Navigating the healthcare system as a university student: My personal experience

Summary

Moving away from home and starting university has been a transformative experience. As an 18-year-old studying law and international relations, I’ve enjoyed the new found independence and academic challenges. However, persistent health issues have complicated my transition, leading to a frustrating journey through the healthcare system.

Content

My health struggles

Since starting university, I’ve dealt with multiple colds and flu-like symptoms, some may call it ‘freshers flu’. A productive cough that lingered for over a month concerned me, but the situation took a serious turn when I started feeling dizzy and breathless with minimal exertion. Realising the severity of my condition, I knew I needed medical help.

Seeking help: a series of missteps

1. Pharmacy visit

• My first stop was the local pharmacy. After describing my symptoms, the pharmacist suspected iron deficiency and recommended iron tablets. While this seemed plausible, my condition continued to worsen, prompting a call to my parents.

2. Exploring options: walk-in GP and NHS 111

• My parents suggested visiting a walk-in GP, but I discovered none were available in my area. I then called NHS 111, hoping for guidance. They advised going to Accident and Emergency (A&E) but also mentioned they would request a GP call-back. Given the NHS’s known pressures, I was hesitant to visit A&E for what I didn’t consider an emergency.

3. Urgent treatment centre attempt 

• My mum then suggested my local hospital’s urgent treatment centre. I mustered my energy to go there, only to be informed that I needed a GP appointment. They again suggested A&E.

4. Finally, A&E

• Feeling increasingly unwell, I headed to A&E. Although it felt like I was going in circles, this decision was crucial. At A&E, I was redirected to the urgent treatment centre where I finally saw an excellent doctor. I was seen quickly, diagnosed and given medication that soon began to help.

A few days later, I received a message from NHS 111 stating that my request for a GP call-back had dropped off the system due to the delay. This entire experience has been eye-opening and frustrating. As a young and intelligent individual, I found navigating the healthcare system challenging. I can only imagine how overwhelming it must be for older adults, those with additional needs or those less familiar with the process.

Lessons learned

Navigating healthcare while dealing with a serious condition can be daunting. Here are some key takeaways from my experience that may help other university students or young adults who have moved away from home for the first time:

1. Register with a local GP early As soon as you arrive at university, register with a local GP. It’s crucial to have access to medical care, especially when living away from home for the first time.
2. Understand your options Familiarise yourself with the local healthcare facilities, including urgent treatment centres, walk-in clinics and A&E. Knowing where to go in different situations can save valuable time and stress.
3. Persist and advocate for yourself Don’t be afraid to seek second opinions or alternative solutions if your initial attempts to get help are unsuccessful. Be persistent in advocating for your health needs.
4. Stay informed about healthcare systems Understanding how the healthcare system works, including the pressures it faces, can help you make informed decisions about when and where to seek care.

Moving forward

Despite the hurdles, my health is now improving thanks to the excellent care I eventually received. This experience has taught me the importance of being proactive about my health and understanding the healthcare system. As I continue my university journey, I’ll be better prepared to navigate any future health challenges.

If you’re a student facing similar issues, remember that you’re not alone. Reach out to university health services, friends and family for support. And most importantly, take your health seriously—it’s the foundation upon which all other successes are built.

Reflections from my mother

My mother, who is a healthcare professional working in the NHS, has had her own set of frustrations and concerns for me throughout this ordeal. She shares her own reflections on my experience:

 Frustration and helplessness

• Despite my extensive knowledge of the healthcare system, I felt powerless to help my child navigate the healthcare system from miles away. It was frustrating to be unable to fix the situation quickly and efficiently.

Worry and concern

• Being far from home, I was naturally worried about my son’s health. The distance amplified my anxiety, knowing that they were dealing with worsening symptoms without immediate access to care.

Concern for others

• I am also deeply concerned for other students and individuals who might be in similar situations but are not as vocal or persistent. How do they cope and navigate the system, especially those without a strong support network?

Emotional impact

• This experience left me feeling upset and distressed. As a healthcare professional, I am acutely aware of the pressures on the NHS and the potential for patients to fall through the cracks. Seeing my own son’s struggle highlighted these issues in a very personal way.

Are you a student or a young adult who has moved away from home for the first time? How easy have you found it accessing healthcare. We would love to hear your stories. Please comment below (you will need to register with the hub, it's free and easy to sign up), share your story in our community forum, or email us at [email protected]. 

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