Medical care
In a serious medical emergency (where life is in danger) you should telephone 999 immediately and ask for the ambulance service.
If you do go to hospital, you should inform the College at the earliest opportunity.
Flu pandemic planning
For information about the plans in place at GTC in case of a pandemic, see our page on Planning for an influenza pandemic.
College Doctor
GTC’s College Doctor (General Practitioner) is Dr Deborah Waller. Dr Waller is part of a large medical practice located at 19 Beaumont Street, a short walk from the GTC site.
Students are strongly advised to register with a medical practice in Oxford immediately on arrival. New students will be asked to register online. If you are coming to Oxford with your partner or child, you should also ensure that they are registered with the doctor.
You may see any of the doctors at the surgery by appointment, and it will usually be possible to see a female or male doctor according to your preference.
| Address: | 19 Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2NA |
| Web: | http://www.19beaumontstreet.com/ |
| Telephone: | 01865 240501 |
| Fax: | 01865 240503 |
Opening hours: 8am – 6.30pm Monday to Friday.
Out-of-hours service
Outside these opening hours there is always a doctor on call for emergencies and urgent problems through the Oxford Emergency Medical Service (OXEMS). To use this service you should telephone 0845 345 8995. You may be asked to attend the OXEMS Centre at the St Bartholomews Medical Centre in Manzil Way, off Cowley Road.
Overseas students
Students from overseas are eligible for free NHS treatment if they are in the country for a ‘settled purpose’, ie a full-time course of study, for a period of 6 months or more. Otherwise adequate health insurance will be required to cover private treatment.
However, if there is a pre-existing medical condition which may require hospital care, this may not always be covered, so it is recommended that in such cases private health insurance should be taken out. Also, if specialist treatment were sought for a non-urgent condition, it would be appropriate to seek private health insurance as NHS waiting lists can be longer than 6 months.
Prescriptions
There is a standard charge for NHS patients for each item of prescription medication. This is currently £7.20 per item. Pre-payment certificates for 3 months and 12 months are available; if you require regular prescription medication (more than 4 prescriptions in 3 months or 14 prescriptions in 12 months) these will probably save you money. Some items may also be available over the counter in chemists (pharmacies) more cheaply than on prescription.
Minor illnesses and injuries
For example, colds, 'flu-like illnesses, knocks, bruises. Please inform the Lodge if you are ill, particularly if you are unable to leave your room.
If you require first aid, please contact the Lodge, who will be able to inform the nearest First Aider.
NHS Direct
NHS Direct is a 24-hour telephone healthcare helpline. It aims to provide information and advice about health, illness and health services, and to enable patients to make decisions about their healthcare and that of their families. If you have non-emergency health queries, you can call 0845 46 47 and speak to a healthcare professional.
Accident & Emergency department (‘A and E’)
This is located at the John Radcliffe Hospital and caters for acute emergencies such as broken limbs, sudden breathlessness, etc. Do not be surprised if you are expected to wait before you get medical attention – in busy periods this may be a number of hours.