Student responsibilities

Medical issues and general health

A health declaration is required to be completed by all residential students so the college is aware of any illnesses or medications that are pertinent to you. It is essential that all medical conditions are disclosed on the Health Declaration form. Where medical conditions are not disclosed in advance, students may be asked to leave the accommodation until a care plan and risk assessment can be completed to ensure the Residential staff are equipped to provide adequate care. If a student has any medical concerns we urge them to also speak to the Head of Residential to ensure we are providing you with the best possible care.

We suggest that all students register with one of the local GP surgeries before moving to college to save time if treatment is required during term time (see list below). They will need their NHS number to register.

Students can also call NHS Direct on 111 for medical advice and information on 24-hour pharmacies in the area.

Each communal area is provided with a first aid kit which is checked and restocked monthly. If students require more stock they need to inform a member of the Residential team. When a student is ill and requires a doctor’s appointment, they should call the duty phone number on 07788 420061 so the member of staff on duty can arrange an appointment and a chaperone if required. The direct contact details for the doctor’s surgery are also posted on the notice boards and in the Residential Information Folder, which are in the communal areas.

The doctors’ surgery will ask a student to register with them, which consists of completing some basic forms. It is free to see the doctor; you will only have to pay a prescription charge for medication if applicable. It’s important that the administration office or Residential team are notified of any medication prescribed as this must be documented so we are aware of authorised medications being used on college premises.

Every student is responsible for the taking and safekeeping of their own medication. Students should be aware of their NHS medical number and the name and address of their home GP in case of medical need; this should be ideally saved onto their mobile phone.

Please remember that if a student is ill and cannot attend training or lessons it is essential that tutors and/or coaches are informed. In the event that students are ill and cannot continue with college, parents/carers will be informed and requested to collect them until they have recovered. If family cannot be contacted, they will be cared for in their room by the Residential team until such time as the family are contacted.

In the rare occasion of illness or sports injury, it may be decided that the student cannot be safely supported within the Residential provision and will need to be supported back home. We will notify parents/carers on any such occasion and ensure a supported transition. This will normally be parent/carer collection but may be approved as an independent travel if authorised by the Head of Residential and parent/carer.

Dentist

It is recommended that a student registers with one of the local dentists listed below to save time if they require treatment. Alternatively, they can return home to use their own dentist. The contact details below are also in the residential information folder which is kept in the communal area of the Homestead.

Call NHS Direct on 111 for out-of-hours dentists in an emergency.

• Victoria Dentist Clinic - 103 Victoria Street, St Albans, Herts AL1 3TJ, Tel: 01727 853300

• The Mattings Dental Surgery54 The Maltings, St Albans, Herts, AL1 3HL, Tel: 01727 837376

• Jersey Farm Surgery - The Health Centre, 2A St Brelades Place, St Albans AL4 9RG, Tel: 01727 846417