COVID-19:
As we all are aware, the Covid-19 pandemic is still ongoing. This means that there will be health and safety measures in place such as masks in certain environments in College (such as libraries), and social distancing will be encouraged. The continuation of household bubbles has been put in place so that in the event of someone testing positive those closest to them will also be able to isolate and protect the community. The University is encouraging students to get vaccinated when they are called forward by the NHS, this will protect you, your fellow students, and the staff in the university. You can find all the university guidance surrounding Covid-19 here.
College Nurse
Our College Nurse’s office is situated in North Quad Staircase 5. She is available Monday to Friday 08:30-10:30 during term time, and it is not necessary to book an appointment beforehand. The nurse is also able to visit you in your room should you feel too ill to get to North Quad. Should this be the case, send her a message through either your friends or ring the porter’s lodge.
College Doctors
All St John’s students are required to be registered with an Oxford GP Practice. The one college recommends is the Surgery at 19 Beaumont Street, a couple of hundred metres walk from the lodge. It is a normal GP’s Practice and you should simply ring if you wish for an appointment (01865 240501), or the College Nurse can arrange an appointment for you if you go through her first. You will receive the paperwork to register as a patient before you arrive in Oxford.
When you return home at the end of each term, you can re-register as a temporary patient with your local GP when at home. It is very important for you to be registered with Beaumont Street, or indeed any other Oxford Practice should you prefer, as many unforeseeable things can occur when away from home and these surgeries are experienced in writing sick notes that will be accepted by the University for exams, etc.
OXEMS provides an out of hours service from 18:00 to 08:00. If you ring the Beaumont Street Practice out of hours, you will be given the number to call.
College Dentist
The College Dental Practice is located in the Helena Kennedy Student Centre, Headington Hill Campus, Oxford Brookes University, Headington Road, Oxford, OX3 0BP. Telephone 01865 484608 or email [email protected] to book an appointment. The Practice operates from Monday to Friday 8.00 am - 6.00 pm.
Prescription costs
Don’t stress too much about the cost of prescriptions; full information about financial aid and eligibility for it can be found online, via the NHS or government websites; in particular check out Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs). If you require any further information about prescription costs then don’t hesitate to contact the JCR Disabilities Officer.
Mumps
In recent years there’s been lots of news coverage regarding a resurgence of mumps, particularly amongst the student population. In this last academic year a few St John’s students were diagnosed with mumps. Make sure you have had both the vaccination and booster shot. Vaccinations can be arranged if mumps is still an ongoing issue - talk to the College Nurse or arrange an appointment with the College Doctors.
Meningitis
Meningitis is another serious health issue, often known to affect student populations. Please take note of the symptoms that are indicative of meningitis and if you have any concerns for either yourself or a friend, contact the College Nurse or Doctors immediately.
Sexual Health
Oxford’s sexual health clinic is located at Churchill Hospital, and can be contacted on 01865 231231. The College Nurse and JCR Welfare officers can provide information on Contraception and Sexual Health Facilities within Oxford.
The Welfare Officers and the Women’s Officer can provide condoms, lube, pregnancy tests, and attack alarms free of charge, in person or via pigeon hole if requested. All requests are completely confidential. The current Welfare Officers are Alex Foster, Ariadne Si Suo and Zoe Reed. The Women’s Officer is Simone Dawes. The JCR can also reimburse students for buying the morning after pill or any of the above if you hand in the receipt.
OSARC (Oxford Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre) can be contacted on 01865 725311.