Registering with a Doctor

by Lin Ahearne

Many students do not realise the importance of registering with a GP. It is only when they become ill they frantically try to get an appointment (very difficult if you are not registered).

It is also important to note that if you ever have to apply for Extenuating Circumstances because you were sick then you need a doctor’s letter as proof.

Students can be put off registering by unhelpful doctor’s receptionists, lengthy forms to fill out, having to provide proof of address etc.

To encourage students to register the University of the Arts, London has formed partnerships with some London based GPs.

The benefits of these partnerships to our students

• Ease of registration
  Students can register online and they do not have to show proof of address    

• Quality of care
  We hope that by working with the GP practices they can provide a service that is more sensitive to students’ needs, particularly for our international students                              

• Continuity of care
  By building a relationship with the practices we have found that we can provide a more joined up service and follow up. This is particularly helpful in difficult cases especially involving mental health issues or in Extenuating circumstances or DSA claims

• Don’t forget you can get:
  - free contraception including condoms from your GP
  - free Chlamydia testing (just provide a urine specimen)
  - some free travel vaccinations if you are travelling abroad

 To register with a GP visit www.ualhealth.com

 If you need advice on any health issue or have any problems registering with a GP then contact Lin Ahearne,  the Student Health Adviser on 020 7514 2988 l.ahearne@arts.ac.uk

 Free prescriptions and dental care HC1 forms

 As a student you may be entitled to reduced cost or free prescriptions and dental care.

This is not an automatic right as many students seem to think.
It is means tested and not all students will qualify as it depends on individual circumstances such as how much you earn if you are working, what rent you pay, how much savings you have.

To see if you qualify you need to fill out an HC1 form. These are available at Student Services offices in colleges or at the Student Centre, High Holborn.

It is worth filling one out but you need to send the form off in the envelope provided and it could take a few weeks before you get a reply.