Children and young people

Can I see a GP or Practice Nurse without my parents/guardian being with me?

Young people can ask to speak to a GP or nurse on their own. If you are under 16, the clinician will consider whether you are able to understand the information, advice or treatment being discussed.

This is sometimes called Gillick competence. Young people aged 16 or 17 are usually presumed to be able to make their own decisions about medical treatment, unless there is reason to think otherwise.

How confidential will my consultation be?

What you tell us will be treated confidentially. We will not share information with your parents, carers or anyone else without your agreement, unless we are concerned that you or someone else is at risk of serious harm, or we are legally required to do so.

If we do need to share information to keep you or someone else safe, we will discuss this with you first.

Can I bring a friend with me?

Yes. If you would like to have a friend with you then that’s absolutely fine. This can sometimes be helpful as they are able to listen to any advice given and may be able to help you with remembering the advice following the consultation. Having a friend there may also make you feel more comfortable in the consultation.

Can I choose who I see?

Yes. If you would prefer to see a particular GP or Practice Nurse, let our Care Coordinator know and they will guide you to the next available appointment or inform you when that GP is available.

What can I see a GP or Practice Nurse for?

Just about anything. Health related issues are the majority of our work but if you have a problem and don’t know where to turn, we are good at directing young people to other services.

What support can we give you if you have a disability?

We aim to provide an equal service for all our patients, whether they have disabilities or not. We have excellent access for people with physical disabilities and all of our services are on ground floor level. We can consult with you over the telephone if this is easier for you. Just ask the Care Coordinator for a telephone consultation. We would like to review you face to face at least once a year if you are on any medication or have medical problems, just to ensure everything is ok.

Whether you are a fresher or heading into your final year, we have a few basic health care tips for students.

• Get the ACWY vaccine – it protects against four different strains of the meningococcal bacteria that cause meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia): A, C, W and Y. Ask your GP practice for the vaccine.
• Register with a GP when you get to university. You never know when you might need medical help. If you take any regular medicines that are only available on prescription, for example the contraceptive pill, make sure you have enough to last the term or until you can register with a doctor close the university. If you need to see someone when you are back home on holiday, you can still come to see us as a ‘Temporary Resident’.
• Take a first aid kit with you. It might not be the most exciting thing to pack but a first aid kit with plasters, painkillers, treatment for upset stomachs, thermometer, tweezers, insect bite cream or spray and antiseptic cream is a good start.
  If you are staying registered with us, make sure we have your up to date mobile number.

If you need emergency contraception, please ask for urgent help as soon as possible. You do not have to tell the Care Coordinator the details if you do not want to. You will be seen by a GP.

You can also contact a pharmacy or local sexual health service, as some can provide emergency contraception directly.