How to access medical care as a Leeds student

Learning how to access medical care might be low down on your to-do list when preparing for university. However, finding where your nearest practice is and how to ask for help is integral to a positive student experience.

Take care of your physical and mental wellbeing while studying in Leeds and understand more about student medical services.

Leeds Student Medical Practice

One of the most popular surgeries in Leeds, the Leeds Student Medical Practice specialises in the care of students and their immediate families.

The practice is located near the University of Leeds by Woodhouse Lane and is the first port of call for many local students when feeling unwell.

To register, you must be a university student in the Leeds area or a partner or child living at the same address as the student, and you must live in university accommodation in Leeds or in a certain Leeds postal area. The Leeds Student Medical Practice website has more information regarding living requirements.

Registering requires filling out a simple online form. If this is your first time registering for a doctor’s surgery away from your family home, ask a parent or guardian to assist with any information you may need.

It’s recommended you register as soon as you know living arrangements so you can access medical care straight away.

Leeds Student Medical Practice services

You’ll find a wide range of services at the surgery.

As well as help and advice from the Leeds Student Medical Practice doctors, you’ll also gain access to:

• Travel Clinic – for jabs and advice when travelling abroad.
• Mental Health services – including what to do in a crisis and how to get help.
• Contraception and Sexual Health Clinic – testing, advice, and contraception options.
• Maternity services – antenatal care for pregnant women and advice for starting a family.
• Diabetes and Asthma Clinics – for patients with the condition/s.
• Cervical Smear Test Clinic

Visit the website for the full list of services.

Leeds Student Medical Practice opening times

Leeds Student Medical Practice is open seven days a week from 7am to 7pm on Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Appointments can be via the phone or online using the eConsult service.

Other medical practices in Leeds

With currently 94 GP practices in the Leeds area, there’s no excuse not to register and get access to a GP as a Leeds student.

Most practices will only accept patients who live locally, and you’ll have to prove this with a recent utility bill or a copy of your tenancy agreement. Choosing a GP surgery close to your home means you won’t have to travel far while unwell.

Leeds City Medical Practice is another popular option for students living in the city. The three sites are spread across Leeds, covering a wide area.

North Leeds Medical Practice also has multiple locations in the city, and both the surgeries are open into the evenings on certain days. Weekend doctor’s appointments can also be made upon request.

How get your NHS number

When registering for any GP surgery, you will need to know your unique NHS number. Some people may have an NHS medical card, however, if you don’t you can contact your current GP to get this.

Write it down somewhere safe before sharing it with your prospective medical practice.

Sexual health services in Leeds

As well as accessing student sexual health services and information at your local GP surgery, there are also some dedicated sexual health organisations based in Leeds.

Leeds Sexual Health is one of the most popular student health centres in Leeds, offering online information and webchat service. Following COVID-19, the physical clinic is running via appointment only. Services range from HIV advice and testing to emergency contraception and free condoms.

Explore their website for more information, including a list of dedicated sexual health pharmacies that can provide free testing kits, advice, and more.

Mental health services in Leeds

Your local GP will be trained in how to support mental health problems, however there are also specialised mental health services for those living in Leeds.

MindWell is a service that encourages Leeds-based people to ask for help when needed. The website offers everyday advice on how to take care of your mental wellbeing, tips for coping with difficult events, and more information on how to access mental health support in the city.

Explore the directory, learn how to spot signs of mental ill-health, and access valuable resources.

Crisis numbers and information on what to do when you need urgent help are also available.

Dental services in Leeds

When moving away from home, many of us become guilty of waiting months (or even years) before visiting the dentist.

Routine check-ups are incredibly important, and can often mean you avoid expensive and invasive treatment later on.

There are many dentists in Leeds to pick from. We recommend choosing one that is close to your home or university, so it’s easier to make appointments around your busy student schedule.

An NHS dentist will mean you pay a lower fee for treatments, however only certain procedures are subsidised. Private dental practices are much more expensive, but the choice of treatment is usually wider and waiting time less.

Emergency health services in Leeds

In a serious life-threatening emergency, you should always call 999 and request an ambulance. Depending on the situation, they will then take you to one of the accident and emergency departments in Leeds.

NHS 111 is the number to call for out-of-hours and non-life-threatening illnesses. A healthcare specialist will advise you on the next steps to take.

The two emergency departments in Leeds are located at Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s University Hospital.

There are also two urgent care centres in Leeds. These provide treatment for injuries and illnesses that are urgent, but not life or limb-threatening. They are the St George’s Urgent Treatment Centre and Wharfedale Urgent Treatment Centre.

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