Student Healthcare in Manchester

Accessing healthcare while you’re living in Manchester:

Registering with a GP

Registering with a GP practice when you arrive at the RNCM is important so that you can receive medical help free of charge while you’re away from home. It also means that you can be contacted about your Covid-19 vaccination while you’re living in Manchester. GP surgeries provide a range of services by appointment including medical advice, examinations, sexual health screenings, vaccinations, and prescriptions.

You can choose which surgery to register with, but we recommend choosing a doctor close to your accommodation in case you’re ill and need to go for an appointment. To find a GP near you, visit the NHS Find a GP webpage. For more information on how to register with a GP online, watch this step by step video guide on YouTube.

If you’re ill in the evening or on a weekend you can still contact your GP surgery who will have a process for out of hours support.

Pharmacy

You can pick up prescriptions or over the counter medicines at one of the local pharmacies. If you have a health concern you can go and see a pharmacist without an appointment. They can even help you decide if you need to see a GP or another health service. Many pharmacies have separate consulting rooms to ensure your complete privacy. If you’re a user of sharps bins, you can drop off your full boxes at selected pharmacies across the city.

Medical Advice

For medical advice you can visit nhs.uk Health A to Z to read about conditions, symptoms and treatment information. In a life-threatening medical emergency, you should always dial 999. If it’s not a life-threatening emergency and you do not need immediate medical attention, please call 111.

NHS 111 is a great resource if you have an urgent health need that isn’t life or limb threatening. Dial 111 and you can speak to a doctor or nurse who will advise you and arrange treatment. They can even book you a slot in A&E if you need it so that you don’t have to wait around.

Mental health

If your mental health is suffering, please know that you’re not alone and there are people and resources available to help you. In addition to the support the RNCM provides, you might find the below helpful:

• Greater Manchester Mental Health Services operate a 24/7 helpline for mental health crisis: 0800 953 0285
• The Every Mind Matters website has lots of self-help tools and even a quiz for you to create your own personalised Mind Plan
• There are a range of mental health resources and support available on the NHS website
• Greater Manchester Mental Health Services Crisis café – this is an out of hours friendly and supportive space open to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. Mental Health Practitioners and support staff are on hand to offer advice in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Please phone ahead before dropping in:
  • 07778012838 / 0161 271 0339
  • [email protected]
  • Monday to Friday, 8pm to 1am (including Bank Holidays) – Saturday and Sunday, 3pm to 1am
  • No 93 Harpurhey Wellbeing Centre, 93 Church Lane, Manchester M9 5BG

Sexual Health

The Northern Sexual Health Clinic offer free and confidential help:

• Book an appointment
• Order an STI home testing kit
• Sexual health emergency contacts
• Repeat PrEP prescriptions

Drugs and Alcohol

Drug and alcohol misuse can affect your physical and mental health, behaviour, relationships, academic performance at university and can lead to addiction.

Speaking to your GP is a good place to start. They can discuss your problems with you, offer support and get you the treatment you may need. They may offer you treatment at the practice or refer you to your local drug service. You can find further information about drug misuse and alcohol misuse on the NHS website.

If you’re not comfortable talking to a GP, you can approach your local drug treatment service yourself. Visit the Frank website to find local drug treatment services. If you’re having trouble finding the right sort of help, call the Frank drugs helpline on 0300 123 6600. They can talk you through all your options.