Doctors and nurses

Registering with a doctor in Oxford

All students are strongly advise to register with their college doctor (or chosen GP/private medical practice) in Oxford during your studies. All students are strongly advised to register with their college doctor. Most practices allow on-line registration. CampusDoctor is an online service which you can use to register with your college doctor. 

Should you have a long-term health condition, it is possible for your college doctor to liaise with other health practitioners who know you and your medical history well. It is normally possible for you to choose to consult either a male or a female doctor. Like all doctor-patient relationships, those between college doctors, college nurses and students are confidential.  

You can choose to register with another local GP if you prefer, or with a local private medical practice for treatment if you are registered for NHS treatment but want more than the NHS is able to provide, or if you are not entitled to NHS treatment. The University does not endorse any one local medical practice over another. If you are not entitled to free NHS treatment you are advised to take out appropriate private healthcare insurance for the length of your stay in the UK. 

Who is eligible for free treatment under the NHS?

Students from the UK or Ireland, or those with indefinite leave to remain or those who have been granted pre-settled status or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme are eligible for free treatment under the National Health Service (NHS). If you are in full-time education and under the age of 18 you may also be exempt from most NHS charges. You may also be entitled to help with charges on the grounds of low income. Students who require a visa (those not from the UK or Ireland, or those who do not hold indefinite leave to remain or pre-settled or settled status) and are studying full time for more than 6 months will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of a visa application to access the NHS services free of charge. Further information is on the UKCISA website.

If you are unsure whether you are entitled to treatment under the NHS, check with the Department of Health, Room 4W04b Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UE. Tel: 0113 2545819 or email: [email protected].

Immunisations

On registering with a doctor you will be given an NHS Number if you do not already have one, and will be asked for the dates of your immunisations. You will also have an opportunity to arrange immunisations if you still need to receive them. Read more information about important vaccinations. 

Sexual Health

Sexual health advice can be found on the Oxfordshire Sexual Health Service website. Women can now also access a new NHS service offering free oral contraception through participating pharmacies; simply walk in and speak directly with a pharmacist to arrange a consultation about starting or continuing the contraceptive pill. This includes the supply of medication and does not require GP registration. 

College nurses

For minor sickness and ailments you are able to consult and obtain treatment from your college nurse. Most colleges either provide sickbays or have special arrangements for students who are confined to bed in their rooms.

College support