Health advice for International Students
• On courses less than six months |
On courses less than six months
While you are studying in the UK it is very important that you look after your health. You need to be aware of the resources available to you and how to access them. The University has a student health centre on each campus where you can access health information. You can visit the Nurse Health Adviser there if you have any health concerns.
You can contact the Nurse Health Adviser:
Email: studenthealth@chi.ac.uk
Offices: 01243 812122 / 01243 816111. Mobile: 07739 983703.
Take a look at our website www.chiuni.ac.uk/studenthealth
Please inform the nurse if you have any pre-existing health problems or take regular medication that you will need during your stay, for example epilepsy, diabetes etc.
If you have enrolled on a course lasting less than 6 months you will not be entitled to free NHS treatment. Although emergencies will be dealt with, no other treatment is available to you, unless you have insurance or can pay for the treatment yourself. You should take out medical insurance from a reputable company. The University recommends Endsleigh Insurance (www.endsleigh.co.uk)
Exception; Students from EU/EEA or countries with a bilateral healthcare agreement with the UK are entitled to free National Health Service [NHS] treatment. You must apply for a card before leaving your home country. The British Embassy or High Commission can tell you if your country has a reciprocal health agreement, so please check.
How to use your medical insurance
If you need to see a doctor you will be charged for your consultation. Keep the receipt. Then you can claim back any charges on your medical insurance
Getting the most from your Pharmacist
The Pharmacy (or chemists) is the place to go to have prescriptions made up. Pharmacists provide a range of services including giving advice on how to treat and recognise minor illnesses, and sexual health and contraceptive advice; this could save you a trip to the GP. The pharmacist should be able to tell you if you need to see your GP. If you need to talk in confidence ask the pharmacist if there is somewhere private where you can talk. You can use any pharmacy you wish. Most pharmacies offer the morning after pill for a charge following a consultation, with the pharmacist.
The pharmacy sells some medication over the counter, which means they can be bought without a prescription. The contents and action of the medicine will be the same as the prescribed medicine.
Medical emergencies
Anyone who is involved in a medical emergency should telephone 999; ask for an ambulance and say where you are and what is wrong. The ambulance should take you to the nearest Accident and Emergency department. This service is free but should only be used for emergencies when urgent treatment is needed immediately. The University nurse or first aiders can provide support for minor injuries.
Dental emergencies
If you have suffered dental trauma and bleeding as a result of an accident it is advisable that you go to the nearest Accident and Emergency unit at the local hospital. If you need to see a dentist contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 they will help you identify a local dentist, you will however need to pay for dental treatment, as you will not be entitled to NHS dental care.
NHS Direct
If you are unsure if you need to see a doctor about a particular health problem, contact NHS Direct, which is a 24 hour telephone advice service on 0845 4647, or arrange to speak to the nurse health advisor if possible.
Sexual health
If you are worried during your stay about sexually transmitted diseases you can contact one of the universities Nurse Health Advisers, for advice on what to do next.
Mental health
The University is committed to ensuring that individuals are not discriminated against academically or socially because of their mental health difficulties. Our aim is that individuals with mental health difficulties such as anxiety, eating disorders, depression and schizophrenia are given the appropriate support to enable them to successfully complete their studies. We positively encourage you to declare any mental health difficulties or concerns you may have so that we can ensure you have the support you need as early as possible.
It is not unusual for students to feel anxious or panicky about being in a university environment, especially if they are a long way from home. Many people are sometimes affected by lack of motivation, loneliness, relationship problems and difficulty in sleeping. The Mental Health Advisor can listen to your problems, confidentially. They can, with your consent liaise with tutors, counsellors and other staff to ensure that you have the support you require.
To contact the University Mental Health Adviser: phone 01243 816402, or Mobile 07739 983704 or Email: mentalhealth@chi.ac.uk
Mental Health Emergencies
If a person’s mental or emotional state deteriorates quickly, this can be called a mental health emergency or mental health crisis. In this situation it is important to get help quickly:
- Ring the University Health Centre if within working hours.
- Make an emergency appointment with your doctor, or call the out of hours GP service on 0300 130 1313 if the emergency is at night.
- Go to the Accident and Emergency department at St. Richards Hospital, Chichester, 01243 788122.
- If you feel someone is an immediate danger to themselves or others call for an ambulance and/or the police on 999.
If you need someone to talk to
NHS direct: Telephone 0845 4647. Text phone 0845 6064647. www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
The Samaritans: Telephone 0845 7909090. Text phone 08457 909192
Nurse Health Adviser: 01243 812122 / 01243 816111. Mobile 07739 983703. studenthealth@chi.ac
International Student Adviser: 01243 812146. intwelfare@chi.ac.uk
Bersted Green Surgery (Bognor Regis): 01243 821392
Bognor Regis War Memorial Hospital: 01243 865418
Lavant Road Surgery (Chichester): 01243 527264. www.lavantsurgery.co.uk
St. Richards Hospital (Chichester): 01243 788122
Disability services
The University of Chichester welcomes students with disabilities and additional learning needs. The disability team provides a range of support services to students with disabilities, continuing health conditions, mental health conditions and specific learning needs.
The disability advisor can provide support and advice to students regarding the impact of their disability at university. If you have a disability or health condition that affects your living accommodation requirements in any way, you must contact the disability service at the earliest possible opportunity. Student support is available in New Hall Bishop Otter campus and in the student services building, Bognor Campus.
If you have any concerns please contact the Disability Coordinator:
Telephone: 01243 812 076
Email: disabilityacademicskills@chi.ac.uk
On courses more than six months
Looking After Your Health
While you are studying in the UK it is very important that you look after your health. You need to be aware of the resources available to you and how to access them. The University has a Student Health Centre on each campus where you can access information. You can visit the Nurse Health Adviser there if you have any health concerns.
You can contact the Nurse Health Adviser:
Email: studenthealth@chi.ac.uk
Telephone: 01243 812122/ 01243 816111 Office; 07739 983703 mobile
Take a look at our website www.chiuni.ac.uk/studenthealth
Please inform the nurse if you have pre-existing health problems or take regular medication that you will need during your stay, for example epilepsy, diabetes etc.
To receive any kind of treatment through the National Health Service (NHS) you must either have medical insurance or be registered with a Doctor, usually called a General practitioner or GP. If you have enrolled on a course lasting for more than 6 months you will be entitled to free NHS treatment. This will meet most health needs however it may not cover all risks; if you fall sick and want to be transported home or want to a family member to stay in the UK to look after you this will not be covered. You can buy insurance to cover these risks. The University recommends Endsleigh Insurance: www.endsleigh.co.uk
Registering with a Doctor (GP)
You should register with a doctor as soon as possible after arriving in the UK. You will need your local address, passport and proof of your status as a student (Student card) and date of entry into the UK. The Nurse Health Adviser can give you information on registration or you can get a list of local doctors from the Post Office or by contacting the Family Health Services Authority in your area.
Most students at Bishop Otter Campus register at:
Lavant Road Surgery
8 Lavant Road
Chichester PO19 5RH
01243 527264
Most students at Bognor Regis Campus register at:
Bersted Green Surgery
32 Durston drive
Bognor Regis. PO22 9TD
01243 821392
How do you make an appointment?
Same day appointments are usually made by telephoning the surgery early in the morning. You need to check with your chosen surgery as different systems are in operation. It is usually possible to pre-book appointments for up to 2 weeks in advance, however fewer of these appointments are available.
If you require medication the doctor will give you a written prescription which you will need to take to a pharmacy (chemist)
If you need someone to talk to
NHS direct: Telephone 0845 46 47. Text phone 0845 606 46 47
The Samaritans: Telephone 08457 90 90 90. Text phone 08457 90 91 92
Nurse Health Adviser: Office 01243 812122/01243 816111. Mobile 07739 983703
Disability Services
The University of Chichester welcomes students with disabilities and additional learning needs. The disability team provides a range of support services to students with disabilities, continuing health conditions, mental health conditions and specific learning needs.
The disability advisor can provide support and advice to students regarding the impact of their disability at university. If you have a disability or health condition that affects your living accommodation requirements in any way, you must contact the disability service at the earliest possible opportunity. Student support is available in New Hall Bishop Otter campus and in the Student Services building, Bognor Campus.
If you have any concerns please contact the Disability Coordinator:
Telephone 01243 812076
Email: disabilityacademicskills@chi.ac.uk
Mental health
The University is committed to ensuring that individuals are not discriminated against academically or socially because of their mental health difficulties. Our aim is that individuals with mental health difficulties such as anxiety, eating disorders, depression and schizophrenia are given the appropriate support to enable them to successfully complete their studies. We positively encourage you to declare any mental health difficulties or concerns you may have so that we can ensure you have the support you need as early as possible.
It is not unusual for students to feel anxious or panicky about being in a university environment, especially if they are a long way from home. Many people are sometimes affected by lack of motivation, loneliness, relationship problems and difficulty in sleeping. The Mental Health Advisor can listen to your problems, confidentially. They can, with your consent liaise with tutors, counsellors and other staff to ensure that you have the support you require.
To contact the University Mental Health Adviser: phone 01243 816402, or Mobile 07739 983704 or Email: mentalhealth@chi.ac.uk
Mental Health Emergencies
If a person’s mental or emotional state deteriorates quickly, this can be called a mental health emergency or mental health crisis. In this situation it is important to get help quickly:
- Ring the University Health Centre if within working hours.
- Make an emergency appointment with your doctor, or call the out of hours GP service on 0300 130 1313 if the emergency is at night.
- Go to the Accident and Emergency department at St. Richards Hospital, Chichester, 01243 788122.
- If you feel someone is an immediate danger to themselves or others call for an ambulance and/or the police on 999.
Fees for NHS services
Patients usually have to contribute towards NHS costs with prescription fees for medications (currently £7.10) dental fees and opticians fees. You may be able to claim exemption if you have a low income. You will need to complete
Form HC1, which is available from the university Health Centre. If you are under 19 years old and in full time education no charges apply for NHS services. There are no charges for seeing a GP for health problems.
Getting the most from your Pharmacist
The Pharmacy (or chemists) is the place to go to have prescriptions made up. Pharmacists provide a range of services including giving advice on how to treat and recognise minor illnesses and sexual health and contraceptive advice; this could save you a trip to the GP. The pharmacist should be able to tell you if you need to see your GP. If you need to talk in confidence ask the pharmacist if there is somewhere private where you can talk. You can use any pharmacy you wish.
The pharmacy sells some medication over the counter, which means they can be bought without a prescription. The contents and action of the medicine will be the same as the prescribed medicine but it may be cheaper. Ask your GP if the medicine that has been prescribed for you is available over the counter or ask the pharmacist when you hand your prescription to them. Most pharmacies offer the morning after pill for a charge, following a consultation with the pharmacist.
Dental Treatment
If you are eligible for NHS treatment you can receive your dental treatment at a reduced rate. You need to register with a dentist who accepts NHS patients. NHS dentists are extremely difficult to find and it is advisable that you have a check up and resolve any problems before travelling if possible. Generally you will have to pay for a private dentist. To find a dentist go to http://www.nhs.uk or the NHS dental helpline is (telephone) 0300 10000 899
Dental Emergencies
If you have dental trauma and bleeding following an accident it is advisable that you go to the nearest Accident and Emergency unit at the local hospital.
Otherwise contact:
Jubilee Dental Centre, St Richards Hospital, Chichester.
Open Monday to Friday 5.30pm- 10.00 pm. Phone 01243 831 790 after 5.30 for same day appointment.
Saturday, Sunday, bank holidays 8.30 am – 1.00pm.
Medical Emergencies
Anyone who is involved in a medical emergency should telephone 999; ask for an ambulance and say where you are and what is wrong. The ambulance should take you to the nearest Accident and Emergency department. This service is free but should only be used for emergencies when urgent treatment is needed immediately. The university nurse or first aiders can provide support for minor injuries.
NHS Direct
If you are unsure if you need to see a doctor about a particular health problem, contact NHS Direct, which is a 24 hour telephone advice service on 0845 4647, or arrange to speak to the Nurse Health Adviser if possible.
Sexual Health
If you are worried during your stay about sexually transmitted diseases you can contact the university Nurse Health Advisers or the local genitourinary department at Fletcher unit based at St Richards Hospital. Outpatients, telephone 01243 831 607
Monday: 9am-11.00am. Walk-in, no appointment needed. 5pm-6.30pm. by appointment only
Wednesday: 9am -11.00am. Walk-in, no appointment needed
Thursday: 9am -11.30am. Appointment only. 2pm- 4pm. Walk-in, no appointment needed
Friday: 9am – 11am. Walk-in, no appointment needed
Bognor Regis Hospital: Telephone 01243 865 418 during clinic time only.
Wednesdays: 3pm -5.30pm appointment only
Chapel Street, Chichester: Telephone 01243 623300
Monday: 9am– 11am Drop-in
5pm – 6pm Appointment only
Wednesday: 9am - 11am Drop-in
Thursday: 9am – 11.30am appointment only.
2pm – 4pm drop in
Friday: 9am – 11am drop in.
Family Planning (contraception /morning after pill etc.)
Bognor Regis Hospital
Monday and Wednesdays: 5.30pm – 7pm
Chapel Street Chichester: Telephone 01243 623 300
Monday: 1pm – 3.45pm drop in
Tuesday: 5.30pm -7pm drop in
Wednesday: 9.30am – 11.45am by appointment
Thursdays: 2.30pm – 5pm drop in for ‘young people’
Contacts/useful Telephone Numbers:
Bersted Green Surgery (Bognor Regis): 01243 821392
Bognor Regis War Memorial hospital: 01243 865 418
Lavant Road Surgery (Chichester): 01243 527264
St Richards Hospital (Chichester): 01243 788 122
Chapel Street Clinic (Chichester): 01243 623300
Fletcher Unit, St Richards Hospital: 01243 831607
Email: sexual.health@rws-tr.nhs.uk
Jubilee Dental Centre: 01243 831 790
Life Centre: 01243 779196
Charity supporting survivors of rape and sexual abuse
NHS Direct: Telephone 0845 46 47. Text phone 0845 606 46 47
The Samaritans: Telephone 08457 90 90 90. Text phone 08457 90 91 92
Student Health:
Bognor Regis Campus: Office 01243 812122. Mobile 07739983703
Bishop Otter Campus: Office 01243 816111. Mobile 07739983703
International Student Adviser: 01243 812146. Email intwelfare@chi.ac.uk
Disability Coordinator: 01243 812076

