How to see a doctor

Registering with a doctor

To see a doctor to get medical advice and treatment, you need to be registered. If you are unwell or need advice about medical conditions, you should see a general practioner (GP) at the doctors’ surgery where you have registered. If you have a medical emergency, you should go to a hospital to accident and emergency department (A&E).

The nearest A&E department to University of Sheffield is at Northern General Hospital. There is a children’s A&E department at Sheffield Children’s Hospital on Western Bank.

Most students at University of Sheffield can register with University Health Service and see a GP here by booking an appointment. If you do not wish to register with University Health Service, you can find your local surgery by searching on NHS choices website. Most surgeries have a catchment area which you will need to live within in order to register with them. You cannot simply choose to register with any surgery.

NHS number 

Everyone registered with the NHS in England has their own unique NHS Number. Your NHS Number is printed on your medical card given to you when you register with a GP practice. Your NHS Number helps healthcare staff to find your health records. You do not need your NHS number to receive care from a doctor. NHS Number is different from the National Insurance Number.

Seeing a doctor

To see a GP, you will generally need to book an appointment. The appointment will be confidential between you and the GP.  In some cases, you will be advised that you need to see a nurse rather than a GP to get advice or treatment. Visits to a GP are free but you may have to pay for any medicine prescribed to you unless you are entitled to help with health care costs.

Other advice 

Pharmacies can also offer advice on a range of minor medical problems and seeing a pharmacist can save you from having to make a doctor’s appointment. You usually don’t need an appointment to speak to a pharmacist.

NHS Direct provides health information and advice. You can use their website or phone them on 0845 4647. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.