The health and happiness of our staff is of paramount importance to us.

We support the physical and mental wellbeing of our staff through a range of programmes and health services. 

Staff have access to the King’s College NHS Health Centre.

Our Employee Assistance Programme offers independent, free, confidential advice on practical issues including family matters, debt management, relationships, wellbeing, personal development and life events.

In January our Staff Wellbeing Month provides further support through webinars, courses, networking opportunities, mindfulness sessions and toolkits.

The NHS refers to the government-funded medical and health care services that everyone living in the UK can use without being asked to pay the full cost of the service.

When you can start using the NHS

• when you’ve paid the healthcare surcharge (or are exempt from paying it); and

• when your visa or immigration application is granted.

You should bring your biometric residence permit (if you have one) when you access healthcare in the UK.

Find out the free NHS treatment, including maternity care, you might be eligible for.

Healthcare services – when to use them:

• Call 111 if you urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation. You can also call 111 if you’re not sure which NHS service you need.

• Call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

• Visit a walk-in centre, minor injuries unit or urgent care centre if you have a minor illness or injury (cuts, sprains or rashes) and it can’t wait until your GP surgery is open (see below for how to register).

• GP surgery: make an appointment to see your GP if you’re feeling unwell and it’s not an emergency.

• Local pharmacy: your pharmacist can give you advice for many common minor illnesses, such as diarrhoea, minor infections, headache, travel advice or sore throats.

Registering with a doctor/general practitioner (GP)

All King’s staff can register with a GP at the King’s College NHS Health Centre, even if you don’t live nearby. If you want to register with another health centre near where you live, you’ll need to register by booking an appointment with the centre. Find your local GP.

You don’t have to pay to register with a GP and there is no charge to see your GP. If you are prescribed any medication, then this may incur a cost. If you have concerns about understanding the GP or explaining your issue, you can tell the staff and they will find an interpreter. There will be no costs for you to do this.

We understand how important it is to support the mental wellbeing of our staff. Therefore, we have provided resources that are accessible to all King’s staff, such as the Employee Assistance Programme, a free and confidential support service available to all King’s staff and their immediate family members. Staff can receive counselling services and mental health advice through this programme.

We want to create an environment where no-one is treated less favourably on the basis of disability.

We encourage staff to let the university know about any specific needs they may have, so we can consider appropriate support or adjustments.

Find out more about our support for disabled staff.

Free eye tests are available.

King’s Dental Institute delivers high quality dental care in partnership with the Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trusts.

King’s Sport operates three outdoor sports grounds and three campus gyms offering discounted gym membership.

Staff are welcome to join the Thomas Guy Club where there are two fitness centres and an indoor swimming pool.

The King’s Sport Community Clubs offer organised sport and staff can also join our BeActive social sport programme.

The cycle-to-work scheme offers substantial savings on the cost of a bicycle and safety equipment.

King’s staff can spend up to three days per year doing voluntary work for another organisation or volunteering scheme. The time you can take to volunteer is pro-rated for part-time staff. This service time is paid and part of our commitment to support and enable colleagues to undertake community activity beyond the university. Find out more about Service at King’s.