A parent’s guide to student health

More than 50,000 students choose Edinburgh as the place to knuckle down and pursue their further education goals. It’s also the place they choose to experience life away from home for the first time, explore their newfound freedom, party, and get up to all sorts of things that most parents would rather not think about! It’s an exciting time for a student, but it can be a worrying time for their parents. However, we’re here to put your mind at ease by addressing some of those worries, so even when your child is away from home, you can rest assured their health is in safe hands at YourGP.

What if they haven’t registered with a doctor but they need an appointment?

Fresher’s Week is usually a flurry of activity for new students – they’re settling in to their halls of residence, getting to know their new flatmates, and fending for themselves for the first time in a big city. With so much going on, tasks like registering with a doctor can sometimes slip to the bottom of their to-do list. But what happens if they get ill and need to see a doctor before they’ve managed to register anywhere? Don’t worry. Anyone can book an appointment at YourGP and see a doctor, regardless of whether or not they have registered at the practice.

What if they need to see a GP quickly?

YourGP has short notice appointments, including same-day appointments, readily available at our two practices. They can use our simple online booking system, email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits them.

What if they don’t know their way around Edinburgh yet?

We have two conveniently located practices in Scotland’s capital city. One is located on Dundas Street – right in the heart of the city and easily accessed via public transport. The other is in Edinburgh’s picturesque Dean Village, just a short walk from Princes Street, with on-site parking available.

What if they’re ill but they can’t make it into either of the practices?

YourGP’s doctors are happy to arrange a home visit, so long as they are within a 5-mile radius of our practices. We are also happy to arrange video calls at their convenience.

What if they need a prescription?

Even if they haven’t registered at YourGP, they don’t need to wait until the end of term to visit their hometown doctor to pick up prescriptions. We can supply these at YourGP.

I’m worried they won’t make healthy choices

Living away from home for the first time is a big step for any student as they learn to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing. If they need a little nudge in the right direction, booking them in for a Health Assessment can be a good way to help them understand the importance of healthy living. The results will offer them a clear picture of their general health, and our highly qualified doctors can offer lifestyle advice if any aspects of their health need to be improved.

I’m worried about their mental health

Homesickness is completely normal for anyone leaving friends and family behind. And a certain degree of stress and worry is to be expected when studying for exams. But if they feel their mental health is suffering at any time, we are always here to listen and support them.

They’re too embarrassed to talk to me about their sexual health. How will I know they’ll be OK?

YourGP offers a comprehensive sexual health service covering everything from contraception to STI screening. Our GPs are highly experienced, approachable and friendly. Plus, we’re discreet too – because we offer a full range of GP services, they can pop into either of our practices and no one need know the nature of their visit.

What if they decide to go travelling at the end of term?

YourGP is a one-stop shop for travel vaccinations, medication and related advice. Unlike many other surgeries, we carry a full range of vaccines and we are a registered Yellow Fever centre. Plus, we even offer a reminder service for booster vaccinations.

They’re attending university elsewhere. Can YourGP still help them?

For those that choose to study elsewhere, YourGP is still here to provide healthcare, right when they need it. Whether it’s booking in for a full health assessment before they fly the nest, or popping in for an appointment when they return to visit family in the capital (to raid the fridge and get their washing done!), we offer short notice appointments to fit around their new study schedule.