University Medical Centre and the Wellbeing Centre

In order to access the NHS whilst you are here, you have to register with a doctor (often called a ‘GP’ or general practitioner), the same as a family doctor in some other countries. You should register with a GP as soon as you arrive in Plymouth, it’s always better to have support in place before you really need it.

Students have access to a dedicated GP surgery on campus – the University Medical Centre. Registration with the surgery and booking a consultation are both quick and easy to do online. The GP may need to obtain your previous medical records before prescribing regular medication so be sure to bring 60-90 days worth from your previous surgery in case of any delays. For international students, there is no guarantee that you will be able to get the same medication in the UK as prescribed to you in your home country.

If you’re ever in a healthcare emergency, you should ring 999. This number will take you direct to a call operator who can assess the situation and send an ambulance if required. An emergency would include situations like severe bleeding or loss of consciousness.

You can also attend Plymouth's Emergency Department at Derriford Hospital for urgent or life-threatening conditions. Waiting times can vary but are often very long and patients are dealt with in order of priority.

If you need help quickly but it’s not an emergency, call 111 (known as NHS111). They can help direct you if you have an urgent medical issue and you aren’t sure what to do. You can also get help by visiting NHS 111 online.

Plymouth also has a walk-in Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) called the Cumberland Centre which can provide medical help when it's urgent but not a life-threatening emergency. It is open 8:00am to 8:00pm, 7 days a week and can help with things like injuries, suspected broken bones, cuts, burns and more.

Pharmacies can give advice and treatment on a range of minor illnesses including allergies, colds and flu, stomach complaints, mouth ulcers, eye care, ear care, head lice, aches and pains and skin problems. Under the 'Pharmacy First' scheme, pharmacists can also prescribe medication for the following conditions without you needing to see a GP: earache, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throat and urinary tract infections. They can also provide contraception, including emergency contraception.