Registering with a GP may not be your top priority when thinking about starting university. However it is important should you require medical advice or become ill during your time at university. You are able to register before you arrive in Durham and ticking this off your list will mean you have one less thing to think about when you arrive in Durham.

Being registered with a local GP for your time at Durham University is really important. If you become unwell or need medical advice it means you can access an appointment with a doctor in a timely fashion, without having to complete paperwork when you are not feeling at your best. Furthermore, if you also experience anxiety or mental health difficulties alongside your autism, it is really useful to be registered with a GP should you need to discuss how you are feeling or changes to medication. At Disability Support we strongly advise that you register with a GP ahead of arriving in Durham or within the first week.

If you need medical advice or support and you have not registered with a GP there may be a delay in you receiving an appointment. Although the practice will make every effort to see you as soon as possible, you may be required to complete paperwork at a time when you already feel stressed and overwhelmed. This could make you feel even worse. Doing this early when you have a bit of time will feel less stressful and you will have peace of mind that the registration is completed.

Your choice of medical practice will be determined by the area in which you live, so that you can get to the practice easily and a doctor can visit you if the practice considers a home visit necessary.

The practice area of the Claypath and University Medical Group covers the University and Colleges and the majority of new students register with this practice:
Claypath and University Medical Group, University Health Centre, Green Lane, Old Elvet, Durham, DH1 3JX
Tel: 0191 386 5081
Email: medical.registrations@nhs.net
www.durhamstudenthealth.co.uk

All new students can register with the Claypath and University Medical Group at www.campusdoctor.co.uk/durham via a quick and easy to complete online form. The form uses drop down lists for student accommodation with the Colleges or private providers; if you have other accommodation, please enter your address in Durham. The form also asks whether you have an NHS number or not. You will only have a number if you have previously registered with a doctor in the UK, but you can still complete this online registration if you are an overseas student and don’t already have an NHS number.

If you are a student from the United Kingdom you will need to bring your National Health Service Medical Card with you when you come to University.

Students who have a long term medical condition requiring medication are advised to ensure that they have sufficient medication for the initial couple of months in Durham, as standard practice during any registration transition.

Once you are registered with a medical practice in Durham, you will need to complete a temporary resident form when you are elsewhere in the UK and need to see a Doctor.

There are other medical practices in Durham that you may want to consider. A full list with locations can be found at: https://countydurhamccg.nhs.uk/about-us/primary-care-member-practices/ Registration with practices other than the Claypath and University Medical Group is not available online.

Overseas students
The GMS1 also asks for an NHS number which you will only have if you have previously registered with a GP in the UK. If you have not previously registered then you will receive an NHS number on registration.

For more information about registering with a GP at Durham, please use this link