Health
Starting college can be exciting, scary and stressful all at the same time. The most important thing to remember is to LOOK AFTER YOURSELF. If you are living away from home for the first time, microwave food and fast food are a tempting option for dinner. While there is nothing wrong with treating yourself to a chipper once or twice a week, having them every night can be expensive and bad for your health. Try to make yourself healthy dinners with a decent amount of fruit and vegetables. Suggest taking turns to cook “proper” dinners with your housemates. This can work out cheaper and healthier for your entire household. When you feel stressed, go outside and take a nice long walk, kick a ball around with your friends, or even better, get involved with a sports or society in college. You will be amazed at how relaxed you can feel after a bit of exercise. There is also the temptation to go out most nights when you first start college. There’s no harm in it really, but if you go out two nights, maybe only drink alcohol for one of them. That way, you are still having the banter but saving money and sparing yourself the hangover the next day.
Should any health problems arise, we have a fabulous Medical Centre located on the 1st floor of the Student Centre. Here, you can see the nurse, free of charge, Mon-Thurs 8:30am-4:30pm, and on Fridays 8:30am to 3:30pm. You can also make an appointment to see a doctor which, on presenting your in-date college ID card, is a small fee (or free if you show a medical card.) The staff in the medical centre are really lovely and very experienced in dealing with students. They have seen and heard it all, so never feel embarrassed about talking to them about any concerns you may have. The Medical Centre offers services such as contraceptive advice, vaccinations, blood-tests, removal of stitches, dressing changes etc. Contact: 021 4326549 to speak to a member of staff in the centre or just call in during opening hours.
Medical Centre:
Where:
Student Centre 1st Floor
When:
Nurse Available
Mon-Thurs 8:30am-4:30pm,
Fri 8:30am-3.30pm.
Doctor Available by appointment.
Contact:
Receptionist, Marian:
021 432 6549
Nurse, Eileen Clarke:
021 432 6356
Ring either number to arrange an appointment with the doctor, if it is urgent that you see the doctor on the day that you are calling, it is recommended that you ring before 10am.
How Much:
It costs less than €10 to see the doctor, free to those with a medical card (bring it with you). No fee to see the Nurse. You will have to show your student card when availing of the medical service.
Any advice on health problems or procedures can be made through the nurse such as dressings, blood tests, removal of stitches or queries about contraception. If you would like to talk to someone about nutrition the nurse is also there to help. Also, a Sexual Health Clinic runs on Tuesday afternoons by appointment.
Doctors
Doctors attend the Student Health Centre on a seasonal basis each day for any student that may require their services. They work on an appointment basis only.
Doctor Hilda O’Shea (Main Doctor in the Medical Centre)
Special interest in dermatology and travel medicine, attends the Health Centre on Monday, Tuesdays and Thursdays during term.
Doctor John O’Riordan
Special interest in sports medicine.
Available by appointment only.
Doctor Joe Hartnett
General interest in men’s health is available on Friday by appointment.
Doctor O’Cuill
Interest in men’s health and asthma care attends the clinic on Tuesday afternoons during term.
Doctor Fidelma Corcoran
A psychiatrist who is available to students who may require her services. Appointments can be made through the Health Centre. Her consulting rooms are in the Bishopstown area.
The Health Centre is widely availed of by students. In addition to the normal consultation with the doctor or nurse for illness or injury, the Health Centre provides many other services such as:
- Health education and advice on nutrition and lifestyle
- Advice on family planning and smears
- Application forms for medical cards and health services
- Cryosurgery for warts and verrucaes
- Travel medicines and meningitis C & Mumps vaccines
- Referrals for physiotherapy, dental treatment and counselling
- Referrals for sexual health screening
- Hepatitis Vaccine. (Charge applicable)



