This guide will help you use NHS services to get the care you need quickly and safely.
Where can I find care?
Immediate action required: If it's a life threatening emergency
- phone 999 and ask for an ambulance
You can also go directly to an emergency department (also known as Accident and Emergency or A&E).
Immunisation
Infectious diseases can spread easily in college and university communities. More face-to-face contact means you're at higher risk of catching and passing on infectious diseases.
Where are my nearest NHS services?
You can use Scotland's Service Directory to look for:
- emergency departments
- minor injury units
- dental services
- GP practices
- health and wellbeing services
- hospitals
- opticians
- pharmacies
- sexual health clinics
The directory contains names, addresses, opening times and contact details for each service.
How to register for NHS care
If you've moved away from home
If you've moved away from your local area to go to college or university, you must register with a new local GP practice. This includes students who have moved from elsewhere in Scotland, elsewhere in the UK, and abroad.
Your GP (also called your general practice or family doctor) will be your main point of contact for healthcare while you're in Scotland. There may be a GP on campus, and your college or university may have given you information on registering with them.
To register, contact your nearest local GP by finding them on Scotland's Service Directory.
You should also register with a local dentist.
Accessibility for NHS phone services
There are different ways to access the NHS 24 and Breathing Space phone services.
If English isn't your first or preferred language, you can use the free interpretation service Language Line.
If you use British Sign Language (BSL), you can use the free BSL interpreting video relay service Contact Scotland BSL.
If you use a textphone you can contact NHS 24 on 18001 111 or, you can contact NHS 24 with the Relay UK app.