Registering with a local GP (General Practitioner - doctor) practice will make sure you are able to access healthcare when you need to. A GP can provide support for your mental and physical health, and they are usually the first health service you should contact when you are experiencing a problem.
There are a few GP surgeries near to campus. They're really convenient, and familiar with anything you might need support with. Don’t wait until you feel unwell, register as soon as you get here. Your health is important to us.
Student Content Shaper Hannah explains why it's important to register with a GP and Dentist closer to where you'll be living
On this page you'll find more information on how to find and register with a GP, vaccinations you're encouraged to get, and other useful resources.
COVID-19
You're strongly encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccine if you are eligible and they are available to you. You may be eligible in the UK if you are at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. Your GP will be able to advise you. Find out more.
Meningitis
New students are considered to be particularly at risk of meningitis and septicaemia (also called sepsis or blood poisoning). Make sure you know the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia.
You are strongly encouraged to speak to your doctor about having the Men ACWY vaccine a few weeks before the start of term, or as soon as possible. International students and those not offered the vaccine by their GP (general doctor) should request it when registering with a GP, which you should do as soon as you arrive at University.
MMR
MMR is a safe and effective combined vaccine that protects against three separate illnesses – measles, mumps and rubella (German measles) – in a single injection. These are highly infectious diseases which can have serious complications. The full course of MMR vaccination requires two doses.
Influenza/flu
The NHS are providing the flu vaccine (influenza) to more people this year, including those living with someone who is at high risk from coronavirus. If you are eligible, we encourage you to take it.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Many young adults will have received the HPV vaccine at school. The HPV vaccine is given in two doses, six months apart. It protects against types of HPV which have been linked to risks of different types of cancers, and genital warts.
If you didn't receive it at school, you may be eligible if:
- You are female and were born after 1 September 1991
- You are male and you were born after 1 September 2006
- You are a man who is gay, bisexual, or have sex with other men (MSM) and are aged 45 or under
Trans women (people who were assigned male at birth) are eligible in the same way as MSM if their risk of getting HPV is similar to the risk of MSM who are eligible for the HPV vaccine. Trans men (people who were assigned female at birth) are eligible if they have sex with other men and are aged 45 or under.
Mpox (previously known as Monkeypox)
A smallpox vaccination is being offered to people who are most at risk to help protect them against monkeypox. This includes:
- Some healthcare workers
- Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men at highest risk of exposure
- People who have already had close contact with a patient with confirmed monkeypox
Some sexual health services will be contacting those men that are likely to be at highest risk, others may offer the vaccine alongside other appointments. It may also be offered by relevant employers for healthcare workers. You can visit NHS.uk to find your local clinic or call 111 for advice. It's free to eligible groups. Find out more from the UK government.
Find a doctor
You can find a GP using the NHS's Find a GP services search. Enter your term time postcode to find local practices. There are several to choose from near to the University and the main student areas.
Some GPs only take patients living within a certain area, or can be full, so you may need to try more than one practice. The advantages of registering with a local GP practice near to where you live, include these practices being:
- Familiar with the process of registering new students at the start of the new academic year. Local practices in the area surrounding the campus have a long history of specialising in student welfare issues.
- Able to provide continuity of care during your full academic lifetime at the university.
- Able to offer care by providing online, video, telephone or face to face consultations.
- Able to provide online access through websites and apps.
- Able to offer appointments with a range of clinicians such as GPs, nurses, advanced nurse practitioners, therapists & counsellors, physiotherapists & musculoskeletal practitioners, social prescribers and more.
- Able to offer detailed advice regarding both physical and mental health issues. Most practices have good links to Mental Health Services, both on campus and with wider NHS services.
There are a number of GP practices available locally where students can register for medical services. Registrations are now best done online by visiting your preferred practice’s website and following the instructions. This process is quick and simple and avoids the need to attend the practice in person. Should you need to see a GP urgently, you will need to register with a GP practice. If you have ongoing health issues or take repeat medication for any reason, we would strongly advise that you register with a local GP practice as soon as possible.
Please see below a list of GPs near to the University and Selly Oak, however there are plenty more around the region to suit wherever you are based.
University Medical Centre, 5 Pritchatts Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 2QU.
Telephone: 0121 687 3055
1A Alton Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham, West Midlands, B29 7DU
Telephone: 0121 472 0129
2 Reaview Drive, Pershore Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B29 7NT
Telephone: 0121 472 0187
4 York Street, Harborne, Birmingham, West Midlands, B17 0HG
Telephone: 0121 427 5246
54 Lordswood Road, Harborne, B17 9DB
Telephone: 0121 426 2030
How to register
You will usually need to complete a registration form, which you can print at home or collect from the GP practice you'd like to register with. There will usually be a receptionist who will explain what you need to do. The form will ask you for your personal details (such as your name, date of birth and address). This is so that the practice can register you as a patient, and so that they can retrieve your medical information. If you are from the UK, it is helpful if you are able to provide your NHS number.
International students will need to show their offer letter or enrolment letter to prove they are a student or obtain a proof of enrolment letter. The latest information on how to access letters can be found on StudentHelp. You will also need to pay a surcharge upfront to be able to access NHS services, you can find out how much surcharge you will need to pay here.
You will usually be asked about any existing medical conditions you have and your past medical history, for example whether you have asthma or have previously had a serious illness. If you do have existing medical conditions, it may be helpful to bring along details of your diagnosis and treatment. Where possible, international students should try to bring a letter from their doctor explaining any medical conditions or illnesses.
Some GP practices will allow you to pre-register online, although it is likely you will still need to visit in person to complete your registration.
Making an appointment
Each GP practice will have its own system for making appointments. You may be able to book by phone, online or in person. There will usually be a mix of appointments you can book in advance, and appointments which can only be booked on the day. Appointments are usually available during weekdays, although your GP practice may offer evening and weekend appointments too.
Make sure you know how to book an appointment with your GP. You can ask the receptionist, phone the practice or they may have details on their website.
You can request a specific doctor or nurse at the practice. You can also request to see a male or female doctor or nurse if you prefer.
You might find it useful to make notes of what you want to discuss with the GP or questions you want to ask them. If you want to, you can ask a friend or relative to accompany you.
NHS app
Not to be mistaken for the NHS Track and Trace app, the NHSApp is owned and run by the NHS. It is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet.
It keeps your data safe and secure. Once you’ve downloaded the App you will need to set up an NHS login and prove who you are. The app then securely connects to information from your GP surgery.
By linking to your GP record it lets you access your medicines, order repeat prescriptions and indicate whether you wish to donate your organs. You can also use it to access the NHS111 service and it also shows your (COVID) vaccination status, sometimes called the COVID Pass. If you don’t yet have it, you can download it from the App Store or Google Play.
Other healthcare services
GP practices are not the only health service available. There are a range of 'primary care' options available depending on what you need, including GP practices, dentists, walk-in centres, sexual health clinics and pharmacies.
Visit NHS services explained to find out more about the different services. If you are unsure which service you need, you can contact NHS 111 for advice. Call 111 from your phone; the call is free.
Useful resources