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Accessing medical care

Last updated: 13/08/2024 10:53

How you access medical care in Cardiff may be different to where you have lived before.

Make sure you register with a General Practitioner (GP) practice as soon as possible so you can see a doctor and access routine or urgent medical help if you need it.

Register with a doctor at a local GP practice

Choose how you want to register with a GP practice in Cardiff:

To register you’ll need:

  • your place of birth
  • your new term-time address
  • the name and address of the GP practice where you are currently registered (if applicable)
  • any recent medical history relating to allergies, medication, vital statistics, lifestyle choices or any diagnosis or ongoing treatment

If you’d like to register with a Welsh speaking doctor, or a doctor who speaks another language take a look at the local GP practices who are able to offer this facility.

Free medication in Wales

Once you’ve registered with a GP practice in Wales you’ll be entitled to free prescription medicine.

Your community pharmacy

Your local community pharmacy should be your first port of call for healthcare advice and treatment for a minor illness such as colds and sore throats, headaches or diarrhoea.

Through the Common Ailments Service, they can also provide over-the-counter or prescription medication free of charge for 27 common conditions.

Access other healthcare professionals

NHS 111 Wales is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Use it to access health information and advice and urgent primary care.

If you need to attend the Emergency Unit (often known as A&E), the Minor Injuries Unit or access out of hours care you’ll need to contact NHS 111 Wales first.

If you have a serious or life-threatening emergency, you should dial 999.

Dental problems cannot be dealt with at a GP practice, so consider registering with a local dentist.

For urgent dental care if you are not registered with a dentist call the Emergency Dental Helpline on 0300 10 20 247.

If you have problems with your eye health, book an appointment with an optometrist. Find a local optometrist.

From October to March we offer free eye examinations and contact lens appointments in our student clinics.

Your local community pharmacy is able to provide over-the-counter products such as condoms, pregnancy tests, emergency contraception.

Pharmacies also provide confidential access to NHS contraception services, including the provision of emergency and bridging contraception, safer sex and sexual health advice, all available in the privacy of a consultation room.

Your local Sexual Health Clinic offers bookable appointments. You don’t need to see your GP before attending an appointment.

Are you up to date with your vaccinations?

We strongly recommend that you are up to date with all your vaccinations before coming to university:

If you are unsure whether you have had any of these vaccinations, please check with your GP.

Your vaccination history is reviewed as part of your Occupational Health Assessment. Make sure you’re able to provide your most up to date vaccination records.

We strongly advise you to check your immunisation history with your doctor before you travel to Cardiff as you may need a booster.  

Read our guidance on the vaccinations you may require.

If you require vaccinations once you’ve arrived in the UK you’ll need to register with a doctor.