Choosing the Right Help
If you feel unwell, use the right service:
- GP (Doctor) for non-urgent health issues
- NHS 111 for advice when your GP is closed
- A&E for serious life-threatening emergencies
Registering with a GP
If you’re living near Edge Hill University, register with a local GP. The recommended one is:
They offer:
- Vaccinations (e.g. flu, travel, meningitis)
- Sexual health services
- Asthma & Diabetes checks
- Minor operations
You can also find other GPs via the NHS website.
Health Help During Holidays
You can see any GP as a temporary patient for up to 12 weeks.
You can also visit:
Sexual health & contraception
Free STI test kits and condoms are available for Lancashire residents (age 16+).
Visit Lancashire Sexual Health or call 0300 1234 154.
There is a sexual health clinic on Mondays at Milton House on Ruff Lane.
Beacon Primary Care also offers sexual health services.
Vaccinations
Make sure you’re protected against:
- Meningitis (MenACWY) – ask your GP if you haven’t had it
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – check with your GP if you’ve had both doses.
More info: Public Health England
Dental Care
NHS dental treatment is free for people under 18 (19 if in full time education).
Pharmacies
Pharmacies can help with minor illnesses like colds, sore throats and tummy aches. No appointment needed.
Local options:
- Aspire Pharmacy – 01695 580022
- Ormskirk Pharmacy – 01695 580655
Find more via the NHS pharmacy search.
Emergency Care
For serious injuries or illness, go to:
Hospital accident and emergency departments are for people with serious injuries or illness, or life-threatening emergencies such as severe chest pains, breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness or bleeding that can’t be stopped.
For patients 16 years and older, the Accident and Emergency department at Southport and Formby District General Hospital is open 24 hours a day seven days a week for serious injuries or illness and life-threatening conditions that cannot be dealt with by your pharmacist, GP or at an NHS walk-in centre.
Open 24/7 for emergencies like chest pain, breathing issues or heavy bleeding.
Opticians & Eye tests
- Eye problems often don’t hurt, so regular eye tests are important
- The NHS recommends an eye test every 2 years (or more often if advised).
- Free eye tests are available if you’re 18 or under and in full-time education.
To learn more about what happens during an eye test or what services opticians offer, visit the NHS website.
To find a local optician near your university accommodation, enter your postcode on the NHS optician search.