Useful Information

University Health Centre

The student health centre is available should you require medical advice, routine treatment or attention for illness or accident while you are at the university.

Location

Sited in the corner of the quad opposite the entrance to the tithe barn and to the right of the large wooden door leading to the main reception.

Opening hours

  • Monday: 09:30 – 13:15
  • Tuesday: 09:30 – 11:45
  • Wednesday: 09:30 – 13:15
  • Friday: 09:30 – 12:45

The campus surgery is only open during term time.

Staff

  • Dr Rohit Sethi
  • Nurse Alice Grube

Medical Registration

Medical cover at the university health centre is provided by the Phoenix Cirencester in Chesterton Lane. Website: www.phoenixhealthgroup.co.uk

All students are expected to register with the health centre unless already registered with another local doctor. As students, you will be able to see your ‘home’ doctor as a ‘temporary resident’ during the holidays but should remain permanently registered with the student health centre during your time at university. This is important because your record will then be available should you require medical attention.

All overseas students are eligible for NHS treatment provided they are studying in the UK for 6 months or more.

How do I make an appointment?

Phone the nurse on 01285 652531 and ask for extension 2216

Email: studenthealthcentre@rau.ac.uk

Drop in to the health centre to see the nurse

The drop in system, operated by the university nurse, Alice Grube, includes triage to decide if a doctor’s appointment is necessary. Please be prepared to discuss your concerns openly to facilitate this process. However, if you specifically wish to see the doctor, you will be able to make an appointment.

What do I do if the health centre is closed?

During term time:

On a Thursday please ring Phoenix Cirencester on 01285 652056. Your message will be taken by a receptionist who will arrange for one of the university doctors to ring you to discuss your concern and to make you an appointment if required

Out of term time:

Please use Phoenix Cirencester.

Opening hours are 08:30-18:30 on Monday to Thursday and 08:30-18:00 on Friday.

Phoenix Cirencester is located at 9 Chesterton Lane which is an easy 20 minute walk or 5 minute drive from the university.

On foot, turn right out of the main entrance onto Stroud Road, walk past Deer Park School and the Cirencester College, bear left to the subway under the dual carriageway and keep walking until you approach a traffic calming system where the road narrows. The entrance to Phoenix Cirencester is through a wooden gate on your left.

If driving, turn right onto Stroud road, turn left at the roundabout, drive down the hill and take 3rd exit back up the hill. Filter left, before reaching the top of the hill, into Chesterton Lane, turn left into the surgery just after the traffic calming bollards.

Home visits:

If you feel you are too unwell to attend either surgery, please contact the university nurse.  If she is not on duty, please phone Phoenix Cirencester before 10am to make the necessary arrangements.

Weekends and out of hours:

  • Telephone Phoenix Cirencester on 01285 652056 where, if necessary, you will be redirected to the Out of Hours Service.
  • Attend the local hospital which opens 08:00 –18:00, Minor Injuries Service (not suitable for routine medical care). The hospital is signposted off the roundabout at the bottom of Tetbury Hill.
  • Call the NHS 111 service if: you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency, you think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service, you don’t know who to call or you don’t have a GP to call, you need health information or reassurance about what to do next.
  • In serious emergencies use the 999 Ambulance Service.

Should you need to call 999 for any reason, it is a requirement of the university that they are informed of your action; during the day via the Porters Lodge or at night tell the security staff to allow them to undertake the necessary emergency plans and obligations.

First Aid provision in house:

There is a first aid rota system in place at the university manned by fully qualified members of staff. Please report to the Porters Lodge and they will bleep the duty first aider.

In the event of a medical emergency in the evenings and at weekends there will be a member of security staff available to offer support/advice.

Tel no: 07960031821

What services does student health centre provide?

Vaccinations

It is wise to have a complete vaccination record before attending university.

This should include diphtheria/tetanus/polio (x5), measles/mumps/rubella (x2) and meningitis ACW&Y and, for girls only, HPV (x2).

If you have an incomplete record the necessary vaccinations are available at the health centre.

Flu vaccination

Annual flu vaccinations are advisable, every October, for those at risk. Please consult the nurse about eligibility. You may be considered at risk if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Asthma
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Crohns disease
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Immunosuppression

If you are not at risk but would like a flu vaccination, they are available, for a fee, at most local pharmacies.

Travel Health

If you are planning an overseas trip please do not leave preparations until the last minute. Collect a Travel Questionnaire from the nurse which will enable the completion of a risk assessment, or submit one via our website. You will be advised to make an appointment for any necessary vaccinations for your intended travels.

For more information go to www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk.  Most vaccination schedules are available at the university health centre. Please be aware that a charge is made for most travel vaccines.

Asthma/Hayfever

The asthma team (at the Phoenix Surgery) specialises in the review, treatment and education for self-management of asthma.

There is a useful App called ‘MyAsthma’.

Smoking

Smoking Cessation advice is available at your local pharmacy.

Minor Injury

  • Wound care
  • Suture removal

Cervical Screening

Under the national screening programme, women are invited for their first cervical smear from the age of 25. Please see the nurse for more information.

Sexual Health

The nurse is able to arrange a variety of tests for diseases such as:

  • HIV
  • Syphilis
  • Hepatitis B

However, should you wish to take advice off campus, in a more specialist environment, please contact:

  • Gloucester/Cheltenham Hospital: 03004 222222
  • Great Western Hospital, Swindon: 01793 604020
  • Chlamydia Screening Programme

All 16-25 year olds are encouraged to screen regularly for this too prevalent disease which can cause serious long term problems if not detected and managed in correctly.

Criteria for testing: Annual check, when a partner changes, after an episode of unprotected sex, if any symptoms are causing concern.

The test is simple:

  • Male – urine sample
  • Female – vaginal swab (self-taken)

Tests can be organised by the university nurse or via the Hope House Website (Tel 0300 4216500)

Contraception

The university nurse is appropriately trained to provide advice and/or prescriptions.

There is a family planning clinic at Cirencester Hospital every Wednesday: 17:00 – 20:00. Book an appointment by telephone: 0300 4216500.

Useful App – ‘myPill’

Sexual Health Services at RAU

Currently, due to COVID-19 – Advice/appointments can be arranged through Hope House 0300 421 6500

Emergency Contraception

The quicker you access emergency contraception the more effective it will potentially be. The emergency contraceptive pill can be less effective if taken more than 24 hours after the event. Emergency coil fittings can be arranged at the Phoenix Surgery but must be done within 5 days of the episode of unprotected sex.

If emergency contraception is required when the university health centre is not open, you can go to the Phoenix Surgery, Boots (in Cricklade Street), Chesterton Pharmacy (in Chesterton Lane), Horton Pharmacy (in the Market Place), Lloyds Pharmacy (in Ashcroft Gardens) or Tesco Pharmacy (Kings Meadow branch).

If none of these options are available, you can attend Cirencester Hospital Minor Injury Unit.

Pregnancy Testing

The university nurse can arrange pregnancy tests free of charge.

C-Card Scheme

This scheme involves free condom provision in return for a five minute educational session to ensure safe sexual health practice.

You will receive a pack of condoms and a green card with a registration number to be presented at any hospital, chemist or health centre displaying the C-Card logo for further supplies.

Counselling services

Please feel you can come to see the doctor or the nurse if you are experiencing problems and need somebody to talk to. All will be held in complete confidence unless there are concerns for your safety. Starting university can be daunting, do not struggle alone. The University has a very good support structure and access to an excellent free, 24/7 counselling service. Counselling is also available off campus, in Cirencester.

Please see ‘Useful Telephone Numbers’.

Prescriptions

Once a continuing medication has been prescribed by a doctor, it can usually be obtained using the ‘repeat prescription’ system. The most efficient way to order a repeat prescription is to register on line for ‘Patient Access’ at: www.phoenixhealthgroup.co.uk following the instructions. You must nominate a pharmacy where you wish to collect your medication. You can also hand in the right side of a prescription, where repeats are listed, at the Phoenix Surgery reception, repeat prescription box by the front door or the repeat prescription box in the university health centre, having ticked your requirements. Prescriptions can be sent to your nominated pharmacy or collected from the surgery but please make your preference clear.

The current prescription charge is £9.15 per item.

If you need medication for contraception, diabetes or hypothyroidism, you do not have to pay prescription charges. Free Prescriptions might be obtained by UK residents with reduced income. Other students needing regular medication may reduce their costs by applying for a Prescription Pre-payment Certificate, the form for which is available from the Health Centre or at www.ppa.org.uk/ppc. For further information concerning health costs, visit www.nhs.uk – Help With Health Costs.

Medication can be delivered to the University Surgery for collection.

Useful Telephone Numbers

Service Telephone Number
NHS 111 111
Phoenix Cirencester 01285 652056
RAU Health Centre 01285 652531 ext 2216
Citizens Advice 0808 800 0511
Cirencester Police 01452 907200
NHS Dentists 0300 311 2233
NHS Choices www.nhs.uk
Sexual Health Services: Swindon 01793 604038
Sexual Health Services: Cheltenham/Gloucester 0300 421 6500
Family Planning:               Cirencester Hospital – Weds 0300 421 6500
Pregnancy Advisory Hotline 0345 730 4030
British Pregnancy Advisory Service (Private) 0345 730 4030
Rape Crisis 01452 526770
National Aids Helpline 0808 802 1221
Men’s Health Issues www.nhs.uk
Stop Smoking Services 0300 422 0040
Cotswold Counselling 01285  885830
Relate 0300 003 0396
Samaritans 116123
Eating Disorders 0808 801 0677

www.b-eat.co.uk

Drug and Alcohol Support/Advice 01453  847700

(‘Turning Point’)