Urgent medical care

What to do in an emergency

If there's a life threatening situation on campus call 0117 32 89999 (available 24/7, every day of the year). Put this number in your phone. We'll send staff to help and we'll call the emergency services for you so that they can find you quickly. 

If you're off campus, call 999.

Reasons to visit Accident and Emergency (A&E)

A&E (accident and emergency) departments are very busy, so if you have a minor medical issue, you may have to wait a significant time for treatment or you may be directed to a walk-in centre or minor injuries unit. 

You should go to Accident and emergency (A&E) for:

• suturing or wound and dressing care
• lacerations, cuts, fractures, severe sprains and strains
• head injuries or loss of consciousness
• broken bones or heavy blood loss
• persistent chest pain or difficulty breathing

Please think carefully before you attend A&E.

Managing minor illness - pharmacy support

Minor illnesses, whilst uncomfortable, are not serious and usually settle without any treatment within a week or so. If you think you do need treatment for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, mild eczema, and athlete's foot, they could be treated by going to your pharmacy rather than a Doctor, saving yourself time and trouble.

All pharmacists can recognise many common health complaints. They can give advice or, where appropriate, medicines that will help to clear up the problem. If your problem is more serious and needs the attention of a Doctor, your pharmacist can advise you of this.

Your pharmacist may be able to help with:

• skin conditions, such as mild acne and mild eczema
• coughs and colds, including nasal congestion and sore throat
• minor cuts and bruises
• constipation and haemorrhoids (piles)
• hay fever and allergies
• aches and pains, such as headaches, earache and backache
• indigestion and diarrhoea
• Period pain and thrush
• warts and verrucas, mouth ulcers and cold sores
• athlete's foot.

Doctor or walk-in centre

Go to your Doctors or a walk-in centre for:

• muscle and joint injuries, including strains and sprains
• minor cuts
• minor burns and scalds
• bites or infected wounds
• suspected broken bones.

You can also use the NHS health A-Z conditions and treatments guide for information and advice on symptoms, conditions and treatments.