Welcome to Kensington Medical Centre, your trusted GP healthcare provider in the heart of Belfast City Centre!

There is always great benefit in being registered with a GP close to where you live, and this is as true for a student, as much as anyone else! 

We are located very close to many of the local student residences, used by Queen's and Ulster University, and also Belfast Met, such as 

Mezzino Bradbury Place  30-44 Bradbury Place, Belfast, BT7 1RS - 120 meters

Fresh Student Accommodation, Botanic Studios, 78-86 Dublin Road, Belfast, BT2 7HP - 220 meters

Novel Aster House, 45 Botanic Ave, Belfast, BT7 1HZ - 280 meters

Vita Student Accommodation, 27 Bruce St, Belfast BT2 7JD - 480 meters

Elms BT2, 1 McClintock Street, Belfast, BT2 7GL - 800 meters

Student Roost - Swanston House, 41-45 Queen Street, Belfast, BT1 6ET - 1km

John Bell House, College Square East, Belfast BT1 6DJ - 1.1km

Elms BT1, 8 College Avenue, Belfast BT1 6DS - 1.1km

Any student residing at an address that is within our defined practice area is welcome to register.

We're here to ensure your well-being throughout your academic journey. Don't wait until you're sick to seek medical care – registering with a GP proactively offers numerous benefits. Read on to discover why registering with a GP should be a top priority for every Belfast university or college student.

You should register with a local doctor (within the postcode area of your term-time home) who will be responsible for your medical care whilst at the University or college. This does not mean the relationship with your home doctor is broken. You may still consult them whilst at home, as a temporary registration, should the need arise.

Please note: you may have difficulty in getting medical attention if you are not registered with a local GP practice, for example if an emergency arises in the middle of the night and you contact GP out of hours.

Access to Comprehensive Preventive Care: By registering with a GP, you gain access to a wide range of preventive healthcare services. Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings can help identify and address potential health issues before they become serious problems. Our experienced medical professionals are here to guide and support you in maintaining good health.

Personalised Healthcare Advice: Our dedicated team of doctors and healthcare providers will get to know you personally, understanding your unique medical history, lifestyle, and health goals. This personalised approach enables us to offer tailored healthcare advice that suits your specific needs, ensuring you receive the best possible care at all times.

Efficient and Timely Appointments: By registering with a GP, you have the advantage of scheduling appointments in advance, making it easier to fit healthcare into your busy student life. Whether you need a routine check-up, advice on contraception, or treatment for minor ailments, our convenient appointment system ensures you receive timely care, minimising disruptions to your studies.

Continuity of Care: Having a registered GP allows for continuity of care. Unlike seeking sporadic medical attention from different sources, your GP will maintain a holistic view of your health history. This familiarity enables them to provide better diagnoses, treatment plans, and ongoing support. Establishing this long-term relationship early on enhances your overall well-being and peace of mind.

Assistance with Mental Health Concerns: University or college life can be challenging, and mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being. Registering with a GP ensures you have a trusted healthcare professional to turn to for guidance and support in managing mental health concerns. Our team can offer resources, referrals, and counselling services tailored to your needs, helping you navigate through any difficulties you may face.

Referrals to Specialists: Should you require specialised medical care, a registered GP can facilitate referrals to trusted specialists. Whether it's for a specific medical condition, further investigations, or consultations, your GP acts as a gateway to accessing the appropriate healthcare professionals within the larger medical community.

Health Education and Promotion: At Kensington Medical Centre, we believe in empowering our patients through health education and promotion. By registering with us, you'll have access to informative resources that focus on various aspects of health and well-being. Stay informed and make informed choices that contribute to a healthy and balanced student lifestyle.

Prioritising your health as a university or college student is crucial, and registering with a GP offers numerous advantages.

At Kensington Medical Centre, located in the heart of Belfast City Centre, we provide comprehensive, personalised care to ensure your well-being throughout your academic journey. Don't wait until you're sick – take a proactive step towards optimal health by registering with us today. Your future self will thank you!

Contact us now to book an appointment or register as a patient with Kensington Medical Centre in Belfast City Centre!

Register with a local GP as soon as you arrive at university or college

Please visit New Patient Registration - Kensington Group Practice (kensingtonmedicalcentre.co.uk) for information about documentation required to register.

Queens University Belfast and  Ulster University (Belfast Campus), nor Belfast Metropolitan College, do not operate an on-campus health centre, so in case of emergency it is important that you register with a medical practice that is close to your accommodation, either on or off campus.  Visit Find a GP practice | nidirect for your nearest GP; or Out of Hours GP for urgent medical treatment.

If you are taking regular medication, supplying a medical history from your previous GP can assist us with your prescribing requirements.

What happens next?

• Once registration documents are accepted – we will not contact you to confirm your registration has been processed.
• A Health & Care Card will be sent directly from BSO (these are not issued by the Practice).
• Appointments can be booked following the registration being completed

Meningitis Information

Local, EU and international students aged up to 25 years and starting university for the first time, should get the Meningitis ACWY vaccine from their GP before going to university. The Meningitis ACWY vaccine will increase protection against four Meningitis groups (A,C,W and Y).

There is an increased risk of infection with meningitis spreading when people live closely to each other such as in university halls of residence and other shared accommodation. It is therefore recommended that students receive vaccination at least 2 weeks before starting university.

Meningococcal bacteria can cause:

• meningitis (inflammation of the lining in the brain)
• septicaemia (blood poisoning) often leading to a rash of dark spots

Meningitis can cause death or long-term health problems including:

• amputation
• deafness
• epilepsy
• learning difficulties

Symptoms of meningitis:

Meningitis can affect anyone, but is common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:

• a high temperature (fever) over 37.5C (99.5F)
• vomiting
• a headache
• a blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it (this won't always develop)
• a stiff neck
• discomfort or pain to the eyes due to light exposure
• drowsiness or unresponsiveness
• seizures (fits)

All students who are changing their GP or who are registering with one for the first time should choose a GP in the local area when starting university.  If not already vaccinated, they can arrange to get this vaccine and other vaccines as appropriate. This should be done straight away – ideally in the first week of term – don’t leave it until later.

If you would like further information about meningitis vaccination, visit: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/men-acwy-vaccination-teenagers-and-students