Health and Safety Information

Mumps

There has been a recent increase in the number of people diagnosed with mumps in Scotland.

The MMR vaccine protects against mumps (as well as measles and rubella) and has been given to children in the UK since 1998, meaning much of the population is protected.

However, if you don't think or are unsure if you have had this immunisation, we're encouraging students to double-check and make sure you’ve had two MMR vaccinations. You can find out if you’ve had all your routine vaccinations by contacting your local GP or practice nurse who should be able to find out for you.

The NHS has more information on mumps and routine vaccination:

NHS information on Mumps

NHS Information on routine Vaccinations

If you’re unwell

• If you or someone else is unwell, and you’re unable to get to a GP, you can call the NHS 24 helpline free on 111
• Ask a pharmacy if you’re feeling unwell and need help finding the best medicine – it’s usually quicker than a GP appointment
• NHS Inform has information on health conditions and tips for self-care.

Sexual health

You can find information on local sexual health clinics and free condom suppliers at these links:

• Ayr
• Dumfries
• Lanarkshire, Paisley and Glasgow

SAUWS also distribute free condoms from the Students’ Unions at Ayr, Lanarkshire and Paisley.

SAUW’s provision and advertising are localised according to the health services specific to each campus. They offer pick-up points in Ayr, Paisley, and Lanarkshire where students can access condoms, internal condoms, and lubricant. They also provide information about registering for the CCard schemes, which vary by health service area. To support this, they have posters and guidance tailored to each campus’s local health service.

Both of SAUW’s advice workers have received NHS training to help students register for the CCard scheme and provide condoms, as well as information on STI and sexual health testing.

On campus, relevant posters and information is displayed directing students to STI and sexual health clinics.

Mental health

Handle feelings of stress or anxiety. SilverCloud gives you secure, immediate access to interactive CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) modules.

Modules include Understanding Feelings, Facing your Fears and Managing Worry.

It’s easy to use and designed to be motivational. Access it anywhere on your computer, tablet or mobile. Learn more and sign up online. 

First aid

There are trained first aiders on all the Scottish campuses. If you need first aid for yourself or someone else, call 0141 848 3505.

Give full details of where you are, including your campus, what the injury is and how serious it is. A first aider will come to you.

Keep calm and keep the injured person calm. Don’t let them leave until seen by the first aider. If you think that an ambulance is needed, ask for one when you request first aid.

Smoking

All the campuses are no smoking areas. No one is allowed to smoke anywhere within the campuses, including buildings, grounds and vehicles.

This also applies to e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine dispensing systems.

The smoking policy is enforced by security and other staff. It’s supported by the university code of discipline for students.

Reporting an accident

It’s important to record any accident in the university or in university accommodation or activities such as field trips. Report accidents through your department office or directly to ResilienceandSafety@uws.ac.uk.