Staying Healthy

Staying mentally and physically healthy is very important, particularly at times of the year when students are under pressure from their studies. Obviously maintaining a healthy diet, eating regularly and sensibly will help you maintain a healthy frame of mind. Taking regular exercise is also vital for your physical and mental health.

DOCTORS AND DENTISTS
One of the first things students should do when arriving at University is to register with a doctor and a dentist BEFORE you need them!
 
Download a list of NHS Doctors and Dentists in Wolverhampton here

Download a list of NHS Doctors in Walsall here

Download a list of NHS Dentists here

Choose the GP you would like to register with and take your medical card with you when you visit. Explain you are a student and ask whether the doctor is willing to accept you as a National Health Service (NHS) patient. A doctor can refuse to take you on if his/her list is full. If this is the case then simply ask elsewhere.

If you don't have a medical card and you are not a Wolverhampton resident then you can obtain a GSMI form, which is available in most surgeries and can be used instead of a medical card.  If you are and International Student you may be required to provide proof of address and/or identity.

If you happen to be caught out and made ill without being registered with a GP or Dentist, the nearest Walk-In medical cente for City Campus is located at;

Phoenix Health Centre
Parkfield Road
Wolverhampton
West Midlands
WV4 6ED

In an emergency only, you can attend the local Accident & Emergency department located at;

New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton Road
Wolverhampton
WV10 0QP

Full time students can apply for a discount using a HC1 form, as the student loan is classed as income. For a refund of costs for dental or optical treatment and for stays in hosiptal, students will need to complete a HC5 form.

You'll need to complete form HC1 from a Jobcentre Plus office or NHS hospital. You may also be able to get an HC1 from your doctor, dentist or optician.

You can also get an HC1 form by contacting the Health Cost advice line on 0845 850 1166. 

MENTAL HEALTH There is still a lot of stigma surrounding mental heath illness, but it is estimated that 1 in 4 young people suffer from a mental condition, ranging from Depression to Anorexia Nervosa every year and this type of illness quite often only manifests itself once you are outside of your comfort zone (living away from home for the first time/ stress of studies etc.)

If you are worried about yourself or one of your friends then below are some contact details for both national and University services.

University Counselling Services
Tel - 01902 322572
Email counsellingservices@wlv.ac.uk
Web www.wlv.ac.uk/counsellingservices

Student Enabling Centre
for disability related support and queries within the University
Tel -01902 321074
 
Depression Alliance
Tel- 020 76330557
Web- www.depressionalliance.org
  
Eating Disorders Association
Helpline-01603 621 414
Web- www.edauk.com

Birmingham MIND
17 Graham Street
Hockley
Birmingham B1 3JR
Telephone: 0121 608 8001
Fax: 0121 608 8006

SEXUAL HEALTH It's important to protect yourself from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) such as Cystitis, Chlamydia, Thrush, Hepatitis A/B/C and HIV/Aids. The effects of the STIs can range from mildly uncomfortable and irritating to severely life threatening.

The Students' Union supports and hosts regular sexual health screening sessions on both City and Walsall Campus.  Ask at your SU reception point for times/dates etc.

If you are worried and unable to wait for a SU screening session, contact your GP or any relevant contact below;

New Cross GU Clinic (Male)
Tel: 01902 695500

Snow Hill Clinic
Tel: 01902 444444

Base 25
Tel: 01902 572040

The Terrence Higgins Trust
Helpline Tel: 0845 1221200
Birmingham Tel. 0121 622 6471

National Aids Helpline
Tel: 020 7814 6767

British Pregnancy Advisory Service                                                                      Tel: 08457 304030
Wolverhampton Tel: 01902 421131
Website:www.bpas.org