also arrange for you to have any immunisations you need, for example Hepatitis B or Tuberculosis, and can provide you with certificates confirming that you’ve been vaccinated.
Remember to keep these certificates safe as many hospitals may ask for proof of immunity before you’re allowed to undertake clinical study and you may be charged for a replacement.
Please note that if you need vaccinations before traveling abroad you will have to arrange for these to be done at your GP as the Occupational Health Service aren't able to provide this service.