Health Services Unit

The Health Services Unit is an ambulatory health facility, which provides free screening and evaluation by nurses and examinations by general practice physicians as well as specific health promotion activities. The Health Services Unit functions as a walk-in clinic and pharmacy. This means you are seen on a first-come, first-serve basis. When you walk into the front desk area, provide your validated student identification card to the clerk. If it is your first visit to the Health Service Unit, an online profile would be made for you. (Faculty, University Administration and parents do not have access to your confidential medical records. Medical information is only released with your written consent.)

From the waiting room, a clinic nurse will call you in. Your blood pressure, temperature, height, weight, and urine will be noted in your chart and the nurse will ask you the reason for your visit. At this point, the nurse may either handle your problem in the clinic area or ask you to sit and wait to see the medical doctor.

All full time registered students have access to the Student Health Plan and you should ensure that your claim form is properly signed and returned to you at the end of your visit. (If you are experiencing problems, the clerk will assist you in completing your form.)

The Health Services Unit does not provide laboratory or x-ray services. Students requiring specialist care are referred to one of our two preferred private medical facilities in the nearby vicinity.

MISSION

The Health Services Unit at the University of the West Indies St. Augustine campus is committed to the provision of professional student-centred health and wellness services across the campus community.

VISION

Our vision is to be the primary advocate for the critical role of health in the mission of higher education in the region.  We aim to be the first choice centre of excellence that is cost-effective, evidence-based and technology-driven.

VALUES

• We value our role within the University of the West Indies.
• We value mutual respect with each other.
• We value an environment that is student-friendly and student-centred.
• We are committed to lifelong learning.
• We value personal and professional responsibility for upholding the standards of our work community.
• We value evidence-based decision-making.
• We value the professional success of each employee.
• We value shared leadership in a shared governance model when appropriate.
• Our unit adds value to the campus community - we make a difference.
• We value open, honest, ethical and fair interactions with our patients.

Eligibility

Students

All registered students at the University of the West Indies are eligible to be seen at the Health Services Unit.

Staff & Faculty Eligibility

With respect to faculty and staff of the University of the West Indies, the eligibility to 
use campus health services is limited to the following: -
1.Acute emergencies occurring during working hours, and (2) members of staff who have sustained work-related injuries or illnesses.

Confidentiality

Your Privacy Matters To Us

We are very mindful that the information we hold at the Health Services Unit about your health is of a private and confidential nature. In regards to the collection, storage, and access to that information, we are bound by the code of ethics outlined by the Medical Board of Trinidad & Tobago (MBTT).

It is important for you to be aware that the date when you attended the Health Services Unit, and the name of the health professional you consulted, is information available to all staff at the Service. The details of your consultation are confidential between yourself and your health professional. There are some exceptions to this general rule such as when there are concerns for your own or others' safety, or when there is a legal order to provide health information. When more than one health professional at the Centre is managing your treatment (e.g. Doctor and counsellor), relevant information may be routinely shared between those health professionals. This ensures we are all working together to provide you with the best possible health care. However, your full medical records will only be available to counsellors, with your expressed consent.

If you have any concerns about confidentiality, or would simply like more information about the topic, please talk to your health professional, or Dr. Neil Singh, Head of the Health Services Unit.