Registering is quick and easy, but it is a good idea to have the address of your previous doctor. A recent Hullfire survey highlighted that there are three main surgeries students tend to use.
Newland Health Centre is the most popular, and is situated opposite University on Cottingham Road. On speaking to the surgery they assured me they are happy to take on students as new patients. They even attend the Fresher’s Fair on Monday to make it all the easier. However, the sheer amount of students signing on to their books means it can take a week after registering before you can book an appointment, although once on the system you are guaranteed an appointment within forty-eight hours. In addition, this surgery provides nurse’s appointments which are usually available for the same day.
Another option is Alexandra Health Centre located just off Newland Avenue, on Alexandra Road. It is necessary to visit the surgery to register, and once having done so it will be a week before you can book an appointment. In the survey one student said they had a different doctor every visit. The surgery says patients are assigned their own doctor, though to gain an earlier appointment, or in the event of an emergency you may see another doctor.
The Chestnuts Surgery is on Thwaite Street in Cottingham, and so is the closest to the Lawns. This surgery is slightly different as upon registering you are able to book an appointment immediately. They operate an alternative appointment system as they provide a drop-in session to get an appointment every morning from 9 until 10 o’clock. In this system you will be given an approximate time to be seen that morning. In the survey, however, most students complained about the long queues and time taken from their studies. While the surgery does have some bookable appointments there is limited availability.
All of the above surgeries are keen to take on students, and all offer to see a patient immediately if it is urgent. Regardless of which you choose it is a good idea to take some proof of identitysuch as a passport or EU card. Overseas students may also have to show their student card, and registration may be slightly longer if they have not been registered with the NHS before.
Megan French
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