All students get ill from time to time. Fortunately, Cambridge has a very wide variety of GP practices, a sports injury clinic, dental service, Counselling Service and Addenbrooke’s Hospital. Alternatively, support is available from within your college: your Tutor, college nurse, college welfare officer and the CUSU Welfare & Graduates Officer will be able to offer further assistance should you require it.

The college nurse
Queens college nurse is Sister Mairi Hurrell, and her office is situated at the bottom of CC staircase.

During Full Term the College Nurse, Mrs Mairi Hurrell, holds a surgery in the Health Centre inCripps Court(between BB & CC staircase) at the following times;

Monday to Friday: 08.30 – 11.00 and 15.00 – 17.00

(This is a ‘drop-in’ service.  There is no need to call in advance).

Other times may be arranged by appointment – call 01223 335578 during surgery hours.

Outside these hours and at weekends, in special circumstances, it may be possible for a Tutor or the duty porter to contact the College Nurse on your behalf.

1 week before and 1 week after Full Term  - Surgery hours are: Monday – Friday 08.30 – 11.00

We are very lucky to have Sister Hurrell at Queens’, and she is extremely popular among all the students, you can go to her with any health problems, emotional issues or worries, or to ask for a free Chlamydia test or referral to another medical service.

Registering with a GP
Every student is encouraged to register with a local GP (General Practitioner) surgery on arrival in Cambridge. Lists of GPs should be distributed to you in freshers’ week, but are also available from your tutor, college nurse and the porters’ lodge. It’s best to find one in the first few weeks if possible. GPs cannot provide short notice, urgent appointments for people who are not registered so by doing so you’ll make the process far quicker in the event that you fall ill.

Accidents and sports injuries
The University partially funds a top class Sports Injury Clinic at Addenbrooke’s. This specialises in treating muscle and joint injuries and is run on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings on a first come first served basis (9 – 10.30 during university full term). The clinic can only see injuries that have occurred in the last 48 hours. There are also a variety of similar clinics around Cambridge, but some might require a bus trip. Some, but not all, offer student prices. For help, speak to the sports captains, who will have more information on dealing with problems.

Health costs
Both home and international Cambridge students, and their dependents, are entitled to free healthcare provision from the National Health Service, so visits to your GP and emergency treatment at Addenbrooke’s are free. Students are not, however, generally exempt from paying prescription charges, dental or optician’s costs unless they are under 19 years old. Students 19 or over can only get free prescriptions if they have a Certificate of Exemption. These are available to some students on the grounds of low income but are only valid for six months at a time, so remember to keep applying even if you are well. All home and overseas students can apply for financial help with NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, sight tests and glasses using the HC1 form. You can pick one up from your college nurse, GP, Addenbrooke’s or CUSU or alternatively call 0854 850 1166 to get one delivered.