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Where to get healthcare

Find out more about the National Health Service (NHS) and what to do if you’re ill or need medical treatment. 

The National Health Service (NHS) 

The NHS refers to all services offered by the UK’s healthcare system. The NHS is a public, government-sponsored universal healthcare system. UK residents pay for their healthcare as part of their tax contributions.  

International students

If you’re an international student, the UK healthcare system could be different to what you’re used to.  

Your NHS entitlement may vary depending on your immigration status. Find more information on what healthcare is covered by your visa. 

Non-emergency situations 

You can use the following services when you need medical care, but it’s not an emergency, for example if you’re poorly or have a long-term health condition. Some of these services are also available out of working hours.

Find the right health service for you

Use the NHS 111 website to find the right service and check your symptoms

Visit a pharmacy or chemist

You can visit a pharmacy (sometimes called a chemist) to buy treatments and medicines and get advice for minor health problems such as: 

  • coughs and colds 
  • dry skin 
  • headache 
  • minor cuts, bruises, sprains 

Pharmacists are trained health professionals. Read more about how pharmacists can help. 

See a GP or doctor

You can see a GP or doctor when: 

  • you have a condition that has not gone away with treatment at home or from the pharmacy
  • you have a long-term health condition
  • you need a new prescription.

You need to register as a patient with a GP surgery before you can make an appointment. 

Follow your GP surgery process to book an appointment. It’s normal to sometimes not be able to get an appointment the same week. 

Your GP can prescribe medication or refer you to hospital for more treatment. 

If you need a hospital appointment to see a consultant specialist doctor, you may need to wait weeks to get an appointment.  

Always see the GP as a first step and only go to the hospital if advised by your doctor.  

Apps

Yiou might find the following apps useful:

NHS app

You can use the NHS app to: 

  • book GP appointments 
  • get health advice 
  • view your health record 
  • access your NHS number. 

SafeZone  

When you are on campus you can use SafeZone to ask for help. You can use the app to contact the University Security Services team who are on call to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Use NHS 111 over the phone or online (includes out of hours healthcare)

You can contact NHS 111 any time day or night, seven days a week. 

Use NHS 111 when you think you need medical help right now but it’s not an emergency. For example, if you: 

  • need help managing symptoms
  • are not sure who to contact
  • need general health information and advice
  • need a prescribed medicine you take regularly but you cannot speak to a doctor
  • need to see a dentist out of hours.

Phone: 111
Visit: 111.nhs.uk  

Visit an urgent treatment or walk-in centre (includes out of hours healthcare)

Urgent treatment centre or walk in centres are usually open over the weekend or outside of GP surgery hours. You can visit them for illnesses and injuries that are urgent but not emergencies. 

The NHS in Leeds recommends you call NHS 111 for advice before you visit an urgent treatment centre or walk in centre in the city.

Emergency situations

An emergency is a life-threatening condition, such as loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, breathing difficulties or severe bleeding.  

Phone the ambulance service, police or fire department: 999

Find out more about what happens when you call 999. 

If the emergency is on campus or in University accommodation

If the emergency is on campus or in university accommodation, you should contact the University Security Services emergency number. They will work with the emergency services to get help to you as quickly as possible. 

Phone the University Security Services: 0113 343 2222  (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

If you have the SafeZone app, you can use the red emergency button to contact University Security Services. 

Go to an accident and emergency department

You can also go to the nearest accident and emergency department (A&E) in a hospital.

The nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department to campus is:

Leeds General Infirmary (LGI)
Accident & Emergency Department
Jubilee Wing, Clarendon Way, Leeds, LS1 3EX
Call the LGI: +44 (0)113 243 2799

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