Eating Disorder Awareness Week Eating Disorder Awareness Week Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses affecting people of all ages, genders, ethnicities and backgrounds < Back Eating Disorder Awareness Week King's College NHS Health Centre 2 Mar 2025 Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses affecting people of all ages, genders, ethnicities and backgrounds Understanding Eating Disorders Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that involve unhealthy eating habits, extreme concern about body weight or shape, and a range of emotional and physical issues. They can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Types of Eating Disorders Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to severe restriction of food intake. Bulimia Nervosa: Involves episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise. Binge Eating Disorder: Characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort, without the regular use of compensatory behaviors. Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED): Includes any disordered eating behaviors that do not fit the criteria for the above disorders but still cause significant distress or impairment. Causes of Eating Disorders Genetics: Family history can increase the risk of developing an eating disorder. Psychological Factors: Conditions such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem can contribute. Societal Pressures: Cultural ideals about body image and weight can influence eating behaviors. Trauma: Experiencing traumatic events can trigger disordered eating patterns. Signs and Symptoms Extreme restriction of food intake or excessive exercise. Preoccupation with weight, food, and body image. Withdrawal from social activities, especially those involving food. Physical signs such as significant weight loss or fluctuations, fatigue, and health complications. Treatment Options Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic approaches can help address the underlying issues. Nutrition Counseling: Working with a dietitian to develop a healthy eating plan. Medical Intervention: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to treat associated mental health conditions. Support Groups: Connecting with others who understand can provide emotional support and encouragement. Conclusion Eating disorders are serious conditions that require professional help. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes, so it’s important to seek assistance if you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating behaviors. Previous Next

Check out the wide range of clinics and services offered at KCL NHS Health Centre and how to book them. CLINICS & SERVICES OUR SERVICES WATCH OUR VIDEO OUR CLINICS HOME PAGE MENTAL HEALTH Anchor 1 OUR SERVICES Sexual Health Contraception Cervical Screening Vaccinations Prescriptions Antenatal Care Forms & Certificates Blood Test Other Testing Sexual Health Screening If you have no symptoms and would like a Sexual Health screen, we can test you for: Chlamydia , Gonorrhoea , Syphilis and HIV . To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, patients will not need an appointment. In our toilets, women will find a swab test and men will find a urine sample pot; these will need to be left at reception. (Please note, our sample drop-off window is Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm; we will not be able to take in samples outside this window.) To test for Syphilis and HIV, patients will need to book a blood test appointment with our Healthcare Assistant. If you have symptoms, simply book an appointment with our nurse or GP and they will be able to help you. You can also order a free home testing kit online from: https://www.shl.uk/ Dean street clinic every Friday at King’s College NHS Health Centre based at Bush House, Strand. It will be a pioneering integrated NHS service, where our LGBTQI+ patients can easily access free specialist and preventive sexual healthcare at their GP surgery. Forms & Certificates Forms We can complete private forms for insurance and other services. You must complete all relevant sections on the form and provide us all relevant documents including a signed consent form . Your document will then be processed and reception will contact you to arrange an appointment with a doctor, or to advise that the form/letter is ready for collection. This process takes between 7-20 working days for completion. The NHS does not cover form completions, so there is a charge for this service. Please ask reception. Studying Abroad/Electives If you are going to study abroad and in need of immunisation and/or proof of vaccine record, please call us to inquire. Please do NOT use the travel clinic form as this is a separate process. Medical Certificates Charges do not apply to medical certificates for the University. Please note if this isn't something you've previously discussed with us, you may need to book an appointment so we can further assist you. Visit here for full details on how to request a medical certificate. Contraception All our doctors and nurses are able to provide up to date and safe contraceptive advice. You have a choice of the contraceptive pill, depo contraceptive injections and contraceptive implants (Nexplanon). We also offer hormonal and non-hormonal coil fitting (IUD/IUS –Mirena). Visit Contraception - NHS f or information on the different methods. We have regular clinics for contraception coils and implants every month. Please see a nurse or GP to be referred. Cervical Screening/Smear Test/Pap Test Cervical smear test is a quick, reliable and easy screening which can detect abnormal cells very early on. In the UK, the test is free and offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64. The abnormal cells may turn into cancer of the neck of the womb if not treated in their early stages. We now test all cervical smears for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which has been found to be one of the causes of cervical cancer. Regular smear tests can prevent cervical cancer so it is very important to have one done. Please call us to book, and v isit NHS.UK to find out what happens at a cervical screening. Blood Test If you need a blood test as directed by your doctor or one of the nurses, or for HIV testing, we offer a phlebotomy service at the practice and can book you in at reception. If you request a test, please submit a PATCHS for an appointment with our clinicians to discuss. Sexual Health Screening If you have no symptoms and would like a Sexual Health screen, we can test you for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, patients will not need an appointment. In our toilets ladies will find a swab test and men will find a urine sample pot, these will need to be left at reception. To test for Syphilis and HIV, patients will need to book a blood test appointment with our Healthcare Assistant. If you have symptoms simply book an appointment with our nurse or GP and they will be able to help you. Patients can also order a home testing kit by visiting: https://www.shl.uk/ Book a class Antenatal Care All our GPs are able to provide Antenatal care which enables pregnant and new mothers to have their routine checks and ask for advice. We advise that you make your first appointment about 6-8 weeks following the first day of your last menstrual period and following a positive home pregnancy test. We usually offer shared care with the hospital of your choice. Sexual Health Screening If you have no symptoms and would like a Sexual Health screen, we can test you for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, patients will not need an appointment. In our toilets ladies will find a swab test and men will find a urine sample pot, these will need to be left at reception. To test for Syphilis and HIV, patients will need to book a blood test appointment with our Healthcare Assistant. If you have symptoms simply book an appointment with our nurse or GP and they will be able to help you. Patients can also order a home testing kit by visiting: https://www.shl.uk/ Book a class Sexual Health Screening If you have no symptoms and would like a Sexual Health screen, we can test you for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, patients will not need an appointment. In our toilets ladies will find a swab test and men will find a urine sample pot, these will need to be left at reception. To test for Syphilis and HIV, patients will need to book a blood test appointment with our Healthcare Assistant. If you have symptoms simply book an appointment with our nurse or GP and they will be able to help you. Patients can also order a home testing kit by visiting: https://www.shl.uk/ Book a class Other Testing Our nurses and healthcare assistants can manage other conditions such as minor illness, wound-care, perform ECG (electrocardiogram), ABPM blood pressure monitoring over 24 hours. Your GP might ask you to do urine, stool or other sample testings for diagnostic reasons. You can do the sample at the clinic or at home, and drop it off at the reception. Please note, our sample drop-off window is Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm; we will not be able to take in samples outside this window. You may need a GP appointment prior to the tests. Please submit a PATCHS or call us to discuss. Sexual Health Screening If you have no symptoms and would like a Sexual Health screen, we can test you for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, patients will not need an appointment. In our toilets ladies will find a swab test and men will find a urine sample pot, these will need to be left at reception. To test for Syphilis and HIV, patients will need to book a blood test appointment with our Healthcare Assistant. If you have symptoms simply book an appointment with our nurse or GP and they will be able to help you. Patients can also order a home testing kit by visiting: https://www.shl.uk/ Book a class Sexual Health Screening If you have no symptoms and would like a Sexual Health screen, we can test you for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, patients will not need an appointment. In our toilets ladies will find a swab test and men will find a urine sample pot, these will need to be left at reception. To test for Syphilis and HIV, patients will need to book a blood test appointment with our Healthcare Assistant. If you have symptoms simply book an appointment with our nurse or GP and they will be able to help you. Patients can also order a home testing kit by visiting: https://www.shl.uk/ Book a class Vaccinations The routine vaccinations we offer are MMR and Meningitis ACWY . Please call us to book an appointment. We offer free HPV Vaccine to female patients who are under 25 years old and have never had it before. If you are 25 or over and have not had the HPV vaccine, you can visit a pharmacy or private clinic. Flu Vaccine is offered to eligible individuals for free and is very safe. If you are in the 'at risk' category as defined by the NHS, you will be contacted to get your free flu jab every year around September. To see if you are eligible, visit Flu vaccine - NHS . I f you are not eligible but would like to be immunised, you can go to a pharmacy. Pneumococcal Vaccination is a once-in-a-life-time vaccination that prevents a serious form of pneumonia. If you are over 65 years of age or considered to be in an 'at risk' group you are entitled to have this vaccination. Prescriptions If you need medication that has not been issued by us before, please book an initial GP consultation by submitting a PATCHS . Please note, some medications may not need a prescription from your GP. You can request repeat medications via SystmOnline , providing your medications have been issued by our GP before, your medication review is not overdue, and you are not overusing the medication. Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) electronically sends your prescription to any pharmacy of your choice. To do this, you can go to the pharmacy of your choice and sign up with them, or you can manage your nominated pharmacies via your SystmOnline account, If you are requesting prescription online, please allow up to 48 hours for it to be ready at your nominated pharmacy. This is also the case if you request prescription directly at the Health Centre. NHS Prescription Charge You can view the current NHS charge for prescriptions here . If you use a number of regular medicine, you may benefit from a prepaid prescription card . Also see: Prescription Exemption OUR CLINICS Travel Clinic Diabetes Clinic Minor Surgery Asthma Clinic Acupuncture Clinic Stop Smoking Clinic Physiotherapy HAVENS@KCHC Health Coach HAMSS (Mandarin-Speaking) Diabetes Clinic Dedicated clinics are held monthly and run by Dr Eric Britton with a healthcare assistant trained in looking after patients with diabetes. This is a one-stop clinic where bloods, foot checks, referral to eye screening, dietician input and overall review can be done at a single appointment. There is also a specialist Endocrinologist from Imperial College Hospital who attends once a month to do the reviews alongside Dr Eric Britton. They are able to review Insulin pumps and prescribe Free Style Libre where the requirements are met. Sexual Health Screening If you have no symptoms and would like a Sexual Health screen, we can test you for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, patients will not need an appointment. In our toilets ladies will find a swab test and men will find a urine sample pot, these will need to be left at reception. To test for Syphilis and HIV, patients will need to book a blood test appointment with our Healthcare Assistant. If you have symptoms simply book an appointment with our nurse or GP and they will be able to help you. Patients can also order a home testing kit by visiting: https://www.shl.uk/ Book a class Sexual Health Screening If you have no symptoms and would like a Sexual Health screen, we can test you for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, patients will not need an appointment. In our toilets ladies will find a swab test and men will find a urine sample pot, these will need to be left at reception. To test for Syphilis and HIV, patients will need to book a blood test appointment with our Healthcare Assistant. If you have symptoms simply book an appointment with our nurse or GP and they will be able to help you. Patients can also order a home testing kit by visiting: https://www.shl.uk/ Book a class Sexual Health Screening If you have no symptoms and would like a Sexual Health screen, we can test you for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, patients will not need an appointment. In our toilets ladies will find a swab test and men will find a urine sample pot, these will need to be left at reception. To test for Syphilis and HIV, patients will need to book a blood test appointment with our Healthcare Assistant. If you have symptoms simply book an appointment with our nurse or GP and they will be able to help you. Patients can also order a home testing kit by visiting: https://www.shl.uk/ Book a class Sexual Health Screening If you have no symptoms and would like a Sexual Health screen, we can test you for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, patients will not need an appointment. In our toilets ladies will find a swab test and men will find a urine sample pot, these will need to be left at reception. To test for Syphilis and HIV, patients will need to book a blood test appointment with our Healthcare Assistant. If you have symptoms simply book an appointment with our nurse or GP and they will be able to help you. Patients can also order a home testing kit by visiting: https://www.shl.uk/ Book a class Sexual Health Screening If you have no symptoms and would like a Sexual Health screen, we can test you for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, patients will not need an appointment. In our toilets ladies will find a swab test and men will find a urine sample pot, these will need to be left at reception. To test for Syphilis and HIV, patients will need to book a blood test appointment with our Healthcare Assistant. If you have symptoms simply book an appointment with our nurse or GP and they will be able to help you. Patients can also order a home testing kit by visiting: https://www.shl.uk/ Book a class Minor Surgery We have a fully equipped minor operations room within the surgery. Dr Mona Vaidya is specially trained in the removal of lumps and bumps, skin biopsies and cautery. The clinics run on Wednesday mornings. To be referred to the minor surgery, you need to book an appointment with a GP first to discuss. Asthma Clinic At our asthma clinic, w e offer respiratory management and can refer you for lung function tests. Your treatment will be assessed and changed if necessary and follow up arranged as required so we can optimise your care. Stop Smoking Clinic Want to stop smoking? Tried and find it hard to quit? Come and speak to our smoking cessation adviser or one of the nurses. They are trained to help and support you to stop smoking. They are fully up to date with all the new medications that help smokers to quit. Please contact reception for details. Sexual Health Screening If you have no symptoms and would like a Sexual Health screen, we can test you for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, patients will not need an appointment. In our toilets, women will find a swab test and men will find a urine sample pot; these will need to be left at reception. To test for Syphilis and HIV, patients will need to book a blood test appointment with our Healthcare Assistant. If you have symptoms simply book an appointment with our nurse or GP and they will be able to help you. You can also order a free home testing kit online here: https://www.shl.uk/ Sexual Health Screening If you have no symptoms and would like a Sexual Health screen, we can test you for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, patients will not need an appointment. In our toilets, women will find a swab test and men will find a urine sample pot; these will need to be left at reception. To test for Syphilis and HIV, patients will need to book a blood test appointment with our Healthcare Assistant. If you have symptoms simply book an appointment with our nurse or GP and they will be able to help you. You can also order a free home testing kit online here: https://www.shl.uk/ Sexual Health Screening If you have no symptoms and would like a Sexual Health screen, we can test you for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, patients will not need an appointment. In our toilets, women will find a swab test and men will find a urine sample pot; these will need to be left at reception. To test for Syphilis and HIV, patients will need to book a blood test appointment with our Healthcare Assistant. If you have symptoms simply book an appointment with our nurse or GP and they will be able to help you. You can also order a free home testing kit online here: https://www.shl.uk/ Travel Clinic We offer a Travel Clinic and Yellow Fever Centre in-house. You are required to have a booked appointment and follow the instructions below. You MUST complete the Pre-Travel Questionnaire before we can offer you an appointment. For registered patients, please contact us (at reception or phone call) to request the Pre-Travel Questionnaire. For private patients (i.e. your registered GP is not King's College Health Centre), please complete this form: Private Patient Registration Form (Travel Clinic) and email it to us at kingscollegehc@nhs.net ***Please note, if you are a KCL student going to study abroad/take electives overseas and are in need of immunisation and/or proof of vaccine record, please contact us on 0204 548 9842. Please DO NOT use the Pre-Travel Questionnaire as this is a separate process.*** Certain vaccinations need to be given over several weeks, so we ask that you allow enough time before your travel to book an appointment. If you have less than 6-8 weeks prior to travelling, please contact us to check availability first. We ask that all patients read up on what travel recommendations are expected before they attend their appointment: Fit for Travel and NHS Travel vaccinations. You can find out which vaccinations are necessary or recommended for the areas you'll be visiting on Travel Health Pro . Many travel vaccinations are not covered on the NHS and will incur costs. Prices of the common travel vaccinations are below: Rabies - £73 per dose (3 doses per course) Yellow Fever - £75 (Certificate Replacement Only - £18) Hep A - Free for KCHC registered patients / £60 for private patients Hepatitis B = £60 per dose Diptheria/Tetanus/Polio - Free for KCHC registered patients / £45 for private patients Meningitis ACWY - £65 Typhoid - Free for KCHC registered patients / £40 for private patients Malaria Tablets (private prescription) - £20 + pharmacy charge Japanese Encephalitis - £100 Consultation Fee for private patients (if no vaccines required) - £40 Acupuncture Clinic We host an acupuncture clinic as a private service. You do not need a referral from a GP, but the treatment is not covered by NHS and you do need to fund it yourself. Please click here for more details. Acupuncture is a safe and effective form of treatment. It is part of a system of medicine called Traditional Chinese medicine which originated in China, but has increasingly spread around the world. Patients often seek acupuncture treatment for chronic pain; migraines and other headaches; arthritis and other joint problems emotional problems such as anxiety or depression, insomnia, fear and phobias. digestive complaints, or problems relating to eating and eating habits. complex problems with a mix of physical and psychological symptoms ’odd problems’ where no obvious cause has been found despite investigation. Acupuncture treatment is often combined with dietary advice, and advice regarding lifestyle and daily habits. Acupuncture can safely be combined with standard medical care and with western medication. Physiotherapy Physiotherapy can improve your physical activity while helping you prevent further injuries. See NHS.UK for more on what physiotherapy can support: Physiotherapy - NHS You can refer yourself for physiotherapy without the need to see a GP. Self-refer by visiting the website: https://phio.eql.ai/provider/connecthealth HAVENS @ KCHC The Havens is London’s only sexual assault referral centre offering support to those who have been raped or sexually assaulted in the last 12 months. They provide comprehensive, immediate and aftercare services that include forensic, medical, anonymous police reporting, mental health therapies and ISVA support (Independent Sexual Violence Advisors). Service provision is open to all ages and genders across London within the M25. There are dedicated taskforces at the Havens for adults aged over 18 and children/young people. The Havens operates across three London sites, with an additional clinical space at the Health Centre. If you would like to access the Havens service, you can contact them (see website ), or ask to be referred by your GP. Please note that there is no direct access to the Havens at the Health Centre; your GP or health professional will support you with a referral. A member of the clinical team at the Health Centre will be able to provide you with help if you need it. This would include the option to have: sexual health and contraceptive screening at the Health Centre referral to Havens for immediate evidence gathering rather than the forensic team support with medical needs/injuries following an assault referral to the Havens specialist team who operate out of the Health Centre for psychological therapy ongoing support with our clinicians for mental or physical health needs The Havens is part of the London Survivors Gateway, which includes all of London’s specialist rape and sexual assault services. The Gateway is a portal to help find the most appropriate service for each person’s needs; visit https://survivorsgateway.london/ Health Coach Our Health and wellbeing coaches provide 1:1 support to motivate you make positive changes to your mental and physical wellbeing. The coaches will work through a series of sessions, empowering you to proactively manage your life and supporting you to access appropriate medical services. This service is recommended for patients who are motivated to make lifestyle changes and improve health behaviors in one or more areas such as weight management, smoking and alcohol use, physical activity, social interaction, stress management and mental wellbeing. Please book a routine GP appointment to be referred. HAMSS (Mandarin-Speaking) The Health Advisor for Mandarin-Spekaing Students (HAMSS) project is our collaborative pilot with the university's Counselling and Mental Health Support Service. Read the report here: HAMSS Impact Report 2025 Our Health Advisor for Mandarin-Speaking Students (HAMSS) gives navigation support on the NHS and tailored advice on university support services. Click here for h ealth information in Mandarin. MENTAL HEALTH GP-led Mental Health Clinic Talking Therapies & Counselling Eating Disorder Service Autism Clinic Community Mental Health Hub Advice & Guidance @ KCL KCL Sport & Wellness Self-help Resources Helplines South Westminster Community Mental Health Hub NHS South Westminster Community Mental Health Hub brings together a together a range of health care professionals who have specialist skills in working with people who have complicated mental health needs. Referrals are made by the GP for psychiatric review and/or complex psychological therapy. Click here for more information. Sexual Health Screening If you have no symptoms and would like a Sexual Health screen, we can test you for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, patients will not need an appointment. In our toilets ladies will find a swab test and men will find a urine sample pot, these will need to be left at reception. To test for Syphilis and HIV, patients will need to book a blood test appointment with our Healthcare Assistant. If you have symptoms simply book an appointment with our nurse or GP and they will be able to help you. Patients can also order a home testing kit by visiting: https://www.shl.uk/ Book a class Sexual Health Screening If you have no symptoms and would like a Sexual Health screen, we can test you for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, patients will not need an appointment. In our toilets ladies will find a swab test and men will find a urine sample pot, these will need to be left at reception. To test for Syphilis and HIV, patients will need to book a blood test appointment with our Healthcare Assistant. If you have symptoms simply book an appointment with our nurse or GP and they will be able to help you. Patients can also order a home testing kit by visiting: https://www.shl.uk/ Book a class Sexual Health Screening If you have no symptoms and would like a Sexual Health screen, we can test you for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, patients will not need an appointment. In our toilets ladies will find a swab test and men will find a urine sample pot, these will need to be left at reception. To test for Syphilis and HIV, patients will need to book a blood test appointment with our Healthcare Assistant. If you have symptoms simply book an appointment with our nurse or GP and they will be able to help you. Patients can also order a home testing kit by visiting: https://www.shl.uk/ Book a class Sexual Health Screening If you have no symptoms and would like a Sexual Health screen, we can test you for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, patients will not need an appointment. In our toilets ladies will find a swab test and men will find a urine sample pot, these will need to be left at reception. To test for Syphilis and HIV, patients will need to book a blood test appointment with our Healthcare Assistant. If you have symptoms simply book an appointment with our nurse or GP and they will be able to help you. Patients can also order a home testing kit by visiting: https://www.shl.uk/ Book a class Sexual Health Screening If you have no symptoms and would like a Sexual Health screen, we can test you for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, patients will not need an appointment. In our toilets ladies will find a swab test and men will find a urine sample pot, these will need to be left at reception. To test for Syphilis and HIV, patients will need to book a blood test appointment with our Healthcare Assistant. If you have symptoms simply book an appointment with our nurse or GP and they will be able to help you. Patients can also order a home testing kit by visiting: https://www.shl.uk/ Book a class Eating Disorder Service This specialist clinic is hosted by the Health Centre in partnership with Vincent Square Eating Disorders Service. This clinic allows patient's to be seen and managed for their Eating Disorder within their GP Practice. Your GP will refer you and the service will asses whether you can be seen in the Health Centre, or at the specialist clinic at Vincent Square depending upon your clinical history. For more information, see here . Claire Carrington, a registered Mental Health Eating Disorder Nurse joins us in managing your care. Autism Clinic We host an in-house Autism Clinic every 3 months. If you have any personal concerns, please speak to your GP who could refer you to this Clinic. It is quite common for people to have gone through life without an autism diagnosis, feeling that somehow they don't quite fit in. Many people learn to cope with life in their own ways and at times this can become hard work. Visit NHS.UK for more information: Autism - NHS Advice & Guidance @ KCL A team of specialist advisers at King's College London aim to help students overcome any personal issues which could be causing a barrier to your success at King's. Whether you need information to help you to find work or accommodation, want to find out about how changes in your personal circumstances will affect your studies or need specific financial, legal/visa and practical advice, they can help. Click here and find out more under the 'Support & Advice' section. Sexual Health Screening If you have no symptoms and would like a Sexual Health screen, we can test you for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, patients will not need an appointment. In our toilets, women will find a swab test and men will find a urine sample pot; these will need to be left at reception. To test for Syphilis and HIV, patients will need to book a blood test appointment with our Healthcare Assistant. If you have symptoms simply book an appointment with our nurse or GP and they will be able to help you. You can also order a free home testing kit online here: https://www.shl.uk/ Sexual Health Screening If you have no symptoms and would like a Sexual Health screen, we can test you for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, patients will not need an appointment. In our toilets, women will find a swab test and men will find a urine sample pot; these will need to be left at reception. To test for Syphilis and HIV, patients will need to book a blood test appointment with our Healthcare Assistant. If you have symptoms simply book an appointment with our nurse or GP and they will be able to help you. You can also order a free home testing kit online here: https://www.shl.uk/ Sexual Health Screening If you have no symptoms and would like a Sexual Health screen, we can test you for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, patients will not need an appointment. In our toilets, women will find a swab test and men will find a urine sample pot; these will need to be left at reception. To test for Syphilis and HIV, patients will need to book a blood test appointment with our Healthcare Assistant. If you have symptoms simply book an appointment with our nurse or GP and they will be able to help you. You can also order a free home testing kit online here: https://www.shl.uk/ Talking Therapies & Counselling Talking therapies, or psychological therapies/counselling, are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained and accredited NHS practitioners. You do not need to have a diagnosed mental health problem to refer yourself to an NHS talking therapies service. Westminster Talking Therapies Service is part of the national 'NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression' service, provided by Central and North West London (CNWL) NHS Foundation Trust. They offer a range of talking therapies for people who struggle with depression, anxiety, stress, panic disorders, sleep disorders, to name a few, in the Westminster borough. (The service is previously known as IAPT, which stands for ‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapies’.) Click here to self-refer. Mandarin Talking Therapies Service We partnered up with the Westminster Talking Therapies Service to create a Mandarin Talking Therapies pathway for our patients. From the initial triage to talking therapy sessions, all provision is conducted by Mandarin-speaking NHS clinicians. Please ask your GP to refer you. Click here for more information. Separate from the NHS and the Health Centre, the University has its own Student Counselling and Mental Health Support Service that offers counselling and mental health advice. Please see below: The University's Student Counselling & Mental Health Support Service is here to help you cope with personal and emotional problems. The service is for all students and is free and confidential. Students can self-refer by completing the registration form on their website here . King's Sport & Wellness King's Sport & Wellness delivers opportunities for students and staff to get involved in sport and physical activity, with an ambition to be the most active university in London. They run social sport sessions via their BeActive programme, utilise exercise to improve mental health in the Active Wellness Scheme , support elite athletes through the Performance programme and operate four gyms across King's campuses and halls. Plus, all King’s Staff and Students can access free Physiotherapy, Nutrition and Behaviour Change Sessions at their Sport & Wellness Centre . Self-help Resources NHS Every Mind Matters is an online hub with tips and advice on simple and simple and practical ways to ease anxiety, manage stress, lift your mood and sleep better. You can create an action plan through simple self-assessment and learn cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques to manage your wellbeing. NHS Better Health can help you make healthy lifestyle changes. The team can support with a range of services if you want to quit smoking/drinking, move more, stress less, sleep better or eat better. Explore this series of NHS self help guides covering topics such as depression, anxiety and stress and learn more about the causes of mental health issues and tools to work through your feelings and emotions. Mind UK is one of the biggest mental health charities in England, and it has an extensive psycho-education hub on all things mental health. When you're living with a mental health problem, or supporting someone who is, having access to the right information is vital, so check out their Information and support - Mind . Helplines Samaritans A helpline open 24/7 for anyone feeling low or considering suicide. Phone: 116 123 or visit website: Samaritans Young Minds Self Harm Telephone support - Students can call: 020 7089 5050 and parents please call 0808 802 5544 A 24/7 text messaging service is also available for young people in crisis. Text: Text YM to 85258 The Listening Place offer a warm and welcoming environment; somewhere that individuals can talk openly about their feelings without being judged or being given advice. Click here to see how to self-refer. GP-led Mental Health Clinic Dr Madeleine Foster runs our dedicated Mental health Clinic to review patients with long-standing, complex and serious mental health conditions. The appointment will be 20-minute. Dr Foster works closely with other NHS Mental Health professionals and is able to arrange necessary referrals where required. Your GP can refer you to this clinic. WATCH OUR VIDEO

MEET OUR TEAM GPS NURSES HEALTHCARE ASSISTANTS GP ASSISTANTS MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION TEAM CLINICAL PHARMACIST MH COORDINATORS HOME PAGE ACUPUNCTURIST HAMSS (MANDARIN) ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS MEET OUR GPs Dr Mona Vaidya Dr Yewande Adisa Dr Kate Atkinson Dr Eric Britton Dr Madeleine Foster Dr Farrah Jarrall Dr Simon Lex Dr Victoria Mayhew Dr Melanie Mountain Dr Chang-Sun Park MEET OUR NURSES Lucy Hilton Maureen Gabriel Sarah Polglase MEET OUR GP ASSISTANTS Ayako Yoneya Caroline Knapp MEET OUR HEALTHCARE ASSISTANTS Shanni Cain Natrica Green MEET OUR CLINICAL PHARMACIST Shreya Patel MEET OUR ADMINISTRATION TEAM Ranjit Kaur Jasel Rodriguez Tasmin Ahmed Naura Frasgali MEET OUR MANAGEMENT Declan Stow (Practice Manager) Kinga Szabo (Deputy Practice Manager) Joanne Cheng (Admin Manager) MEET OUR ACUPUNCTURIST Titta Laattala MEET OUR HEALTH ADVISOR FOR MANDARIN SPEAKING STUDENTS Margaret Shih MEET OUR ALLIED HEALTHCARE MEMBERS Nice Kitapci MEET OUR MENTAL HEALTH CO-ORDINATORS Desiree Mohammed Maria

RESEARCH PROJECTS HOME PAGE OpenSafely In 2025 the national data OpenSafely was rolled out and automatic anonymised data sharing took place from GP practices to a national system. You can opt out of this programme at the following link https://digital.nhs.uk/services/national-data-opt-out Evaluating the Feasibility and Usability of a Virtual Medical Assistant in GP Practices From January 2026 London Asthma Diagnostic study TBC

Follow our process to request a medical certificate for your University's Mitigating Circumstances Application MEDICAL CERTIFICATE HOME PAGE Requesting medical evidence for your Mitigating Circumstances (MCF) application? If you need a medical certificate from us for your university's Mitigating Circumstances (MCF) application, please contact us either in-person at reception, by phone or submit a PATCHS request, to initiate the process. We will ask you to complete a short questionnaire in order for the certificate to be issued. Depending on your situation, your GP might ask you to book a consultation appointment before issuing any certificate. You need to be a registered patient for us to issue you a medical certificate. If your need a GP consultation to discuss your health problems related to the MCF application, please submit a PATCHS request to request an appointment. Please be respectful of your GP's time and resources when requesting a medical certificate. As your GP practice, our priority is always providing clinical care. We have a different process for requesting medical evidence unrelated to the MCF procedure, please see under 'Our Services' > 'Forms & Certificates': here Flow chart for requesting a MCF medical certificate 1. Are you a registered patient at King's College Health Centre? YES - go to 2 NO - you need to register first, please go here 2. Have you already had a GP appointment to discuss your mitigating circumstances/health conditions? YES - go to 3 NO - go to 4, please note that you might need to book a GP appointment first before we can issue you a certificate 3. Did you discuss with the GP your need for a medical certificate? YES - if your GP has agreed to issue a certificate, you should receive this via email NO - go to 4 4. Contact us (in-person at reception, by phone, or via PATCHS) to say that you need 'a medical certificate for Mitigating Circumstances'. We will send you the short questionnaire to complete. Contact the University if you have any questions about Mitigating Circumstances The Mitigating Circumstances is a University internal procedure and we are not involved in managing or reviewing the applications. Click on the University's advice links below to better understand the procedure: How can I apply for mitigating circumstances? https://self-service.kcl.ac.uk/article/KA-01744/en-us Application deadlines for mitigating circumstances https://self-service.kcl.ac.uk/article/KA-01743/en-us What evidence do I need to provide for my mitigating circumstances application? https://self-service.kcl.ac.uk/article/KA-01745/en-us

CLINICS & SERVICES KCL STAFF HOME PAGE OUR CLINICS DIABETES CLINIC ANTENATAL CARE ASTHMA CLINIC ACUPUNCUTURE CLINIC OVER 40s HEALTH CHECK MINOR SURGERY CERVICAL SCREENING STOP SMOKING CLINIC VACCINATIONS PHYSIOTHERAPY PRESCRIPTIONS BLOOD TEST OTHER TESTING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES CONTRACEPTION DIABETES CLINIC Dedicated clinics are held monthly and are run by Dr Eric Britton with a healthcare assistant trained in looking after patients with diabetes. This is a one stop clinic where bloods, foot checks, referral to Eye screening, dietician input and overall review can be done at a single appointment. ASTHMA CLINIC We offer respiratory management and can refer you for lung function tests. Your treatment will be assessed and changed if necessary and follow up arranged as required so we can optimise your care. OVER 40's HEALTH CHECK The NHS Health Check is a free check-up of your overall health. It can tell you whether you're at higher risk of getting certain health problems, such as: heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, stroke. During the check-up you'll discuss how to reduce your risk of these conditions. Your NHS Health Check will be done by a healthcare professional. This will usually be one of our GPAs, but it could also be a nurse or healthcare assistant. The check is a 30 minute appointment. CERVICAL SCREENING/SMEAR TEST/PAP TEST Cervical smear test is a quick, reliable and easy screening test which can detect abnormal cells very early on. These cells may turn into cancer of the neck of the womb if not treated in their early stages. Regular smear tests can prevent women from getting cancer and it is therefore very important to have one done. We now test all cervical smears for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which has been found to be one of the causes of cervical cancer. In the UK the test is offered to any woman aged 25 years and above. ANTENATAL CARE All our GPs are able to provide Antenatal care which enables pregnant and new mothers to have their routine checks, vaccines and ask for advice. We advise that you make your first appointment about 6-8 weeks following the first day of your last menstrual period and following a positive home pregnancy test. We usually offer shared care with the hospital of your choice. ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC We host a private acupuncture clinic for patients registered at the Health Centre. If you would like to access the private service please click here for more details. Acupuncture is a safe and effective form of treatment. It is part of a system of medicine called Traditional Chinese medicine which originated in China, but has increasingly spread around the world. Patients often seek acupuncture treatment for chronic pain; migraines and other headaches; arthritis and other joint problems emotional problems such as anxiety or depression, insomnia, fear and phobias. digestive complaints, or problems relating to eating and eating habits. ’odd problems’ where no obvious cause has been found despite investigation. Acupuncture treatment is often combined with dietary advice, and advice regarding lifestyle and daily habits. Acupuncture can be combined with standard medical care and with western medication. MINOR SURGERY We have a fully equipped minor operations room within the surgery. Dr Mona Vaidya is specially trained in the removal of lumps and bumps, skin biopsies, cautery. The clinics run on Wednesday mornings. You will need to be referred to the minor surgery via an appointment with a GP. STOP SMOKING CLINIC Want to stop smoking? Tried and find it hard to quit? Come and speak to our smoking cessation adviser or one of the practice nurses. They are all trained to help and support you to stop smoking. They are fully up to date with all the new medications that help smokers to quit. Please contact reception for details. CONTRACEPTION All our doctors and nurses are able to provide up to date, safe contraceptive advice. You have a choice of the contraceptive pill, depo contraceptive injections and contraceptive implants (Nexplanon). We offer hormonal and non-hormonal coil fitting (IUD/IUS –Mirena). There are a number of clinics for contraception coils and implants during the month. Please see a nurse or GP to be referred. Visit https://www.sexwise.org.uk/ for more information. VACCINATIONS The main routine vaccinations are: Flu Vaccine If you are in the 'at risk' category you will be offered an annual free Flu Vaccine. Information about special clinics is sent out in September, when the campaign starts. The Flu Jab is very safe. If you do not fall into one of these groups eligible for free NHS flu jabs but would like to be immunised, you will need to go to a pharmacy. Pneumococcal Vaccination This is a once in a life time vaccination that prevents a serious form of pneumonia. If you are over 65 years of age or considered to be in an 'at risk' group you are entitled to have this vaccination. RSV Vaccination For more info on NHS Vaccines PHYSIOTHERAPY You can refer yourself for Physiotherapy without the need to see the GP by visiting the website. Click here to self refer PRESCRIPTIONS P lease note: some medications may not need a prescription from your GP If you need medication that has not been issued by us before, please book an initial consultation. Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) electronically sends your prescription to any pharmacy of your choice. To do this you can go to the pharmacy of your choice and sign up with them or alternatively you can manage your nominated pharmacies via your SystmOnline account, You can request repeat medications via PATCHS or SystmOnline (providing your medication review is not overdue and you are not overusing the medication). If you are requesting online please allow up to 48 hours for your prescription to be ready at your nominated pharmacy, this is also the case if you request them directly at the Health Centre. NHS charges You can view the current NHS charge for prescriptions here If you use a number of regular medicine you may benefit from a prepaid prescription card. Prescription exemption BLOOD TEST If you need a blood test as directed by your doctor or one of the nurses, or for HIV tesing, we offer a phlebotomy service at the practice. Bookable appointments are available by phone or at reception. OTHER TESTING Our nurses and healthcare assistants can also manage other conditions such as minor illness, wound care, perform ECG- electrocardiogram, ABPM- blood pressure monitoring over 24 hours. Please book an appointment via reception. MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TALKING THERAPIES IAPT stands for ‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapies’. CNWL Talking Therapies Service is part of this service and offers cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a primary treatment approach for depression, anxiety, stress, panic disorders, sleep disorders, to name a few and it is tailored to the individual's need. Click here to self-refer COUNSELLING & MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT This team is is here to help you cope with personal and emotional problems. The Service is for all undergraduate and postgraduate students and is free and confidential. This is a separate service from the Health Centre however, if required the doctors can advise and refer. You can also self-refer. To find out more please see this link SOUTH WESTMINSTER MENTAL HEALTH HUB This is the community mental health team. Referrals are made by the GP for review by a psychiatrist or for complex psychological therapy. Click here for more information.

Access your online patient record, order prescriptions and view results via SystmOnline YOUR PATIENT RECORD, PRESCRIPTIONS & RESULTS HOME PAGE SYSTMONLINE PRESCRIPTIONS TEST RESULTS UPDATE YOUR CONTACTS SYSTMONLINE Systmonline is the online service where we store your GP patient record. It offers these features: View your patient record and correspondence (including texts, emails and letters) View your previous and future appointments at King's College Health Centre View your test results ordered by King's College Health Centre View and manage your prescriptions Manage and update your nominated pharmacy Contact us via Message to share your medical record and admin queries How to log in? If you give consent to online services at registration, we will email you your individual login (username & password). Contact us if you couldn't find your login details. Click here to log in. PRESCRIPTIONS P lease note: some medications may not need a prescription from your GP. If you need medication that has not been issued by us before, please book an initial consultation with a GP. Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) electronically sends your prescription to any pharmacy of your choice. To do this, you can go to the pharmacy of your choice and sign up with them, or alternatively you can manage your nominated pharmacies via your SystmOnline account. You can request repeat medications via SystmOnline , providing your medications have been issued by our GP before, your medication review is not overdue, and you are not overusing the medication. For other medication requests, please submit a PATCHS . If you are requesting online please allow up to 48 hours for your prescription to be ready at your nominated pharmacy. This is also the case if you request them directly at the Health Centre. NHS charges You can view the current NHS charge for prescriptions here If you use a number of regular medicine you may benefit from a prepaid prescription card. Also see: Prescription exemption TEST RESULTS During your consultation, your GP or nurse might order a blood test, urine/stool sample, swab and/or other tests to be done. These tests will be carried out separately from your consultation appointment. On average, it takes 3 to 7 working days for the lab to run the test samples and return the results to us. You will be notified by texts when your results are ready to view, and you can view the results on your SystmOnline . If clinically necessary, we might give you a call to book you in for a result review appointment. For urine/stool/swab sample tests, you can do this at the Health Centre's toilet or at home and drop it off at the reception. Please note, our sample drop-off window is Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm; we will not be able to take in samples outside this window. UPDATE YOUR CONTACTS You should let us know if you change mobile number or address. You can update your contacts at reception or send us a message via SystmOnline.

Check Your Breasts with CoppaFeel! Check Your Breasts with CoppaFeel! Repeat after us: "If in doubt, get it checked out." < Back Check Your Breasts with CoppaFeel! King's College NHS Health Centre 2 May 2025 Repeat after us: "If in doubt, get it checked out." Breast cancer can affect people of any age or gender, and it is one of the most common cancers in the UK, accounting for 15% of all new cases. Did you know that: Around 2,500 people under the age of 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK 1 in 7 women in the UK will develop breast cancer in their lifetime Nearly 400 men in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. (Source: CoppaFeel! & Cancer Research UK ) Currently, the NHS England breast screening service covers women 50 to 70-years-old. As most of our patients are young adults and will not be eligible for the NHS breast screening, we want to focus on promoting self-checking so you could be proactive about your own health early on. Source: "We need to make sure that breast cancer in young people is always detected early" - Sue's Story - CoppaFeel! That is why we are sharing the crucial work by CoppaFeel! to teach you step-by-step how to check your breasts and chest (don't forget your collarbone and armpits), as well as signs to be aware of. CoppaFeel! is the first UK breast cancer charity to create awareness in young people. It was founded in 2009 by Kris Hallenga and her twin sister Maren, after Kris was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 23. Watch the video tutorial: How To Check Your Breasts, Pecs or Chest | CoppaFeel! Checking resources trans and non-binary people, including changes to look out for during transitioning: Resources for Trans and Non-Binary People - CoppaFeel! Remember that all bodies are different and breasts and nipples come in all shapes and sizes. Plus, if you have regular periods, some changes in your body happen naturally. So it is important to check routinely (every month) to know what normal feels like for you. CoppaFeel! also shines light on breast health inequities in marginalised communities and co-develops materials and awareness content with other charities; have a look below: Source: Ethnic Minority Cancer Awareness Month 2024 | CoppaFeel! Our new translated checking leaflets 🍉 🍉 - CoppaFeel! The Chest Checklist | CoppaFeel! x Black Women Rising Let’s Talk Breast Cancer Awareness Within The Muslim Community 'It's important to stand up for yourself' - Nahila's Story You can also check nhs.uk for health information on How to check your breasts or chest - NHS , Breast lumps - NHS , and Breast cancer in women - NHS / Breast cancer in men - NHS . Previous Next

Mandarin Info: click links to read more KCHC 常见问题/KCHC FAQ (Simplified Mandarin) NHS 简介/NHS Overview 药物处方 / Prescription Information 词汇表/ Mandarin Glossary HOME PAGE The Health Advisor for Mandarin-Speaking Students (HAMSS) project is our partnership pilot with King's Counselling & Mental Health Support Service. Read our impact report here: HAMSS Impact Report September 2025