Your GP
All students are strongly recommended to register at a GP surgery in Durham. You can ask your doctor anything, they are there to help with your mental health as well as physical health. Also often you will need a note from your doctor to show your department if you require an extension, which they won’t be able to give you unless you saw them at the time! Your GP or nurse practitioner is another point of contact for sexual health supplies and STI tests too.
Many students register at the University Health Centre. The University Health Centre is situated on Green Lane, just off Old Elvet and opposite the Racecourse (DH1 3JX) and their phone number is 0191 386 5081.
University Hospital of North Durham – 0191 333 2333 – information@cddft.nhs.uk – www.cddft.nhs.uk
This is the hospital to go to for accident and emergency. It is situated on North Road (DH1 5TW), just outside of the centre of Durham. It is in walking distance (depending on your injury), however some find it easier to get a taxi which is relatively cheap.
If you are seeking medical advice or non-emergency care, please call NHS direct on 111.
Dentists – 0191 218 6940 (NHS Direct Dentists)
It is advised on arrival at Durham to remain with your practice at home. However, if you do need emergency work then there are reserved slots, but they need to be booked very early in the day. They can find out which practices are taking new patients and find out who has an emergency slot available for you.
Emergency Contraception
The morning after pill is available from the University Health Centre from either the nurse or the doctor. It can also be obtained from Boots Pharmacy in the Market Square and on North Road- all for free. Ideally, it should be taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex, but is effective if taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. This form of contraception is not as effective as other methods such as the pill or condoms, and it does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases. If you would like more information, or someone to go with for moral support, the welfare team are happy to help.
GUM Clinic (Genito-Urinary Medicine) – 0191 333 2660
Having unprotected sex carries the risk of catching a sexually transmitted infection. Some sexually transmitted infections have no symptoms, but can cause long term, damaging effects such as infertility. It is advised that if you are sexually active then you should have a check-up at the GUM (sexual health) clinic. Infections can be treated very easily, often with a course of antibiotics. The GUM clinic is situated in the University Hospital of North Durham.
Family Planning – 0191 382 6881
For help and advice during pregnancy, contact the Framwellgate Moor Clinic which can be found at 29 B/C Front Street, DH1 5EE.