Students

• Registration Recommendation: Both Cambridge University and Anglia Ruskin University recommend that all students register with a local GP in Cambridge upon arrival. This ensures continuity of care and allows the GP to have access to your medical records from your home GP.

• Why Register Early?: Early registration ensures that your medical records are transferred electronically (which can take up to 48 hours). This is important for ongoing medical conditions and any immediate care needs.

• Medical Care During Record Transfer:

  • If you require medical care within the 48-hour transfer period, please contact:

    • College Nurse

    • Your Home GP

    • NHS 111

    • If it is life-threatening, dial 999 immediately.

• Confidentiality: As an NHS practice, Huntingdon Road Surgery is independent of the University. All information shared with us will be treated in strict confidence and will not be shared with the University or anyone else without your consent, except in very rare circumstances.

• How to Register:

  Register with the practice

If you do not have an address in our area you can find a local GP on the NHS Choices website.   

Why Changing to Our GP Surgery is Important for Students

We understand that for some students, especially those with more complex medical histories or those on ongoing medication, changing GPs can feel challenging. However, registering with a local GP when you start at University is essential for the following reasons:

• Continuity of Care:
  Even if you prefer to stay with your home GP, it’s vital to register with a local GP to ensure there’s no gap in your medical care while at University. Our individual list system means that you’ll usually see the same GP each time, fostering a personal relationship and continuity of care.

• Access to Immediate Medical Attention:
  If you stay registered with your home GP, it can take longer for them to manage your care remotely, especially if urgent medical attention is required. Registering locally ensures you're able to receive quicker responses and care when needed.

• Expert Care for Students:
  We specialize in student health and understand the unique challenges you may face during your time at University. We aim to get to know you just as well as your previous GP and provide the support you need.

If you are reading this because your son or daughter is coming to study in Cambridge, make sure they register with a Cambridge GP.  Eligible patients can register with us here.

What You Need to Know If You Change Your GP While Under Specialist Care

If you are currently under the care of a specialist (e.g., a hospital consultant) and decide to change your GP, you do not need to change your specialist. Many patients prefer to stay under the care of their specialist at home, which is perfectly fine.

However, it is important that you inform your specialist clinic about your change of GP. Without this notification, the hospital won't know, and correspondence could get lost in the post. Unfortunately, NHS computer systems are not fully integrated, which can lead to these issues.

To ensure we have your most recent medical information, please:

• Request that the clinic sends your latest clinic letter to us.

• Alternatively, if you receive a copy, you can forward it to us once you’ve registered with our practice.

You may also choose to move your specialist care to one closer to Cambridge. If you’re considering this, please discuss it with your new GP after you’ve registered with us. However, it’s generally best to remain under the care of your current specialist until a referral to a new one is arranged.

Important Note on NHS Services

Some NHS services are geographically restricted and may only be available to those living locally. This includes services such as:

• Mental health services

• Eating disorder services

• Specialist services for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

If you've been receiving care from any of these services and move to University, there’s a chance your home service may not continue care. University is a time when these conditions can become more common or worsen, and it’s essential to maintain regular contact with your GP.

Therefore, it’s crucial that you register with us as soon as possible. This allows us to understand your needs and, if necessary, refer you to the appropriate local specialists.

Contraception and Family Planning Advice

We offer information and advice on all forms of contraception, also known as "family planning", through our doctors and family planning-trained nurses.

If you'd like to discuss contraception, please let the reception team know, and they will help you contact the most appropriate person for your needs.

Emergency Contraception
We provide emergency contraception, including the "morning after" pill and the intrauterine device (IUD). The emergency contraceptive pill is also available at your local pharmacy without the need to see a GP.

If you need after-sex contraception, it's always best to seek advice as soon as possible to ensure the most effective outcome.

Your College Nurse is also available to offer advice on any of the options above.

Additional Resources
Alternatively, you can book directly with the local sexual health and family planning clinic, iCASH. 

All forms of contraception are free under the NHS.